Finished Axis Mountain rifle....

[Handsome Rob]

The goal of the build was to stay under $500 & under 7lb.

Well, I got it half right.

I kept it a gnat's nut hair under five bills & an equal measure over 7 pounds.

It started out as a standard 30-06 Axis including the budget scope that I scored for a total of $280.
I sold the scope for $50 & the stock for $60 bringing it to a total invested of $170

A friend of mine straight-fluted the bolt body. The stock is a heavily reduced Boyd's Classic (+$90 = $260) I hollowed out the butt & shortened, slimmed & lightened the front end, dropping it's total weight by 10oz. Just got it back today from having it dipped (badly :( ) in Kryptek Nomad camo. (+ $60 = $320)
I turned down & threaded the bolt handle to accept a carbon bolt knob (+ $30 = $350). Incidentally, I also had to relieve the top of the bolt handle to clear the ocular bell of the Vortex Crossfire scope. Something I didn't consider when I ordered the Talley low rings (word to the wise, is all ;) )
The barrel is (I believe) an E R Shaw blank, shortened, crowned & chambered by Jim Walters at Bison Gun Works. I had it chambered in 6.5x55 with a long throat to readily accept the long Nosler 140gn Accubonds. (+$180 = $530)
The trigger is stock, but polished & shimmed, with an overtravel screw & lighter spring installed. I've set it up with almost zero travel, but a break-weight of 4lb. Safe, but simple.
The barrel & action I had cerakoted by Amendment2 Custom Coatings) in Magpul FDE. I had to paint the scope.

Unfortunately the total loaded weight came in at 7lb 10½oz, but for my first ever attempt at a build, to say that I'm happy is a VAST understatement!
Just went out for a function test & shot 5 times with no mishaps & no lost fingers (ok, so I was nervous. First build...)
Oh, I sold the original barrel on eBay for $63 the total cost finalized at $467!

[Grand Torino]

Nice....very nice. Congratulations on a sweet build. :up:

[Monkeyman2500]

Great build! You did a great job and cheep too.

[10-Ring]

I like it!

[rugerla1]

I like it! Very nice :up:

[Wingshooter]

That looks really nice! Good work

[Danger Rane]

Looks nice!

[hipower]

Yes, good looking rifle build. Gotta ask though...what didn't suit you on the hydro dipping?

[Handsome Rob]

There are a lot of hesitation marks, a few voids, wrinkles & gaps.
The big problem, though, is that the join runs along the top of the butt & the top of the action/barrel cutout isn't coated at all. I'll not say who did it openly. Everyone has an off day, but it had to be done 4 times & "I'll have it by Saturday" turned into 4 weeks....

[DT INC.]

Beautiful rifle!