What makes a 6k gun?

thomas1234

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Dec 24, 2011
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Hi guys, i was just kinda wondering what makes a $6000 long range gun. I was building up my dream gun and kinda adding prices. It consisted of a tac 338, a jewel, a 30" Hart, A mcmillan adjustable, a pain killer brake, and a 30 moa base. All this came to around 3200 dollars. I have seen some members talk on here of 6k and 7k long range guns. I just dont understand how a gun can be two times the cost of my gun. I realize that there is maybe custom fluting, prissy paint, and celebrity gunsmiths but it still doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Maybe this is just a newbie type of question but oh well.
 
Hi guys, i was just kinda wondering what makes a $6000 long range gun. I was building up my dream gun and kinda adding prices. It consisted of a tac 338, a jewel, a 30" Hart, A mcmillan adjustable, a pain killer brake, and a 30 moa base. All this came to around 3200 dollars. I have seen some members talk on here of 6k and 7k long range guns. I just dont understand how a gun can be two times the cost of my gun. I realize that there is maybe custom fluting, prissy paint, and celebrity gunsmiths but it still doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. Maybe this is just a newbie type of question but oh well.
was that 3200 in parts? Did you factor scope and smith fees? shipping? It can add up real fast. Rings, bases? I cant see spending that much either but I have.
 
Here is another example. Surgeon XL action $1800, Surgeon bottom metal $375, Krieger barrel $600, muzzle brake $125, Jewel trigger $225, Stock $700, scope rings $150, S&B scope $3000, metal finish $300, Labor to put it together $1000.

Add that up.
 
My price quote was done by a gunsmith and that included labor, parts, and shipping. That number did not include a scope or rings.
For example: a gunwerks rifle with shipping and a couple bells and whistles will run about $8200. This gun does not come with the best stock and definately not the best barrel. With a better stock and barrel it will add up to roughly $8700 minus the $2000 nightforce we have a $6700 gun. What im kinda wondering is that beyond marketing and top of the line parts, is there certain gunsmithing techniques that are more expensive/accurate/durable than your standard .5 moa custom rifle? Thanks
 
Here is another example. Surgeon XL action $1800, Surgeon bottom metal $375, Krieger barrel $600, muzzle brake $125, Jewel trigger $225, Stock $700, scope rings $150, S&B scope $3000, metal finish $300, Labor to put it together $1000.

Add that up.

What would be the advantage of the Surgeon XL over say a Tac 338?
 
For me, comparing those two is like comparing an XL Ford Ranger to a King Ranch F-350.
 
Defensive edge rifles run approx $3160 add cerakote, a nightforce, rings and bases and your around 6k. There as good as it gets, no reason to pay more. Just my opinion of course
 
It's easy to pile money in a rifle. High prices come from several factors, some very worthwhile, some not.

Most of us charge modest prices, with very little component mark up. We make a livin' working hard. There is a lot of labor and not a lot of profit in a build.

Some outfits trade on image. A lot of people like to drive expensive cars, wear expensive clothes...Be seen... You can easily pay double my prices without getting anything more for your money.

There are also ways to pile worthwhile money into a rifle. Most of our "custom" rifles are only somewhat custom. Aftermarket parts are far better quality than factory. But, all Mcmillan A2's have the same grip length and angle, and the same cheekpiece. If you want a truly custom fitted stock, truly superb fit and finish, the game changes dramatically. If I fit and bed an action in a prepainted Manners you might pay $800 for the stock and service. If I custom fit the grip, and cheekpiece to you, perfectly blend the stock and metal, and custom paint, the price can triple. One rifle is really very nice. The other truly superb.

Adding the beauty of wood, checkering, engraving, or other artisitic touches puts things in a whole other arena. You can easily spend your $3200 on a stock alone.
 
Add scope , barrel breakin , collecting data and the guarantee that the gun will shoot and a recipe for a load that is custom for your gun. We don't make anything on guns but there is a demand and they do help offset some of the cost of the show. It is also advertisement for Cooper. I have one of our guns but I also like the ones that I've built. They are a little less expensive and not as custom but I have time to mess with them. We do a lot of scope mount jobs for people who just don't have the time or lack the confidence to do it themselves. If you have the time and ability, go for it, you will save some money. Thirty years ago, I was a self employed fencing contractor and I got a loan and built my own house. The money that I lost by not doing lots of fence jobs while I was working on the house would have more than paid for a contractor who knew what he was doing.That said, I still am proud of the house I built. Lots of guys like the idea of a gun that is completely set up and ready to go.
 
Add scope , barrel breakin , collecting data and the guarantee that the gun will shoot and a recipe for a load that is custom for your gun. We don't make anything on guns but there is a demand and they do help offset some of the cost of the show. It is also advertisement for Cooper. I have one of our guns but I also like the ones that I've built. They are a little less expensive and not as custom but I have time to mess with them. We do a lot of scope mount jobs for people who just don't have the time or lack the confidence to do it themselves. If you have the time and ability, go for it, you will save some money. Thirty years ago, I was a self employed fencing contractor and I got a loan and built my own house. The money that I lost by not doing lots of fence jobs while I was working on the house would have more than paid for a contractor who knew what he was doing.That said, I still am proud of the house I built. Lots of guys like the idea of a gun that is completely set up and ready to go.

Well said.

For some it's about the journey and for others the destination.

It's a great sport with lots of choices to make. We shouldn't criticize others for taking a different path.

-- richard
 
I used a Savage action that I already had, shilen pre fit, duramaxx stock, and rifle basix trigger. I did all the painting, headspacing, and bedding myself. I worked up my own load and I have about 500 bucks in the rifle and if will flat shoot, was ringing a 10" gong every shot at 800 yards with it the other day. I will never spend that much mone on a rifle even if I had the money. I guess it's a Ford / Mercedes kind of thing.
 
I think Richad made an excellent point. Regardless of our particular tastes, hunting is a bond that makes comrades and brothers in arms of us all.
 
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