Potential gun build projects (and are they worth it?)

[Kaiser7 33]

So I'm going to be on summer vacation from school in about a month. I'd really like to have a project to work on. Other than an AR15, I'm not sure what other build kits, or other gun-builds there are out there. The list of guns I'd like to own is nearly endless, and if I could save money on something by building it myself, and find a project, I think it could be a win-win.

 

Anyway, I'm really just soliciting for ideas, see if you guys have experience, recommendations, and stuff like that.

[Bully 749]

I've built a 1911 and an AR.

 

Neither saved me any money.  However they are the 2 guns I'm most proud of.

 

C

[Njbanshee 9]

The tools to builds a gun from a parts kit are not cheap. It will cost you way more to build it, but it is very rewarding.

[ChrisJM981 924]

Maybe get a Mosin and refinish it? They're relatively inexpensive, a lot of fun to shoot, and if you mess it up you can get another one for $100.

[WhiskeyTangoFoxtrot 358]

Customize a used or stock 10/22 (within a budget, because the sky is the limit with diminishing returns).  Try to obtain an Appleseed Rifleman patch in the process.

[Bully 749]

Customize a used or stock 10/22 (within a budget, because the sky is the limit with diminishing returns).

I just finished one of these as well. A whole lotta fun. I'll be taking it to the range in the next few days.

 

C

[Jon 264]

I just finished an 8? month long 870 project. Started with a 1952 Rem 870 Wingmaster with a broken ejector, very rough 'base model' wood, and a 97" long full choked barrel. Now it's got refinished sporting-grade furniture with a shortened stock, converted to 3" magnum chamber, 7-round magazine, shortened barrel threaded for chokes, and some vang comp parts here and there. For the cash invested I could have bought a brand new 870 Police Magnum, but I'm much much happier with a weapon that I labored over.

[Kaiser7 33]

I just finished an 8? month long 870 project. Started with a 1952 Rem 870 Wingmaster with a broken ejector, very rough 'base model' wood, and a 97" long full choked barrel. Now it's got refinished sporting-grade furniture with a shortened stock, converted to 3" magnum chamber, 7-round magazine, shortened barrel threaded for chokes, and some vang comp parts here and there. For the cash invested I could have bought a brand new 870 Police Magnum, but I'm much much happier with a weapon that I labored over.

That sounds pretty much ideal. Actually, I have a New Haven 600AT (Mossberg 500 with a non-rattling mag tube) that I've been considering listing for a trade for a Mosin. I just haven't gotten around to it.

 

If I may ask, where did you find the 870? That's really what I want to do because I really want an 870, and I feel like it would be fun to work on my own, but I haven't been able to find any that need "TLC". 

 

I've also been trying to find some Mini-30 actions that need some work. But that too seems to be hard to find.

 

Part of the reason I want to do this is that I'm trying to quit smoking, and I need an activity to keep me preoccupied so I won't focus on nicotine cravings. 

[Jon 264]

That sounds pretty much ideal. Actually, I have a New Haven 600AT (Mossberg 500 with a non-rattling mag tube) that I've been considering listing for a trade for a Mosin. I just haven't gotten around to it.

 

If I may ask, where did you find the 870? That's really what I want to do because I really want an 870, and I feel like it would be fun to work on my own, but I haven't been able to find any that need "TLC". 

 

I've also been trying to find some Mini-30 actions that need some work. But that too seems to be hard to find.

 

Part of the reason I want to do this is that I'm trying to quit smoking, and I need an activity to keep me preoccupied so I won't focus on nicotine cravings. 

 

I found my 870 on gunbroker, took a chance with a basic auction with a terrible description and one blurry photo. The gun was advertised as working so the cash to replace the ejector sucked, but now that I have the tools to do it I'd be happy to mail them to a forum member for a deposit that gets returned when my tools come back.

[BlueLineFish 615]

I actually have an 870 receiver with the full trigger group i would sell

[Jon 264]

I actually have an 870 receiver with the full trigger group i would sell

 

Wingmaster/Express/Magnum? Have the bolt and/or slide as well?

[BlueLineFish 615]

Wingmaster and no bolt. I just sold it to someone

[Jon 264]

You suck, but it's probably better that I didn't buy it. Can you PM the selling price?