interest in semi custom savages

I would expect that you COULD make some very good coin, were you so inclined. I have folks lining-up to pay $50/gun, just to put on their night sights; thought that price would discourage them, but apparently not.

I don't know if this will be helpful to you or not, but some thoughts on Savages after working on and building them for almost 20 years now. Don't take this as a discouragement, rather a thing to consider.
Savage really does have some terrible QC. So the same thing that attracted me to them: being able to work on them without expensive tools, is the same thing that is maddening about them: HAVING to work on them.

If you are just looking to get to know the system and play, they are the perfect platform. If you want to be able to turn out a highly prized precision machine, you may well be disappointed. The trigger systems (accutrigger specifically) are constructed rather cheaply, and made from very soft metals. Finding any two that can be adjusted the same are like finding hens teeth. ANY reshaping of the engagement surfaces will destroy the very thin surface hardening. The receiver heat treat has proven (to me and MZ5) to be so-so. Several times after removing a stock barrel, I've had to buy a tap to clean the threads. In another instance a chunk of the threads broke free from the receiver. Many of the bolt parts and pieces that interchange, have wretched tolerances. Which generally "feel" tinny & cheap. Which is to say after sinking a bunch of money into a few to make them become "that rifle" that just makes everyone smile; despite performance or aesthetics, still feels like a $350 Stevens.

I wish you the best, and hope you find what you are after.

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