Extreme budget 6.5 Grendel build. How cheap can you build one?

[DeoreDX]

My first post after reading and browsing these forums quite a bit. I'm trying to see how cheap I can build my dad a 6.5 Grendel. After back and shoulder surgery he can't operate a bolt action quite as well as he used too so I'm wanting to suprise him with a 6.5G for Christmas. I don't need sub MOA match type accuracy, of I can get sub 1-2MOA with good quality ammo that should be enough practical accuracy for him to take hogs and deer inside of 200-300 yards which would be at the extreme edges of the ranges he would normally shoot at.

So here is my build list so far. Complete rifle will be at $623.37 which includes all shipping and FFL charges.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/14oYg3n-xpoY5IKew8pvqlkmSuqrc2wvwjf5JhI9xx6w/edit?usp=sharing

I've been debating upping the budget a hair to get the Doublestar chrome lined 16" from JT distributing. Not sure if there is a budget bolt that would pair well with the barrel. That would be $163 shipped for a muzzle device and the Doubestar barrel. Bolt is goign to be close to $100 after shipping and then add the carrier so it would be about $100 more than going with the Anderson bolt/BCG combo. My dad isn't the most meticulous as cleaning his firearms so chrome lining would probably be a plus. But then it wouldn't be as cheap as I could build one

Pictures of what I have so far minus Charging handle, gas block and gas tube.

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[koden]

For a budget barrel maybe get in on the Faxon group buy going on here or go with this one from AA:

http://www.shopalexanderarms.com/Barrels-6_5_Grendel_16_Lite_Barrel.html

I'd do both of those over a doublestar.

[VASCAR2]

I own a Double Star heavy barrel contour 16" chrome moly barrel with carbine gas system with 1:9 twist. My DS barrel is a very good shooter and is 1 MOA 5 shot groups with factory A-Max and my hand load with 123 grain Nosler CC and CFE 223 powder. This barrel has very good accuracy with several other loads with bullets from 85-107 grains.

The mid length gas system might be a tad better on your dad's shoulder. The Faxon in the Group buy is very good barrel for the money plus is mid length gas system with 1:8 twist and QpQ/Nitride finish. A friend bought the AA stainless steel 16" barrel and was very impressed with this barrel.

The 1:8 twist is probably a desirable twist if you ever plan on shooting bullets over 125 grains. I'd have seriuosly considered buying another Double Star barrel but these other two barrels are worth serious consideration. When I built my last 6.5 Grendel I bought a Shilen barrel which came with a matched bolt. I bought a 5.56 Premium PSA BCG on sale and used the carrier for my 6.5 Grendel and kept the 5.56 bolt for a spare. PSA commonly sell their Premium 5.56 BGC and charging handle for $99 with free shipping.

[diddlyv]

Roush Sports has Forend on sale for $69 with 6 rail sections combo barrel nut and forend adapter with extra screws and allen wrenches. Does not get much cheaper than that I got their 15 incher

[Cockednlocked]

I've been debating upping the budget a hair to get the Doublestar chrome lined 16" from JT distributing. Not sure if there is a budget bolt that would pair well with the barrel. That would be $163 shipped for a muzzle device and the Doubestar barrel. Bolt is goign to be close to $100 after shipping and then add the carrier so it would be about $100 more than going with the Anderson bolt/BCG combo. My dad isn't the most meticulous as cleaning his firearms so chrome lining would probably be a plus. But then it wouldn't be as cheap as I could build one

It's worth the price to put a good quality barrel on it; look at Odin Works, they have a combo barrel/BCG/gas block for a bit over $400. I bought one and it's an amazing gun. Barrel is guaranteed 1 MOA accuracy, and it is right on the money.

[drewthebrave]

I recently purchased the same barrel with similar intentions as you! I won't be assembling any time soon, as the laws are changing in CA and I'm focusing on builds that won't be possible in 2017. At any rate, I'm looking forward to hearing how the Anderson barrel performs. For under $100, I think it's well worth the risk as an entry point into the 6.5G world!

[204 AR]

Just a heads up but I had one of those Matrix handguards give me some grief with shifting poi. I'd get it all dialed in, then after carrying it on a hunt it would shift half a mil up. Adjust for that then next time it would shift back down. After mounting a different scope it still did it, so I put a regular round float tube on and the problem went away. I've never seen a barrel nut with worse fitting threads than the Matrix had. Also, don't cheap out on the bolt. I had a Radical 7.62 bolt that broke a lug after about 1400 rounds on my 243 lbc build.

[Texas]

Do the Faxon group buy and then buy the bolt and carrier as a unit.

[DeoreDX]

I'm a dummy. Didn't order a crush washer for my grendel build because I have a couple in the ole parts drawer. 1/2" crush washer doesn't work with the 5/8" threads on the end of the 6.5 Grendel barrel

Now I need a crush washer, a magazine, and some ammo.

As it sits $740 with optic Vortex Crossfire II 4-12x44) mount taxes and shipping.

[biodsl]

Nice work. It's amazing how things add up. Playing devils advocate; I didn't see a transfer fee for the lower or a background check included in your price. At my LGS that would $35.

There's no way I could do this. I have a tendency to 'up sell' myself. Ya know, that handguard I really want is only $xx more ; )

Please let the Horde know how the stick performs for you.

[Les]

Nice Picture in the background....relation? Let us know how it shoots.

[DeoreDX]

Nice work. It's amazing how things add up. Playing devils advocate; I didn't see a transfer fee for the lower or a background check included in your price. At my LGS that would $35.

Please let the Horde know how the stick performs for you.

That $15.93 for shipping on the lowers included half the transfer fee ($25) and half the shipping.

Will definitely report back once I shoot it. Might be next week hopefully

[DeoreDX]

Nice Picture in the background....relation? Let us know how it shoots.

Art project from when I was a sophomore in high school. Dang thing is getting old!

[69 z11]

I'm at $540 so far but no where near that nice.

[Rickc]

Nice work. It's amazing how things add up. Playing devils advocate; I didn't see a transfer fee for the lower or a background check included in your price. At my LGS that would $35.

There's no way I could do this. I have a tendency to 'up sell' myself. Ya know, that handguard I really want is only $xx more ; )

Please let the Horde know how the stick performs for you.

Yep

I know how you feel. My projects tend to grow. I spent nearly what he has in the entire gun on barrel and.bolt. his.will probably shoot as good.as.mine.