358 Winchester custom rifle build

[CAV1/8]

Hello Gents,

I am a left handed shooter. I primarily hunt white tail in the north east big woods. I track and still hunt/stalk so I always put the miles in on my hunts. My goal is to keep the rifle/scope around weigh 7-7.5lbs.

I am looking to build a light, rugged, weather resistant, left handed bolt gun chambered in 358 Winchester.
Preferred to a claw extractor and 3-position safety.
so far I found the Defiance Deviant CRF which is $2,995; it comes with a 3-position safety, a trigger tech special and nitride all included. It also comes in a medium action which peaked my interest even more for handloading/COLE.


The only downside to the Deviant bolt carrier is that I will have to have a gunsmith cut the barrel to the action. The Deviant does not have a guaranteed headspace and will not accept pre-fit barrels.

I am thinking the barrel will be great around 18-20" max.

Is Defiance the way to go? Anyone have good experience with the make? Who make a quality 35 Cal barrel?

This is all up for discussion and suggestions. I am looking for some advice.

Thanks!

 

[CAV1/8]

To follow,


I am not sure if I like that swapping a barrel myself would be an issue. Also can these bolts run in snotty conditions? I.e rain, dirt, mud, snow, moon dust?

 

[Scoutfan]

No answers for you but good luck with your build. I am also a lefty and have a semi custom 35 whelen (Remington 700) that is 7 3/4 all up ready to hunt. My Smith is putting together an 18 1/2 inch 35 whelen (Remington 760) for me now.

 

[CJ_BG]

A few thoughts/questions

I'm not understanding the want for a custom gun to shoot deer at likely 30-70yds in the big woods
What kind of wound channels are you wanting?
Why did you settle on 358 win?
If you're spending 3k for an action, why would you not go blaser r8 for a hunting gun? Especially for this kind of hunting
Does your state allow semi autos?
Do you have a minimum caliber restriction?

 

[backcountry_hunter]

At that price you could go blaser


Or hit the easy button for 1/4 the cost and get a Kimber Montana in 338fed.

I doubt a NE Whitey would know the difference between being killed by that or a 358

 

[gbflyer]

I’ve read that Defiant doesn’t make that CRF action any more. Could be wrong thought.

I’m a lefty too. I have a couple Origins. To be honest, I like my Tikkas better. Could whip up a .358 easy. I have a .338 Federal.

 

[robtattoo]

Easy button. Literally ticks all your boxes
.
.
.

Ruger® Hawkeye® Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle Model 67107

ruger.com

 

[robtattoo]

Hang on, no it doesn't. No cack-handers.