7mm-08

[Half Dog]

I'm wanting to put together a nice shooting rifle for my son (probably for me first). I have not done this before and I need input to avoid mistakes. Can anyone recommend reference material and support for such an endeavor?

[.45Cole]

Why is the thread labeled 7mm-08? I assume you are after a single shot?

[Half Dog]

You sir are correct. My preferred caliber is 7mm-08 single shot / bolt action.

[Doc Highwall]

First you will have to find a single shot action that you like than go from there.

[M-Tecs]

Falling block, break action or bolt? For a new shooter I prefer safeties over hammers. One more option is a bolt with a single shot follower or mag. With break actions you have to reposition every shot.

[seaboltm]

I have built dozens of rifles. The math goes like this: start with a $300 action. Add a $100 stock, if you go cheap. Add a $50 trigger, if you go cheap. Add a $100 barrel, if you can find one that cheap for your action. Used to be easy with Green Mountain barrels. Not so much now. Rent a reamer and gauges to install your barrel: $25, which assumes you have a barrel vice and other tools to barrel an action on hand. Call it $600 if you go cheap. The gun will be worth about $400 retail. Or you get get on Gunbroker and find a nice used 7mm-08 for under $400 all day long. In fact, probably under $300.

[EDG]

There is little reason to build anything that you can buy ready made at commodity prices.

Now if you want something unusual that is a different story.

[UBER7MM]

i have built dozens of rifles. The math goes like this: Start with a $300 action. Add a $100 stock, if you go cheap. Add a $50 trigger, if you go cheap. Add a $100 barrel, if you can find one that cheap for your action. Used to be easy with green mountain barrels. Not so much now. Rent a reamer and gauges to install your barrel: $25, which assumes you have a barrel vice and other tools to barrel an action on hand. Call it $600 if you go cheap. The gun will be worth about $400 retail. Or you get get on gunbroker and find a nice used 7mm-08 for under $400 all day long. In fact, probably under $300.

truth!!!!

[richhodg66]

The CVA Optima Elite my wife bought me for Christmas (I looked at it when she was present shortly before Christmas, normally wouldn't have bought it for myself) is a 7mm-08 and is a good rifle. Better than an H&R. Been trying to get it to shoot heavy bullets well for deer hunting, but they have to be seated deeply. With the Lee 135 grain bullet, it shoots real well.

[Half Dog]

I've heard that the 7mm-08 shoots well and is great for the kiddo's. Perhaps I should go with a factory made and begin exchanging parts as time goes on. Thanks for all of the input.

[Clay M]

I'm wanting to put together a nice shooting rifle for my son (probably for me first). I have not done this before and I need input to avoid mistakes. Can anyone recommend reference material and support for such an endeavor?

Excellent choice my friend. The best IMO.. I bought my son a Steyr 7MM/08 when he was about fourteen and he couldn't be happier with that rifle..
I have personally use the 7X57 for many years, but I like the 7mm/08 better.
Same ballistics, but the 7/08 is easier to get to shoot those tiny groups..
For me anyway..
I have a Heym 7X57 it is a beautiful handmade rifle, but is no match for my sons' Steyr as far as accuracy.
For young people or women who may be recoil sensitive. .The 7mm/08 is the ticket..
It is just a fantastic caliber.

Ruger is chambering the #1A in 7mm/08 this year..

[.45Cole]

So, you say single shot, bolt, 7mm/08? You are skipping along the path I was at 7-8 years ago when I got the Cooper model 22. Absolutely love it, take elk + varmits + targets. I don't like the push feed, but I do like the safety (I'm a Win fan).
Cooper M22's go for ~1300, but are worth every penny as they are immaculate and shoot very well. You would need a small base die (I use a 30-06 SB as the 7mm/08 is short enough to fit inside the 30-06) for the cooper as they have tight chambers.
You could try to build a 1885 action, but a 16.5" trapper is the best deal on the action, and they go for ~1000, plus the barrel.
This (http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=507579470) is what I have and it shoots very well, and a steal for $1000.