I'm green as grass when it comes to modifying rifles, but I think I want to build a .17hmr. At this point, I like the Savage model 93's, but they don't build exactly what I want. I'm right handed, but shoot left handed (dominant eye). I really like the stainless target model with the thumbhole stock, but I'd like to have a right handed action with a left handed stock. I'd also prefer a synthetic stock. If I buy the right handed synthetic/stainless with the intention of putting a left handed thumbhole stock on it, what kind of problems am I likely to run into? I figure asking is cheaper than trial and error, and I really appreciate your input.

I think you are making it too hard.

Boyd's Evolution stock available from a lot of places (I bought mine at Stocky's):

Savage is selling a model like this now:

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/model/93R17BSEV

good lord that scope is cool

Sunshade envy eh? Don't get too caught up with that, most scopes have threaded objectives so you can attach them, and yeah it looks cool.

That said, it looks like an older Bushnell 4200 or 3200 to me.

Boyds advertises ambidextrous stocks so I wouldn't think it's a problem.

That's what the Evolution is - ambidextrous. I'm right handed, just posted a picture of this side to show the suitability for lefty's w/ a right hand action.

Scope is a humbel Bushnell Elite 3200 7-21x40 mildot, a good fit for this rifle.

David

I always do - seriously, though, I've seen this one, and I really like it. Like I said, though, I prefer synthetic stocks. Those laminates are too da.. pretty for me. I hate thinking about scratching my stock when I'm in the field. Since I'm in no hurry, I want to see if I can get as close to what I want as possible. I realize I can look all this up online; just thought I'd like to talk to people who have handled and fired them instead of reading a sales pitch.
I'm pretty fond of the Bushnell Elites myself. Not sure what I'm going to put on this one, but that's probalbly where I'll start looking.
Fine looking rig you got there. Are you pretty happy with your choice of the Savage?

Your bolt and safety cutouts will be on the wrong side. Making the new cutouts is easy enough if you're handy. But the old bolt notch will be there and empty.

I hear you on the pretty stocks - check the pricing on 'em though, I've found the Boyds Laminates to be pretty darn economical. I don't remember what I paid for mine, but it seems like it was about $150.00 - certainly cheap enough to where it wouldn't bother me to spray paint it or coat w/ bedliner if that was what I wanted. I'm very happy w/ the Savage, trigger is very good. Rifle routinely will shoot under 1" at 100yds w/ 20grn gamepts if the wind is cooperating. Lots of fun to bust jackrabbits out to 200yds, etc.

David

Good point - never thought about that. That's something to consider for a guy like me who's not too keen on the idea of altering a gun myself.

Thx
Mike

I know someone you can call if you are interested in putting together savage parts. PM if interested.