schmuckingham Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 Since Joe started the "Bucket List" for guns thread I decided to make a build thread for my distance gun. I do not normally post pictures of my guns for my own reasons( mainly because I own junk and I am afraid Uncle Sam is watching) so please enjoy. From the start I wanted to do .308 for many reasons, it is available and it flat out works. I am not sold on all these new hybrid calibers for reasons like they are expensive and hard to find sometimes. After looking for awhile I stumbled upon a deal at Dicks sporting good. The version they sell has the uber cheap POS Hogue over molded stock ( non free float and bland magazine) and a cheap scope but the receiver/action/barrel is identical to the 700P. This particular unit comes with the X trigger which I have mixed feelings about but it will work. It is a varmit 26" barrel ( heavy contour) which is what I wanted and couple this with a good stock it is a sub MOA gun. Here is what it looks like from Dicks out of the box ( Not my photo, I was too excited to get it and ripped it apart immediately) http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/24312_194.jpg After the first 30 seconds of owning it: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0039.jpg Took the stock and cleaned it up and painted it. I am no professional painter of camo but I like it, started with a tan base layer and started adding green/black/brown until the desired scheme was acheived: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0033.jpg Another issue with the stock is the fact that it is not weighted well, very front heavy. Also the buttplate is ok but the cheek rest area is hollow and noisy... they only had some foam packing sheet folded in it. So I used some aluminum wheel weights and some expanding foam to help the balance and soak up some of that hollow noise: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0052.jpg Since I am using the cheap stock the accuracy will suffer but it works for now, I can buy some good glass and start from there. Other parts I needed was a 20 MOA rail and a bi pod. I went with a Weaver rail and a Harris bi pod. The pod is not too tall since I am a bench shooter and occasionally prone. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0038.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0037.jpg I am super backed up in the man cave hence the mess, Wife keeps me busy: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0036.jpg I wont bore you with assembling the gun but I did run into some issues. The Weaver mount is a nice piece and it fits well... but not well enough. Upon trying to mount it the rear two screws were very difficult to tighten so I stopped fearing I would either bow the rail or strip out the threads. I looked at it and the rear was floating above the receiver when the front screws were bolted down but not the other way around. SO afrter looking online I found a Youtube video explaining one way to fix it: I tried his method and it turned out ok for my first try. Screws go in nice and smooth: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0040.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0041.jpg With anything precision you must be precise with torque values, cars and guns alike. I had seen this tool before the video above and decided to buy it. All I can say is it is WELL worth it. Finding inch pound torque wrenches is hard without spending a couple hundred. Simple to use and super nice quality: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0042.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0043.jpg I also wanted to find a nice knob for the bolt ( thats what she said) and I found one that did not require any machining. I basically uses the stock one and bolts over it. The unit is from KRG http://www.kineticresearchgroup.com/ and shipping was fast and it was cheap. These guys really do care about their products, nice packaging and easy instructions. They also include ways to take up any slack between the bolt handle and the cover ( they supply O rings and also go over how to bed it if necessary). I will be buying more stuff from them in the future: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0034.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0035.jpg EXTRA O RINGS http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0044.jpg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmuckingham Posted October 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 After assembling and torquing it all down I went outside to take good pictures in the light and found this sleeping Jihad on the kitchen table, his death was quick and bloody: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0045.jpg I am no pro photographer but I do what I can so I got some shots outside with direct sunlight and without. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0048.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0047.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0046.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0049.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0050.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0051.jpg So far I am digging the build, however I look to the future of a full alu bedded stock with a free floating barrel and some nice glass. Right now I am torn on the Nikon Monarch 4-16x50mm and two Millets, the TRS-1 4-16x50mm and the LRS-1 6/25x56mm. All three are around $450. Stock I am looking at the Bell & Carlson Medalist M40 Varmit/Tactical stock http://www.midwayusa.com/product/273579/bell-and-carlson-medalist-m40-varmint-tactical-rifle-stock-remington-700-bdl-short-action-with-aluminum-bedding-block-system-and-adjustable-butt-plate-varmint-barrel-channel-synthetic-black So far the budget is reasonable: Rifle- $500 after instant rebate Weaver mount- $42 Harris Bipod- $65.00 KRG knob- $32 with shipping Misc- $15 Sold the factory glass- -$20 So for $634 I have a decent rifle. I would like to keep it under $1800 and the more expensive things are coming up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2pointslow Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 Very nice build mike! