Kelbro, what you listed in the above post is pretty much exactly what I'd planned on doing. I must admit though that ever since I felt a *nice* mauser in a Gander Mountain a year ago....well, I fell in love. Childish I know. Headspacing concerns me and I've heard that the man putting the barrel to the action makes a big difference on the accuracy outcome. I don't know, seems to me like you get a good action....put it on a good barrel...don't screw up the headspacing and that's all there is to it...but I'm not gunsmith, not yet. Left handed stocks are a problem too. More so than LH actions. The trigger and bolt handle I have no concerns about doing. But inletting the stock? What about that? Just keep 'chippin' away till things fit? The bedding has to be fitted also, right? Not just a simple notch for the bolt handle to recess in.
I may have him put together a barreled action and do the rest myself. That's sounding like a viable option. I have every bit of confidence in the 'smith I've been talking to. Best I can figure up he's asking a hair under 30% over his costs in components. This does not count the chemicals/products to blue and finish the stock....and include glass bedding the stock.