I agree with you 100%!!! Thats why I'm going to do all the work I can do myself. I'm not knocking anyone's opinion or recommendations or the companies recommended......Am I the only one that reads these threads and thinks... Do none of these people have electric or water bills to pay. I mean every other thread is about some $3k rifle build while they casually mention about 10 other $3k rifle builds. Am I the only chump hunting with factory rifles? And yes I am looking to build a custom rifle. Like once in a lifetime dream rifle... It's why I troll here. But in the meantime... Maybe not specific to just this thread but when I read all the comments... Who knew so many people built custom rifles, like once a year? Maybe I'm just Jealous that I don't have as much time to spend on just guns and shooting. (just a minor rant, not intended at anyone, more of self-awareness type post)
But im not going to pay someone $2500 or more to use their barrel vice.
Now if I was turning a Remington 700 into something it wasn't when it rolled out the factory doors...... yes I'd buy a stock and barrel blank and whatever else and take it to a smith and have them do the lathe work and fit everything up.
But I have enough tools and knowledge to be dangerous and not to sound disrespectful to anyone...... im not afraid to try to do something myself.
I bought a tikka action not only because they are awesome actions but because everyone and their dog makes a prefit for them that I can screw on myself with a go-gage.
I build a rifle about every 3 years it seems like. My needs change or hunting style and terrain change and I want a different tool.