I’m looking at kicking off a build of a pair of custom rifles, my son shoots left and my plan is to build a matching pair of model 70’s in 30-06, one left hand and one right hand.

In doing my research on Model 70 smiths, Echols and Miller are often referenced at the top of the list but are beyond my pay grade. Next to them, it sounds like Penrod and Simillion are very well known as model 70 smiths - I know there are many others but those names keep coming up when I’m asking questions about this build.

Have spoken with both of them and like them both. Want to end up with wood stocked rifles, but thinking I will start with echols legend stocks and keep some powder dry for other calibers in the near term and look at wood stocks for the pair longer term.

One thing I have struggled with is barrel contour, don’t want (or particularly like) a light rifle and don’t see using these for a climbing hunt for sheep or the like. Currently, thinking a kreiger #2 contour at 23-24” – would be great to get feedback on manufacturer (thinking Kreiger or Bartlein) contour and length for these rifles.

Any other things you would be focused on for this type of build? I’ve put together a pretty comprehensive spec sheet, but curious if there is anything that one “must do” on a build like these?

Would be interested in opinions on penrod vs simillion and/or how you all would think about making a decision between them? As I mentioned, I like both of them, cost is very similar, so I’m curious if there is something else I should be thinking about.

Thanks

James Anderson. He built my son and I a pair of G-Series 70's. Outstanding. Link to the thread of the pair.

http://forums.accuratereloadin...211088302#2211088302

Sorry, misread the last line. Thought you said someone else to think about. I used Krieger #4 contours on ours and they are very accurate. I had James make the pair, basically, of tactical type but with good wood stocks and both are tack drivers. Good luck with the build and they will become very cherished rifles when you and your son use them together.

No worries, appreciate the feedback. Have heard really good things about James.

Here is my left hand Model 70 built by Mark Penrod. It is a 280 Remington with a #2 Krieger barrel 23" long and in an Echols EDGE stock. Scoped it weighs 7lbs 10ozs. Re Simillion vs Penrod. Both do exceptional work.

As for barrels both Bartlein and Krieger make excellent barrels. I have both of them on rifles currently and the barrel isn't the limiting factor. You say you don't want a particularly light rifle. I'd probably be looking at going with a 25" in kriegers 4 or 5 contour with an 11 twist.

Thanks guys, helpful. Beautiful rifle Chuck.

There is also a smith named Lee Christianson who goes by the name "Redneck" on the 24 Hour Campfire forum. He specializes in work on Model 70s, and posts regularly on that forum. You might as well speak with him too before you make your final decision. .

Jim Kobe
John Farmer
Aaron Little--who all post here

Echols is IMO about as good as it gets, but lots of great gun builder around these days. Penrod does awesome metal work. My all time favorite stock makers is Jack Haugh but he is making carriages these days or so I'm told..

Thanks for the recommendations.

Would appreciate feedback on the barrel, contour and length for an all around 30-06.

quote:

Originally posted by lindy2:
There is also a smith named Lee Christianson who goes by the name "Redneck" on the 24 Hour Campfire forum. He specializes in work on Model 70s, and posts regularly on that forum. You might as well speak with him too before you make your final decision. .

Did you ever do anything with the one you had that was in the fire?