Hello,

I am new to the whole "custom" rifle scene. I have heard good things about Lex Webernick. He says "user supplies the action" so he can ship directly to you. My question is where can I buy an "action". I've looked all over the internet, and can't figure it out. I know bolt action etc... But everytime I type it in all I see is whole guns.

Can you even buy an action seperately? I want the pre-64 action.

Thanks for any help.

Most folks who are going this route just buy a complete rifle. Send it to Lex and he can strip it down, then return the unused parts.

You may get lucky and come across just an action but I doubt it. on http://www.gunsamerica.com I do come across individual actions occasionaly and in the classifieds on various forums you will see them on occasion.

But chances are you are going to have to buy a complete rifle and have your builder tear it down. It is not a difficult task for him at all. The plus side is that you will be able to re-coup a good amount of your purchase price of the whole rifle by selling the left over parts on Ebay or in the classifieds on the forums.

FYI--I've got some friends that have some of his rifles......awesome shooters and unbelievable lightweight. I know 5 owners and all are thrilled with their guns.

You may have a problem on just the pre-64 action but of course the suggestions of buying an entire rifle will work. Look for "shooters" or "bubba' ed" 70's or you will be paying collector prices. You could also check Brownell for actions, Montana rifleman, and Hein or Granite Mountain for the same basic Mauser type actions. { Please don't crucify me over this choice of words, I know they are worlds apart.}
If you do a search here or in the classified's I am sure you will find more direction.
Good luck,
Frank

quote:

I want the pre-64 action.

Are you looking for a model 70 Winchester in a pre 64? Cabelas had one a while back, not cheap though. I think your going to do some looking to find a old model 70 action alone, not impossible but they aren't a common item.

Best bet is find a donor rifle, and that is going to take some looking to find one at the right price. Expect about $500, give or take a tad, that is the going price nowdays for these.

Check the classified here also, these have stuff show up regularly.

I would buy a new M70 classic and strip it. Lex will make it into a real rifle when he works on it anyway.

Hold your tongues, you all know that I hate USRAC but Lex can make that rifle right.

ok looks like I'll be going the 700 rem. route. I'll try the websites posted.

Also can someone tell me why I want to buy a $600 rifle just to get another rifle? Someone talk me into because right now I'm not to happy about that.

What is USRAC, and why do you hate them?

quote:

Originally posted by SethMcKinney:
ok looks like I'll be going the 700 rem. route. I'll try the websites posted.

Also can someone tell me why I want to buy a $600 rifle just to get another rifle? Someone talk me into because right now I'm not to happy about that.

What is USRAC, and why do you hate them?

USRAC= United States Repeating Arms Co. (make Winchesters). Not too happy about buying a rifle to make one? Well, welcome to the world of custom rifles. That is pretty much the norm. Many guys will go to a pawn shop and buy an old rifle b/c they are only getting it for the action anyway. The older 700's are better anyway. Every custom rifle I own started as an off the shelf 700, or whatever. That is just the way it is. However, I did see in Brownells a long time ago where right handed long action 700's were going for about $375.

You will get back your rifle parts and you can sell them if you like. You may get about $15-30 for the bbl., and you'll do better on the stock.

But chances are, the easiest thing for you to do is go buy a rifle, take off the stock, and send Lex the barreled action. He'll blueprint it, install a Jewel trigger, Lilja bbl, and complete your new rifle. One thing I like about his Remington's is his Octagon bolt shroud. Looks real nice.

If all you need is an action, I suggest looking at Wal-Mart for a cheap ADL. You can also find a used and abused rifle in a gun shop. You dont need anything fancy since Lex will be re-finishing the gun. I would think you could find something for around $350.

United States Repeating Arms makes shitty
Winchesters!

I have had custom M700s in the past, my favorite non-euro action!

quote:

Originally posted by SethMcKinney:
Hello,

I am new to the whole "custom" rifle scene. I have heard good things about Lex Webernick. He says "user supplies the action" so he can ship directly to you. My question is where can I buy an "action". I've looked all over the internet, and can't figure it out. I know bolt action etc... But everytime I type it in all I see is whole guns.

Can you even buy an action seperately? I want the pre-64 action.

Thanks for any help.

If you want the pre-64 M-70 action then you go to shops and shows and buy the shittiest old M-70 you can find and strip the action out of it.

It's just the way it's done.

You should be able to find an old M-70 for about $650 to $800 without too much trouble.

If it's been butchered then maybe $500 but forget looking for actions.....look for whole rifles to be a donor.

You can get something close to that in the Montana 1999 series of actions for about $500 as well. Fine actions IMO.

