Custom Rifle Build - Input Requested

[trunkmonkey]

The day my son was born I purchased a Remington 700 Limited Edition, chambered in 260 Remington. Recently I have picked up some glass that I liked, Leupold Mark VI (3-18), and I have the funds to get some work done on it.

I am open to any modification within reason, given the following, the rifle must use the existing action and the hinged (engraved) floor plate must stay. I would like the rifle to be a capable rifle out to 1000m, but it will also be carried in mountains so I am looking at the best blend of capability and weight.

While I do currently live in Arizona, water should be noted as a problem. I do enjoy travelling by packraft so the rifle will likely be exposed to water and salt water. I do want the rifle to have a higher aesthetic appeal due to the sentiment behind the rifle but functionality is ultimately more important as I want to hunt with the rifle.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

[trunkmonkey]

I would like to keep it under $3000, although this is a one time deal so the wife is flexible.

[The Reaper]

Locally, ROBAR used to do good work, but I have not used them for a while.

McMillan is in Phoenix, and can definitely do a great job, if you have the time.

Probably plenty of good smiths up near Prescott.

A good barrel will be the key to maximizing the accuracy potential.

Good round to work with, too.

TR

[Peregrino]

A lot to be said for your choice of round. I would recommend a quality stainless barrel, an aftermarket trigger and a Manners stock. Add a Badger or LaRue rail mount and matching rings and you'll have everything you're asking for within budget. It helps that you already have the action and the optic. Depending on the level of custom work (primarily contouring [if you start with a true custom blank] and chambering the barrel and truing and bedding the action) most of the work can be done by any competent gunsmith.

[Papa Zero Three]

Check out Phoenix Custom Rifles ( http://www.phoenixcustomrifles.com ) in Tempe. They do all of my precision guns and are amazing gun smiths without the ridiculous wait times or unreasonable prices.

With that said, look at having the following done:

1 True your receiver and bolt
2 Tactical Bolt knob
3 McMillian Stock with pillar bedding job
4 Cerakote it in your preferred color(s)

[koz]

Long Rifles Inc in Sturgis has had a group buy going on for the last two years and done over 2500 rifles. LINK Chad uses a vertical CNC machine which allows him to do so many. Link to their site

Bolt & Action Truing (Blueprinting),
Machined heavy lug (but you may just want a lighter Remington lug that is ground down
threaded bolt handle with knob
fluted bolt
rebore scope base threads
chamber & install barrel
thread muzzle
Cerakote and return shipping. All for $760.

He's on a 6 week return schedule. I've had three rifles done by Chad and they shoot every bit as good as the gun I got from Surgeon rifles. The Navy sent Chad their Mk13's when they wouldn't shoot and he's also built guns for some the Olympic competition shooters.

Chad (or most gunsmiths) can pin your recoil lug so you can make a switch barrel. I have a rifle that has a 308, 6mmCreedmoor, 6.5 Creemoor and a 7-08 barrel. Switching only takes about 5-7min. You could go with a #3 contour barrel for hunting (the barrel will still get you out to the 1000m you want, but only allow you a couple shots until you need to let it cool) and then a Rem Varmint or M24 contour for times you want more shots downrange.

As PZ3 mentioned, Phoenix Rifles does good work. Another is Mark Gordon / Short Action Customs.