Varmint Barrel in a Sporter Stock

[FiveInADime]

I have had an idea of a rifle in my head for a long time and it is finally coming together. Last year I picked up a Marlin XS7 stainless rifle in 7mm-08 to eventually use for a budget semi-custom project. It was cheaper than any stainless Savage and I really love the base rifle itself for being only $350. I first replaced the stock with a Boyd's walnut, then bought a scope, and finally I've ordered my barrel. I ordered a Shilen standard match grade 26" varmint taper in .260 Rem.

You might raise an eyebrow at the utility of putting a heavy barrel in a semi-slim sporter stock. I don't plan to hunt with this rifle it will mostly be shot in the desert at targets, steel, milk jugs, the occasional jack rabbit, etc. May take it to the range now and then to impress the old farts. I have never really liked the look of wide forends. For a rifle riding bags all of the time, they make a lot of sense, I know. However, I have always thought a stainless rifle with a varmint barrel and a walnut sporter stock would be pretty unique and attractive. I was looking at Kimber's website a couple days ago and they sell a nice example of the look I'm going for in the '84M Classic Long Master'.

Anyhow, here's a picture of the rifle now.

Hopefully I will have the project done and some shots fired in a month or two. Let me know what you guys think.

 

[Reloadron]

Looking very nice. Interesting going from the 7-08 to the 260. I really like the look with the walnut, nice combination. Got any plans to change the trigger?

Ron

 

[FiveInADime]

Trigger is good enough for me. Mine breaks under 2lbs. turned all the way out. There are also no replacements, as far as I know, for the X7 rifles. I like the 7mm-08 just fine and I thought long and hard about getting the new barrel chambered in it. The .260 or 6.5 CM was my original desire so when I started looking for a barrel I just picked what I found with the fastest availability. The .260Rem may shoot it's heaviest match bullets a little faster than the 7mm-08 shoots it's comparable bullets but either outshoot my optics and skill level at this time.

 

[Reloadron]

Sweet enough trigger. Enjoy it, I like how it came out.

Ron

 

[ball3006]

As long as the barrel is free floating, it doesn't matter what kind of stock the receiver is attached to. If the current stock fits you and you like it, go for it.....chris3

 

[TNBilly]

^^ +1

 

[magnatecman]

So did you just order the Savage small shank barrel from Shilen ? How was the head space ?

I have been wanting to do the same thing in 358 Winchester or 338 Federal.

 

[FiveInADime]

Yes, I ordered a small-shank Savage pre-fit. It has not arrived yet. I guess it's confusing I put a picture up but that's how it looks now before the new barrel.

The headspacing will be dealt with if need be, but many guys at MarlinOwners.com forums have built multiple rifles with Savage pre-fit barrels and have not needed to shave any metal. I tend to think I would rather have the metal shaved .010" or so off the bolt-face if I have to do anything. I just don't know if that is safe. There's a smith on MarlinOwners that has dealt with a bunch of this, so I will seek his advice.

My neighbor is going to help me put the barrel on when it gets here because he has a barrel vise and a barrel nut wrench. He also has a borescope so we can check it out before we screw it on. I just need to find a set of -08 go/no-go gauges to borrow or order them.

 

[LAGS]

The Stock is just to hold and support the rifle.
It doesnt matter the size or shape, as long as you can hold the rifle steady and aim it the way you want to shoot..
Heck, I see rifles with almost no forestock and the barrel just out there in the air.
Shoot what you like, and don't stand on the traditional looks.
Those looks are only popular because that is what everone else has.
Be different, and out shoot all the others.

 

[FiveInADime]

One step closer to the finish line. I can't wait to get all of this stuff together. I still need brass, dies, and time to get everything done. Aiming to get the barrel installed, barrel channel modified, action bedded and have some rounds loaded within the next two months. I have an 11-month old little-guy and everything that comes with him, so that may be an optimistic time frame.

These 140gr 6.5 bullets are sooooo long. Pictures don't do them justice. I will definitely be single feeding these bad boys. That's fine with me though. I have never even loaded the magazine in this rifle.