If youir happy with a rem700, then lex will build you a good one. A few guys I meet at SCI Reno were stoked with the rifles Lex builds for them. Said they tried Bansner, Brown Precision,but came back to Lex. He sure does build some light units. He had asweet 6.5/284 SARem700 on the rack that weighed 4lb 10oz.
He also gives you achance to shoot his rifles to see for yourself, before you order one.(you have to visit him to do that)

Lex is a great person and truly one of the best guys in this game. I've owned one of his rifles for about 15yrs now and still love it.
If you want to use a Rem 700 action then go to Wal-Mart and buy the cheapest model they have. If you want the pre '64 action I assume you mean a real pre '64 and not the new version of it that came out in the early '90s. I'd use that one over an original, if it were me.

Yet another question

If I want it chambered in 300 ultra mag will I have to buy a 300 ultra mag. I don't know because he says he uses lilja barrels. Bare with me please I don't know too much about custom gun making. This is all new to me. Since he supplies the barrel could I go out and buy an ANY (7mm 30-06...) old action?

I'd think Lex could do any alterations necessary to make your action suitable for the 300RUM. However, it would be best to just call him and ask his advice.

Well -- I don't want to bother him too much. I'm splitting my questions between him and here

Just my opinion, based upon my mistakes in the past...

Back off a bit, get educated about EXACTLY what you want. Then put the pieces together. The gunsmith you've chosen is very good. But you need to make sure you know EXACTLY what you are having built, why, and what will work. Once you know that, then go for it.

Trust me I am one of the consumers who wants to know everything about what he is buying. That's why I'm doing this/asking all these questions. The rush is because I have a hunt coming up in mid-Jan. I might take it on IF (I might be an idiot for thinking it could be done so soon) it could be done by then.

quote:

Originally posted by SethMcKinney:
Since he supplies the barrel could I go out and buy an ANY (7mm 30-06...) old action?

No...(but double check that with Lex).

You have to make sure you get a rifle with the same bolt fact. However, you can buy a 7 RUM, or the 300 or the 338 all in RUM. These are long action rifles but it is best to buy the same bolt face. I've heard of feeding problems if you don't.

I don't know where you are but many times here at Bass Pro Shop, they have huge sales on rifles, also, same at Dick's Sporting Goods. I've picked up New rifles for less than some used.

Here is the best advice I think...do what some of the others have mentioned. Get a cheap ADL at Wal Mart. Have Lex install a drop floor plate in the new rifle for you (about $80), then you have a "700."

You should be able to get a bare bone ADL for cheap---$400 or less. Toss the crap scope that comes on it, rings and bases, and tupperware stock, and send that ADL action to Lex.

quote:

The rush is because I have a hunt coming up in mid-Jan.

Very optimistic with a custom gun and the holidays, heck I wouldn't count on a barreled action in that time, order time for the tube etc etc.....

I suggest you look at plan "B" just in case.

Seth, it is not realistic to think that your rifle will be ready for a mid-January, 2006 hunt. There is a great deal of work involved in making a true custom. Also, in terms of the action, if you want a .300 RUM, you will need to start with a long action, or magnum action, depending on what action you actually pick. It will not fit in a short action. I admire your enthusiasm, but would seriously advise you to do some more research into what you THINK you want built. You will be able to ask more relevant questions of your gunsmith and he will be able to build you EXACTLY what you are looking for. May I ask, how many magnum, very lightweight rifles have you actually fired? If you haven't yet, please do so BEFORE you start this project. You may end up with a beautiful, very light rifle with excellent fit, feed, and function that knocks the living sh*t out of you the first time you touch it off. I am certainly NOT raining on your parade; I think everyone that can affort it should have at least one custom. I just hope that what you get is truely what you want. From the tone of your questions, perhaps a little more research would be helpful. Good luck with your project!

MKane160

I doubt very much Lex could turn a rifle out in 6 weeks. I'd imagine he has several orders on hand now that would come ahead of yours. I'd figure on 3 to 4 months.

Mid January hunt? That's not going to happen.

Lilja barrels are 8-10 weeks out from date of order, unless Lex has them in stock already. Even then, I'd be shocked if someone like Lex (popular and BUSY) could turn a rifle around that fast.

Good Luck.

No problem -- I have a gun I'll take. Just wanted to possibly take a new toy. Like I said -- I may be an idiot for asking -- I guess I was...

It's a discussion forum. Please don't get all enflamed. Just asking some simple questions. I've shot magnums up to 300, but not above. I know the kick...

I don't think people were looking to flame you-- simply really wanting to help - we have all been burned by what we "thought" we wanted/needed.

Myself I would look for a donor in the same caliber as the new rifle or the same family. That way 80% of the feeding issues are done and only minor tweaking is needed to make it 100%
Much more pain to take say a 308 and make it a 300 WSM due to case width and such problems.

