Turning a Remington 700 into a Scout rifle

[TimM]

JMO, but before I built a rifle I would take a hard look at this Savage Scout. It is available in .308 or 7mm-08 and it is $612.

http://www.budsgunshop.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/43531

 

[X-Rap]

For ranges under 300 yds. I wouldn't hesitate shortening the barrel to 16.25" unless you plan on going to Canada. With your experience using GI rifles, if it was M-4 you will appreciate the compact package as well as the both eyes open concept. You no doubt will have an understanding of the terminal ballistics at 300yds of a caliber much less potent than 7-08 or 308 so you need not worry about the loss of velocity at that range and under.