Thread: 6.5 CM build suggestions for bits ans Smith

hey guys, thinking of building a Left hand 6.5 CM with a Barnard SM $1000 action and TrueFlite Barrel $1000, Mcmillan A5 stock.
Trying to use kiwi action and kiwi barrel as they are as accurate as they get, cost is lower and money stays local.
Are these companies easy to work with? I haven't dealt with either company before and don't want to give my money to cnts.
Any experienced gun money spenders out there to point me right?

I have had two Branard P actions and four Trueflite ultra-match barrels one a 6.5 can't fault the quality of the products and service of both companies,
When I can afford it I am going to build what you plan on doing,
Going local is the best way any problems can be fixed without the hassle of imported gear,
My last rifle was dead easy payed Barnard for the action they sent it to Trueflite for the barrel and Trueflite sent it to me fairly quick turn around
about two weeks hard to beat.

If your true flight is really a grand.
I'd recommend going down the path of a Brux or Bartlien from Cam at Alpine Precision (he sponsor's this site through advertising) . They cost less than that and are cut rifled and I haven't ever heard a problem whereas I have heard mixed reviews (probably 90% good or great) on the True flights. Cam is the definition of not a cnt and is definitely worth talking to. There are many guys that have used Cam and I think he uses Dean Maisey as a Smith.

Unless you know we're a a mcmillan a5 is immediately available, you might be sainting a while for it to come.
Talk to ken henderson about the availability of his tactical a5 style carbon stock, finish is superior to a mc Milan , definitely lighter and available in a short waiting time.

That way your rifle would also be truly kiwi: action, barrel and stock

This is true. Ken makes amazing stocks no bedding required from my experience with the v block.

I certainly cant complain about my Trueflite barrel. Grant was great to deal with and went above and beyond. Sounds like it will be a nice rifle, look forward to the pics when you have it built.

Originally Posted by Stocky

This is true. Ken makes amazing stocks no bedding required from my experience with the v block.

+1 - very happy with mine. Not the lightest, but superb quality and finish. I had mine bedded as I don’t think any chassis or stock beds a rifle as well as glass bedding.

I have heard that Barnard can be good for single shots but problematic for magazine feed on some cartridges or projectiles.

Stu Geale is the best smith in the country in my opinion.

Originally Posted by lee308

I have heard that Barnard can be good for single shots but problematic for magazine feed on some cartridges or projectiles.

I've heard that as well as them being pretty weighty if that's an issue.
A donor rifle action may suit better?
.

Originally Posted by Tribrit

Stu Geale is the best smith in the country in my opinion.

Where does he operate out of, never heard of him before?
Most seem flat out doing the conversions at the moment until start of next year.

Im about half way thru the 6 week waiting period for trueflight to rebarrel a rifle for me

dean maisy was 3 months wait too

Reckon you should go for something a bit more exotic if going through the expense of a fully smithed rifle. Going to be heavy build with that action so may as well go a bit more grunt. Plenty of very good off the shelf 6.5CR's.
What about a 6.5 x 284 Norma or 6.5 PRC?

Originally Posted by jackson21

Reckon you should go for something a bit more exotic if going through the expense of a fully smithed rifle. Going to be heavy build with that action so may as well go a bit more grunt. Plenty of very good off the shelf 6.5CR's.
What about a 6.5 x 284 Norma or 6.5 PRC?

Could consider those too, but want a left hand for repeat hits, can't look at or touch a begara, it's just not my thing. Like theHowa or Seekins KRG Bravo set ups, but hope to see if there are lefties coming out.

Originally Posted by jackson21

Where does he operate out of, never heard of him before?
Most seem flat out doing the conversions at the moment until start of next year.

Greystone Guns, just south of Christchurch.