Custom rifles
- Thread starter Lrreloader
- Start date
khmplus
Well-Known Member
It's expensive and pretty but I use it for its purpose. However, I don't drag it through blackberry brush or bounce it around in a 4-wheeler scabbard. I basically treat it like my high quality binoculars.
Beautiful!!
coyote wacker
Well-Known Member
I own and have owned many guns....have put nicks,, scratches and just about any mark that can be had in my guns. The first mark seams like the biggest most noticeable. But gun are tools made to be used and accident happen to them unless you put them in a vault and never touch them.
Use it enjoy using it, or just never owen it !
Use it enjoy using it, or just never owen it !
Older guns with history are brought back to life with a QUALITY custom barrel.
Your budget drives choices.
People collect guns for a lot of different reason, some never leave the safe or their origional box.
Building a working tool is much different than building an art object.
Your budget drives choices.
People collect guns for a lot of different reason, some never leave the safe or their origional box.
Building a working tool is much different than building an art object.
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I had a similar issue decades ago. Here was how I approached it. At the time I had a nice walnut stock 30-06 and was using for hunting short range and very heavy brush areas. Basically beating it up. I didn't have a lot of money and bought a synthetic stock ss barreled rifle. This has worked great for me and still good for say 400-500 yards. Old gun became a safe queen. I was glad I saved it but did not like it not getting used for its purpose. Several decades later I wanted to shoot/hunt at longer range. I started with stock rifles that where very capable for what I wanted, say 700 yards for hunting. I again bought a synthetic stock and ss barrel. This was also a much heavier rifle, better suited for longer range work IMO. That said it is more difficult to carry and manage for close and off hand shooting.
Now I have others that are semi-custom and customs. They are all users not safe queens. They do shoot better than my stock rifles but if you are going to hunt at less than say 700 yards there are stock rifles and used custom rifles that will get you there for lots less money. If you want to compete or just want better, then the custom may be the way to go.
Now I have others that are semi-custom and customs. They are all users not safe queens. They do shoot better than my stock rifles but if you are going to hunt at less than say 700 yards there are stock rifles and used custom rifles that will get you there for lots less money. If you want to compete or just want better, then the custom may be the way to go.
dmj
Well-Known Member
My Dad built me a 300 wm for my graduation from highschool. Beautiful wood stock. He purchased a blank and did the work himself. I used the rifle and tried not to mark it up but as we all know little things happen and it started to show some wear. Decided that I was going to retire it because of the sentimental value. I now have some semi custom and full custom rifles. Not trying to say that there aren't nicer ones out there but I feel they are nice for me. I use them, don't try to abuse them but they will show some wear. I look at it this way. If I used a rifle I wouldn't take $10,000 for why wouldn't I use a $5,000 rifle????
khmplus
Well-Known Member
It's a 6.5 PRC, with a Bartlein 24" #3 contour Barrel, and Defiance anTi mid length action. Alamo Precision chambered the barrel, assembled the action, and ceracoted it. I built the stock and had it checkered by Classic Checkering. Scope is a Leica PRS 5-30x56i. It shoots great, and I just started down the reloading rabbit hole so I'm excited to put some reloads together for it.
To be honest if you have that thought in the back of your mind you shouldn't build an expensive rifle. Remember a rifle is a tool to accomplish a job. It's no different than comparing a Snap-On ratchet with a Craftsmen ratchet. They'll both tighten the bolt and get dirty and busted up over time but its a whole lot more enjoyable to do it with the Snap-On.
Now this I would NOT carry in the elk woods! I would be devastated if I fell and bruised up such a pretty piece of walnut.
I bought parts and components for my latest build and I don't have all that much money into the build ($2750 total) some items (barrel, bottom metal, etc) bought here in the classifieds.
REALLY like this rifle and it shoots very well. However, if I had the thought process you are working through I'd most likely head to a store with the most options around and buy the top rifle in my budget. Many high end production rifles today shoot just as good as a full custom and will not cost nearly as much as many full custom.
Seekins
Springfield Armory Waypoint/Boundry
Wheatherby 307
Sako 90
Etc.
REALLY like this rifle and it shoots very well. However, if I had the thought process you are working through I'd most likely head to a store with the most options around and buy the top rifle in my budget. Many high end production rifles today shoot just as good as a full custom and will not cost nearly as much as many full custom.
Seekins
Springfield Armory Waypoint/Boundry
Wheatherby 307
Sako 90
Etc.
NotLongRange
Well-Known Member
I have a few custom rifles and as previously stated, they aren't cheap. Honestly, I can't say a custom rifle will outshoot a high end factory rifle either. All that said, I assume you're wanting something unique to you, which I understand.
I am not particularly hard on rifles, so I can use a wood stocked rifle without much fear of damage. If that is an issue for you and where you hunt, then you might have to choose a more durable stock material.
Other than that…it comes down to your personal choices - it's all up to you. Build a good one for you!
I am not particularly hard on rifles, so I can use a wood stocked rifle without much fear of damage. If that is an issue for you and where you hunt, then you might have to choose a more durable stock material.
Other than that…it comes down to your personal choices - it's all up to you. Build a good one for you!
jseandsje
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I have a few "nice" rifles that I shoot from box stands only.
All my stalk, still, and mountain rifles are synthetic stocked.
I have found that a factory rifle that has forearm stiffened and full action bed, and most of time floated will shoot with and sometimes better than custom.
Save the custom for show with a buddy in a stand
All my stalk, still, and mountain rifles are synthetic stocked.
I have found that a factory rifle that has forearm stiffened and full action bed, and most of time floated will shoot with and sometimes better than custom.
Save the custom for show with a buddy in a stand