Good luch with the project.

SethMckinney,
Dont be put off about using the new M70 Classic action to build a custom rifle. As with anything on this forum there are those who love and hate certain firearms to the extreme. You will find that most people really like the M70 Classic. I am currently having one done for me with an octagon barrel in 300 WM.

You can find the M70 Classics for roud $450-500. I have seen pre-64's runnng around $650. You will be able to get a big chunk of the cost of the rifle back by selling the parts on Ebay. I know it stinks to have to buy a whole rifle for just the action but that is the way it goes with custom rifles.

If you are wanting a 300 RUM then you really need to buy an action already chambered for one of the various RUM cartridges. It will far cheaper in the end to go that route compared to having the gun builder having to modify one to work. Plus it will make the delivery time much faster since it is a lot less work that he doesnt have to do.

quote:

Originally posted by SethMcKinney:
No problem -- I have a gun I'll take. Just wanted to possibly take a new toy. Like I said -- I may be an idiot for asking -- I guess I was...

NOT AT ALL! You did the right thing. There is usually a lot of good input on these forums. We all read that you are new to this whole custom thing.

In a nut shell, here's the common occurance: You want a custom rifle. Either you have a rifle to be customized already or you go buy one. Keep in mind, you're only buying it for the action. You send that out to the smith. He puts "custom" parts on it and trues up all the metal and makes it function 300% better than factory.

Remington is probably the most common action to be customized in the lower grade of custom rifles. I'd say the Mod 70 is a hair behind. Either one will give you a very nice shooter.

You can also sink into the "custom action" department and buy one from Nesika Bay, BAT, Borden, Hall, Stolle, McMillan, H-S Precision, and on and on. More money but not always worth it unless you are into supreme accuracy beyond 500 yards----then that gets you into those who think it is "unethical" to shoot at anything beyond 200.

As of today, I have 3 Remmy based custom rifles that have ONE holed 3 shots at 100 yards. And 2 have done it more than a few times. I did this first with my 7 Rem Mag, then my 300 RUM, then my Broughton barreled 270 and 130 grain partitions.

By all means, do not hesitate to post questions. It's far better than learning the hard way.

Please don't think I was trying to flame you, I wasn't. But if you rush a custom rifle, you'll regret it. And most times you won't get back what you paid for it.

Just be patient and enjoy the process, you'll end up with a rifle you will use for the rest of your life. There are some very knowledgeable people on this site. Why don't you try posting a thread titled "How to build a custom rifle right the first time." You will get lot's of great advice, and some that will mean little. But most of your questions will be answered. Many on this site have already been down this road, their advice could save you lot's of time and money.

No problem -- I certainly will do that now that I know it is unreasonable to expect a custom rifle by then.

Doc -- thanks. I'll gladly learn from you guys mistakes

The shortest time I waited for a custom rifle was 11 weeks. However, it was built by Greg Richards who manufactured the Broughton-Richards barrels. He learned the barrel making business from Broughton himself, and I doubt very seriously you'll find anyone here that will tell you a Broughton barrel is less than premium/excellent.

I had a situation where the smith was also the bbl maker, just like Jarret.

When I got the rifle back, a 270 WCF, I was delighted. Took it to the range for bbl break in (don't let anyone fool you, even custom bbls need a bit of seasoning), and never got more than a 1/2" group with it. And that was shooting and cleaning after every shot for the first 15 or so. I used a minimum load of VV165 powder and btips. I like to break in a bbl with this powder as it is certainly one of, if not, THE cleanest burning powder out there...VV that is.

Nice -- my next adventure will be reloading. I'm sure everyone on here will enjoy me then

Buy a Nesika Bay action and love it for the rest of your life. You can have it in just about any configuration you want-- bolt on left and ejection port on right, ejection port on underside, long action, short action, magnum action... whatever. They are about $850-1000 and take about 60 days to get. Nesika might have a barrelled action waiting to be bought; check their website at http://www.nesika.com for stuff like that. My next one will be a Nesika, no doubt about it.

Reloading press: RCBS Rockchucker Supreme. It's solid, heavy, precise, smooth, has a powerful camming action to easily resize the big cartridges and just feels like quality. About $120 plus any tax. You'll love it and never need to buy a replacement press down the road. Dies: Redding Type S.

I have 2 presses.

I've got an RCBS rockchucker and a Forester Bonanza. I like both, but I use the RCBS the most.

quote:

Originally posted by SethMcKinney:
Nice -- my next adventure will be reloading. I'm sure everyone on here will enjoy me then

Seth, does Lex not sell the whole rifle with him supplying the action? I thought he did but maybe that changed.

DB

OK so if you are still looking for the pre-64 Winchester send me a pm. I have a .270 and a .308 available.
Frank