currently have a standard 700 BDL in 7mag... i've really enjoyed the gun and i'm planning on getting a second gun to go along with it... mostly cuz I don't wanna see my literally PERFECT BDL getting messed up with foul weather and rough use.... so i'm going to find another used 700 7mag to be my "utility" gun...

at any rate, when this used gun shows up (when i find one) its gonna get a litany of upgrade and changes to customize it to what i've always wanted my faithful 700BDL to be... i'd like to install a custom barrel and stock (actually thinking about a thumbhole stock, but who knows i'll have to shoot one first to see if i like it) and have the trigger/action reworked to tweak it out and smooth out and lighten the pull... the gun itself is going to be a bit more rugged and such so i'd assume a synthetic stock may be the right way to go considering the goal of this one... and of course some quality optics (though not the swarovski price range though)... thinking more along something in the Burris or Nikon line...

so, here's where the ?'s begin, since this is my first foray into the semi custom gun arena i thought i'd pick you guys brains for advice... if I go the custom/aftermarket barrel route what consideration should I be making??? I'm pretty set on sticking with the 7mm Rem Mag as I like the round a lot and am comfortable with it, so I've considered Krieger since they are pretty local to me for the barrel, but i have no idea about any of the quality gunsmiths around me (far north chicago burbs) that I can go and consult with...

thought and advice guys????? THX!!