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stangsn95gt Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 I plan on doing something like this soon nice build Mike. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRocket1647545505 Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 Looks nice. Would have been cheaper to just buy my Savage, though. :masturboy: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101828 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1fast5gp Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 how much was the remmington 700 varmint from dicks? I saw it for 499 with a 50 dollar MIR a few month back, thought about getting it but never did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmuckingham Posted October 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 Looks nice. Would have been cheaper to just buy my Savage, though. :masturboy: http://www.columbusracing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101828 Honestly did not know it was for sale but that being said I dont have that kind of cash right off the bat. This is kind of a mod as I can type build. how much was the remmington 700 varmint from dicks? I saw it for 499 with a 50 dollar MIR a few month back, thought about getting it but never did. That is spot on with the price but with tax it still around 500. I covered what I have in it so far Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2pointslow Posted October 10, 2012 Report Share Posted October 10, 2012 You're now making me want to start my build sooner. :fuuuu: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmuckingham Posted October 11, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 11, 2012 Of course as soon as i get done painting the stock to just run it the one I want goes on sale :fuuuu: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate1647545505 Posted October 17, 2012 Report Share Posted October 17, 2012 Nice build. John is a wealth of knowledge and one of the most humble guys when it comes to flat out facts. As far as glass goes, what kind of ranges do you plan on shooting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmuckingham Posted October 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2012 Nice build. John is a wealth of knowledge and one of the most humble guys when it comes to flat out facts. As far as glass goes, what kind of ranges do you plan on shooting? I am going to start simple and work my way up. Going to start with 300-400 yards and learn the basics from as many people as possible. I actually bought a scope last night from Midway. Its a Millet LRS-1 illuminated mil-dot 6-25x56mm that comes with rings but depending on the height I may buy new ones. This will be my first illuminated scope so YAY battery but the reviews were good and people said it was very clear even out to 25x. I also ordered a level setup for the scope upon suggestion from a few people I have spoken with, however I need a clear explanation of why exactly it is suggested. Also another piece of the puzzle showed up this week :gabe: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/2012-10-15_19-20-13_660.jpg It is a Bell & Carlson M40. Adjustable length of pull/cant/cheek weld and an aluminum bedding block and free floats the barrel. This along with my new PTG trigger guard that accepts Accuracy International mags will complete the gun. Stock needs inletted for the PTG system so I need to find a good smith with a steady hand Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate1647545505 Posted October 17, 2012 Report Share Posted October 17, 2012 Looking good. I've seen the Millet line get decent reviews, you'll have to post back when you get some time behind it. You want your reticle to be plumb with gravity as that's how the bullet will fall. That way, when you adjust your elevation turret or windage turrent, they track 100% true to their direction. To see a visual with numbers, head over to http://www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmtraj_simp-5.1.cgi and play with the cant angle. There's also a field test here http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2189771#Post2189771 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate1647545505 Posted October 17, 2012 Report Share Posted October 17, 2012 Here's another way to look at it: http://www.eatel.net/~stentorian/targetplottrajectory3.swf Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmuckingham Posted October 17, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 17, 2012 Looking good. I've seen the Millet line get decent reviews, you'll have to post back when you get some time behind it. You want your reticle to be plumb with gravity as that's how the bullet will fall. That way, when you adjust your elevation turret or windage turrent, they track 100% true to their direction. To see a visual with numbers, head over to http://www.jbmballistics.com/cgi-bin/jbmtraj_simp-5.1.cgi and play with the cant angle. There's also a field test here http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2189771#Post2189771 Oh man, some of that is above my comprehension LOL Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate1647545505 Posted October 17, 2012 Report Share Posted October 17, 2012 Just make everything square/plumb as possible. Level the rifle, level the scope. You can use