So I have a new build 6.5x284 LAW, Krieger #5 spiral flute, Hawkins 2port brake, timney , grayboe terrain, Talley light weights, leupold vx-5 CDS cerakote to come. I consider it full custom but by some standards the LAW M704 isn't a custom action. To me I'm guna say full custom.
What constitutes a "FULL" custom rifle build? ...
- Thread starter FEENIX
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Deleted member 48126
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How is the LAW not a custom action? TL technologies is selling them as customs. I would definitely say with the features it has, it is custom quality.
sable tireur
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Simply for discussion... although at 4 pages now, it might become a little superfluous.
I think the definitions of your categories have changed over the years and the definitions we're using now are very different from the ones we used just 30 years ago.
Please read the description as it is very detailed regarding the work which was done to create this rifle. Here is a prime example of what we called a 'Full Custom' rifle 30 years ago:
Description
26" tapered round barrel with integral machined-hooded full-band front sight (with
three interchangeable blades), full-band swivel base and quarter rib (with 1
standing and four folding express sights numbered in gold 50, 100, 150, 200,
and 300) all integrally machined from one homogeneous bar of steel by
Reuben Wells. Highly figured Turkish walnut stock by Bob Emmons with
widow's-peaked ebony forend tip, borderless wrap-around ribbon and fleur-
de-lys checkering, double recoil crossbolts, steel pistol grip cap, beaded
cheekpiece, inletted rear swivel stud, and skeleton buttplate---checkered
within. Hand made, left-hand, double squarebridge, magnum Mauser action
by Fred Wells with blind rear action screw, model 70-type safety, hinged
straddle floorplate with release inside triggerguard, jeweled bolt and
follower, 5-panel checkered and gold-inlaid bolt knob. Elaborate scroll
engraving by Claus Willig with embellished gold line borders and scrollwork
on the receiver, scope rings, 12 inch long rear barrel section, quarter rib,
front sight, barrel sling swivel mount, buttstock swivel base, skeletonized
buttplate, bolt handle, floor plate and trigger guard. Gold inlaid bull elk on
floorplate. Gold inlaid bear head on pistol grip cap. The quarter rib inlaid in
gold script Wells & Wells in front of the rear sight and .375 H&H behind.
Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32mm matte-finish scope with fine duplex reticle on
custom bases. 14 1/8"pull. Weight: 11lbs, 11oz. Huey custom oak &
elephant hide case with brass hardware and leather-trimmed green canvas
overcase, two screw drivers, a brush, three-piece brass cleaning rod, two
brass containers, oiler, an extra pair of scope rings and two keys. Large
custom folding knife with silver frame, 3 3/4" art-damascus blade and ivory
panels by Mike Leach---a few hairlines in the ivory. Nearly new, with 99%+
blue, with only slight handling marks. Featured in Guns Magazine, January
1990; Game Country, March/April 1989; and Rifle, March/April 1988. All 3
publications included, signed by Bob Emmons. Extensive documentation pertaining
to the construction of the rifle. The finest left-hand rifle I have seen. $21,350.
(There is nothing on this rifle except the scope which was not made in a private shop by one of the three makers.)
There are several other photographs of this rifle here:
http://www.hallowellco.com/wells__wells left hand 375.html
Here is the extreme example of a 'Full Custom' rifle again made by Fred Wells:
This was named the CAP Action by Fred because the action covered the top of the stock and was blended into the stock lines as one surface. This is also a takedown rifle in .375 H&H.
This is the top of the CAP Action:
Everything on this rifle was hand made (machine assisted...) in Fred's shop. Action, bolt, safety, trigger, firing pin, springs and all screws. The barrel was made in his shop also, complete with all integral parts, not soldered on, integral. The screws are all hidden so that the lines of the rifle are smooth and continuous. Note the Griffin & Howe interchangeable scope base on the offhand side.
I think the definitions of your categories have changed over the years and the definitions we're using now are very different from the ones we used just 30 years ago.
Please read the description as it is very detailed regarding the work which was done to create this rifle. Here is a prime example of what we called a 'Full Custom' rifle 30 years ago:
Description
26" tapered round barrel with integral machined-hooded full-band front sight (with
three interchangeable blades), full-band swivel base and quarter rib (with 1
standing and four folding express sights numbered in gold 50, 100, 150, 200,
and 300) all integrally machined from one homogeneous bar of steel by
Reuben Wells. Highly figured Turkish walnut stock by Bob Emmons with
widow's-peaked ebony forend tip, borderless wrap-around ribbon and fleur-
de-lys checkering, double recoil crossbolts, steel pistol grip cap, beaded
cheekpiece, inletted rear swivel stud, and skeleton buttplate---checkered
within. Hand made, left-hand, double squarebridge, magnum Mauser action
by Fred Wells with blind rear action screw, model 70-type safety, hinged
straddle floorplate with release inside triggerguard, jeweled bolt and
follower, 5-panel checkered and gold-inlaid bolt knob. Elaborate scroll
engraving by Claus Willig with embellished gold line borders and scrollwork
on the receiver, scope rings, 12 inch long rear barrel section, quarter rib,
front sight, barrel sling swivel mount, buttstock swivel base, skeletonized
buttplate, bolt handle, floor plate and trigger guard. Gold inlaid bull elk on
floorplate. Gold inlaid bear head on pistol grip cap. The quarter rib inlaid in
gold script Wells & Wells in front of the rear sight and .375 H&H behind.
