Before I ask a smith to spend time estimating a rifle build for me, it would be nice to get an indication from people that have had rifles built.
I am considering buying a Pre-64 Winchester to deliver to a smith and have it made into a 375 Ruger. I don't know if rebore or rebarrel would be best approach.
I have had one gentleman say to use a magnum action because it would already be compatible with the Ruger case. Another fellow said any standard action of 30-06 or similar would work just as well. I just don't know.
Any thoughts on what I should expect to pay a smith to do this type job (Separate from my cost of the doner rifle).

Hi Bob,
I had Kevin Weaver build a .375 Ruger on a standard pre-64 Model 70 action. I used a donor .30-06 rifle and had it rebarreled with a Kreiger stainless #6 contour barrel and added NECG sights. Cerakoted it and dropped it in a Bansner Hi Tech stock. Feeds and functions flawlessly and is a MOA shooter with Hornady factory ammo. It is a great rig and I am carrying it to Mozambique next year to hunt the Marromeu swamps for buff and plains game. Price of build was around $2800. Hope this helps.

Link to my orginal post on the rifle:
http://forums.accuratereloadin...=597106298#597106298

if you have to ask - you can't afford it

Wood will increase the cost, but you can get a damn nice rifle for $ 5000.00.
Roger Green built me a 416 Taylor that is as nice and well made as anything I've seen on AR. I sent him a Mark X action and walnut blank, he did the rest. I think it was a bargain for what I received.
Jim Kobe built me a 257 Bob on a 09 Argie that I bought from him---already modified. I sent him a blank, he did the rest to my specs. I think it was a bargain also.
If you want glass instead of wood, it will be cheaper and your turn around time should be less.

Do it a little at a time. Purchase an action or used rifle in good condition for the action. Have the action trued, timed and converted as needed. If you buy a magnum caliber that will save a few dollars on opening the bolt face. Then have the action barreled and the magazine checked for function. Next comes the stock. I build my own rifles by contracting out for machine work, but no matter how I slice it the bill will run between $1,500 and $2,200 no matter what, depending on whether I do the stock work.

The Mark-X Mauser action was ideal for this purpose, and could be modified to approximate the Winchester M70 including the side swing safety, these were imported from Zastava Arms in Serbia even being used by Remington. Some of these rifles or action may still be found on the used market. Montana Rifleman also makes the 1999 action which is a close approximation of the M70. These actions run approximately $750 to $800. At one time Montana offered barreled actions complete and ready to go in chrome moly and stainless, might be worth a call.

In any event, doing it in stages spreads out the expense over time. I'm currently working on a new Remington 700 action purchased from Brownell's through my local dealer for $420 plus tax and state fees. It will be going out for machine work next week for $424 plus shipping. The custom barrel with a Savage type nut that converts it to a swap barrel rifle will run $590, a Bell and Carlson M40 stock with aluminum bedding block is in hand for $275 with shipping. Magazine parts and bottom metal is $213. A Ken Farrell scope base will run $75. Cost exclusive of scope and rings will be $1997 plus shipping. If you want a trigger, speed lock firing pin, and other goodies, it'll cost more. A good custom walnut stock will add $1000 to $3000 depending on grade and checkering.

BOB
why not just get a Ruger and have it touched up a bit and be done with it, im not a great fan of Rugers, but i think that 375/416 Ruger is getting pretty close to being the best value for money on the market...solid and reliable...but then if you want a custom job , thats diffrent

I think M98 has hit the nail on the head for an inexpensive or best deal semi custom. Have the action trued, function assured, do a custom stock if you wish and shoot it. I think Ruger's single leaf express sight is more than adequate for what I'd use one for. And the Ruger is a fine looking fine functioning rifle. DW

Just curious but if you have CZ rifle in 7mm rm Would it be easy to make that into a 416 ruger or a 375 ruger. i really don't know much about the how to's usually just ask someone and gt good info.

quote:

ust curious but if you have CZ rifle in 7mm rm Would it be easy to make that into a 416 ruger or a 375 ruger. i really don't know much about the how to's usually just ask someone and gt good info.

You could rebarrel the CZ action and have a very nice .375 or .416 Ruger. Drop it in the same stock with a bit of work or, if you really want a nice safari rifle, buy a McMillan Safari stock and Sunny Hill bottom metal and put NECG sights on the barrel! That would be the cat's behind.

bwanamrn,
who would you have do that work and what length barrel would you use.
thanks

quote:

Originally posted by gerryb:
bwanamrn,
who would you have do that work and what length barrel would you use.
thanks

You didn't ask me, but I would probably talk to Wayne at AHR.

http://www.hunting-rifles.com/

As Charles said, Wayne at AHR is excellent and is building me a .375RUM as we speak. Also, google Hill Country Rifles and Weaver Rifles. I have used all three of these gunsmiths with excellent results. Go with who you feel the most comfortable with!

You will love your RUM from Wayne mine was the one he posted pictures of bottom metal. I have worked up loads for africa this year and it actually will drive tacks and the recoil is there but not offensive. I have about 6 of waynes guns and they are great.

That was your rifle posted in Big Bores awhile back? When I saw the Wiebe bottom metal for those guns I had to have one and reading Aaron wax eloquently on his RUM decided on that very flavor! Small world indeed.

yes it looks better in person. settled on 100 grains 7828ssc with 300 tsx. We have shot this out to 360 yards and very accurate. I can not remember exactly how high at 100 but right at 2 inches and dead on at 250 yards. the tables say should be 3 inches low at 250 but we have tested 5 or six times and the same thing. It will put five shots in a hole that if you took away bullet diameter would be under 1/2 inch. That was his first Rum so yours will probably shoot close to the same load. my friend and I have 375 H&H, 9.3x62 and 404j all made by AHR and they all shoot the same load.