feeler gauges inbetween the rail/base and a flat surface or by visualy checking against a thick string/rope with a plumb bob and aligning accordingly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmuckingham Posted October 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2012 Just make everything square/plumb as possible. Level the rifle, level the scope. You can use feeler gauges inbetween the rail/base and a flat surface or by visualy checking against a thick string/rope with a plumb bob and aligning accordingly. One step ahead of you. I ordered a few things this week and they all arrived Friday. The first piece was the shooter bag from SKD Tactical. I but stuff from this company for awhile now with 110% satisfaction, their sticker is even bad ass: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0057.jpg Shooters bag is nice and easy to install, adds some weight but will be easy to use: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0056.jpg The scope came in from Midway and I wanted to mount it ASAP and being super duper hung over Saturday allowed me the time. Scope is larger than expected but its fine by me, however the scope rings are excellent pieces they sit too high for me. I am currently looking for a set of medium height rings: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0058.jpg I practiced leveling out the rifle so that the scope and rifle are level to one another even though I will be using different rings: http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0060.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0061.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0062.jpg No shims, no problem http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v226/Schmuckingham/IMG_0059.jpg The two sets of rings I am looking at are Badger Ordanance: http://badgerordnance.com/35mm-scope-rings/ And Valdada: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/519889/valdada-ior-35mm-tactical-heavy-duty-picatinny-style-rings-aluminum-matte-medium I will report back on which set I will use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate1647545505 Posted October 22, 2012 Report Share Posted October 22, 2012 Both companies make great products. I run Badger on my M1A and love them. Check into TPS rings as well, they make a good product. Looking good, sounds like we need a CR Range day... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FourString Posted October 22, 2012 Report Share Posted October 22, 2012 Nice build! That'll sure reach out and touch someone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedRocket1647545505 Posted October 22, 2012 Report Share Posted October 22, 2012 If you want to eliminate the guess work when it comes to choosing rings, do some measuring. I run those same exact rings on my 10FCP setup and they work perfectly. Most people laugh when I tell them I'm running low-mount rings on a 56mm scope. Works perfect, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmuckingham Posted October 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2012 Both companies make great products. I run Badger on my M1A and love them. Check into TPS rings as well, they make a good product. Looking good, sounds like we need a CR Range day... I will check TPS, I appreciate the suggestion! Nice build! That'll sure reach out and touch someone. Remember the sun shade is on the scope, so if I remove it the scope wont look like a telescope anymore If you want to eliminate the guess work when it comes to choosing rings, do some measuring. I run those same exact rings on my 10FCP setup and they work perfectly. Most people laugh when I tell them I'm running low-mount rings on a 56mm scope. Works perfect, though. I did a rough measure and came up with a medium ring, however it was rough and I did not mic it out. Once I have some time I will measure it up and order what I need, only thing that concerns me is why the Millet rings have 6 bolts per mount and most of the nicer ones only have four. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mojoe Posted October 22, 2012 Report Share Posted October 22, 2012 Good read in this thread. Nice set up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmuckingham Posted October 22, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 22, 2012 Good read in this thread. Nice set up Only thing to ruin it is shooter error :fuuuu: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate1647545505 Posted October 22, 2012 Report Share Posted October 22, 2012 If you want to eliminate the guess work when it comes to choosing rings, do some measuring. I run those same exact rings on my 10FCP setup and they work perfectly. Most people laugh when I tell them I'm running low-mount rings on a 56mm scope. Works perfect, though. I've found Google Sketch to be a good visual if you can get some solid points of reference/measurements. I've been looking at QD mounts -- most of them turn cheek rest into chin rest on the M1 platforms. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
schmuckingham Posted October 23, 2012 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2012 I called up Millet today and they make different height rings so I ordered their low set and exchanged my high ones for mediums. Once they arrive I will see which ones I like better or which pair works. I also ordered my scope level today: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/715293/vortex-bubble-level-anti-cant-device-for-35mm-scope-matte Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate1647545505 Posted October 23, 2012 Report Share Posted October 23, 2012 We all know who the tac-ti-coool guy at the range will be....ahwww yeahhhh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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