Leupold VX-3 1.75-6x32mm matte-finish scope with fine duplex reticle on
custom bases. 14 1/8"pull. Weight: 11lbs, 11oz. Huey custom oak &
elephant hide case with brass hardware and leather-trimmed green canvas
overcase, two screw drivers, a brush, three-piece brass cleaning rod, two
brass containers, oiler, an extra pair of scope rings and two keys. Large
custom folding knife with silver frame, 3 3/4" art-damascus blade and ivory
panels by Mike Leach---a few hairlines in the ivory. Nearly new, with 99%+
blue, with only slight handling marks. Featured in Guns Magazine, January
1990; Game Country, March/April 1989; and Rifle, March/April 1988. All 3
publications included, signed by Bob Emmons. Extensive documentation pertaining
to the construction of the rifle. The finest left-hand rifle I have seen. $21,350.
(There is nothing on this rifle except the scope which was not made in a private shop by one of the three makers.)
There are several other photographs of this rifle here:
http://www.hallowellco.com/wells__wells left hand 375.html
Here is the extreme example of a 'Full Custom' rifle again made by Fred Wells:
This was named the CAP Action by Fred because the action covered the top of the stock and was blended into the stock lines as one surface. This is also a takedown rifle in .375 H&H.
This is the top of the CAP Action:
Everything on this rifle was hand made (machine assisted...) in Fred's shop. Action, bolt, safety, trigger, firing pin, springs and all screws. The barrel was made in his shop also, complete with all integral parts, not soldered on, integral. The screws are all hidden so that the lines of the rifle are smooth and continuous. Note the Griffin & Howe interchangeable scope base on the offhand side.
Reloder28
Well-Known Member
Full custom requires laying out lots of money, waiting lots of time & losing lots of sleep.
I'm gonna have to disagree on a full custom only being legit if it's got an aftermarket action. What y'all are calling full custom, I think of as full AFTERMARKET. To me, a full custom is a rifle you built or have built to your specs. If someone prefers a factory action, or can only afford a factory action , but just use it as a single component in a build consisting of hand picked parts from various different vendors, its a full custom in my eyes. Just my take. Your take is just as valid, for you.
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JJMoody
Well-Known Member
^^^customized factory rifle
JJMoody
Well-Known Member
Look at Sable's post in #60. These are full custom rifles in every essence of the term. The term has almost been bastardized by the droves and droves manufacturing better but not perfect stuff, slapping their name on it and proclaiming it to be the Gospel Truth in each of their respective areas. Custom parts being manufactured by smaller companies turning into large companies that allow tolerances to slip and eventually fall off to factory levels is a shame. Then being assembled a large gunsmithing outfit where parts are put together at factory rates basically produces a factory rifle that is assembled using aftermarket full custom parts for a "full custom" rifle. And are being marketed as such. "Sub MOA"... with a lightly loaded SMK (because if your rifle won't shoot that well, it probably won't shoot anything well) shipped and paid...next!!! Only way to make a buck.
Then you get rifles built by one gunsmith checking, truing, fitting, and crafting an individual rifle as a whole, not unlike a sculptor with a piece of clay. Guy might not become a millionaire over night, but his name speaks volumes on the rifle he built. "Full Custom"... you looking for the Truth or just selling a name? Not everybody deserves a friggin trophy!!
Ok... I'm done preaching.
Then you get rifles built by one gunsmith checking, truing, fitting, and crafting an individual rifle as a whole, not unlike a sculptor with a piece of clay. Guy might not become a millionaire over night, but his name speaks volumes on the rifle he built. "Full Custom"... you looking for the Truth or just selling a name? Not everybody deserves a friggin trophy!!
Ok... I'm done preaching.
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JJMoody
Well-Known Member
Bruce Jenner is not a woman no matter how much work has been done!! Still just a dude with ..... ummm... (self talk is wondering how to say this without receiving a 90 day ban....)well.... y'all get the point....
Yeah.... so... factory rifle = factory rifle. Factory dude=factory dude
Yeah.... so... factory rifle = factory rifle. Factory dude=factory dude
Thanks a lot, now I have to clean my monitor. Love the analogy though.
JJMoody
Well-Known Member
Lol!! Coffee was a bit stronger than usual this morning. Also pumped up on some great business ideas, so everything is coming out as passionate. I love you all.... hugs and kisses.... koombaya. Please don't take any thing I write here as being angry or self-righteous. If you're not laughing, you're reading it wrong! 
D
Deleted member 48126
Guest
Lol!! Coffee was a bit stronger than usual this morning. Also pumped up on some great business ideas, so everything is coming out as passionate. I love you all.... hugs and kisses.... koombaya. Please don't take any thing I write here as being angry or self-righteous. If you're not laughing, you're reading it wrong!
I'm always triggered. I got a bachelors degree in being offended.
Anyway, I've posted about 6x on feenix's and none of them serious. Here's my serious answer.
I don't want to discourage anyone who shoots or is proud of their build so my answer is a little more fluid than some others.
Custom action or at least a worked over factory action
Custom barrel, chambered to a certain cartridge/bullet type
Custom trigger (trigger tech, jewel, etc.)
High end stock (BC, HS, mcmillan, manners, beautiful wood, etc..)
Custom bottom metal
Fit and finish needs to be spectacular, like think Joel Russo bedding job and everything torqued properly.
Paint job or some type of nice, non factory finish.
