Build or buy?

[erickrschaefer]

I was considering having my dream rifle built for hunting deer here in Downeast Maine and discovered that my idea of a dream rifle is very close to one all ready offered by Remington. Should I have my short barreled lighweight 7mm-08 built or should I just buy the Remington MDL 7 in 7mm-08. I have good luck with factory rifles from Remington but the idea of a custom job also intriques me. Any suggestions?

Erick

[longwinters]

Thats the rub of the whole thing.  You can buy a factory rifle that will probably do everything that you want it to or go semi custom or full blown custom.

The questions are these, in my small mind.  If I want a custom why do I want it?  To have a rifle made specifically for me.  To have a top of the line barrel like hart, douglas, shilen etc... with guaranteed moa accuracy(if the gunsmith knows what he is doing).  To have a rifle with an amazing trigger that I wont get in a factory rifle.   etc . . . In my mind custom is the next step after acquiring several factory rifles (for the rifle affectionado).  Factory will always do the job, but  . . . I want more.  Is the cost worth it to you?  I think a guy who does his homework and gets a custom rifle that really fits him in a caliber that he loves will keep that rifle for a lifetime.  It will be as though part of himself is in it.  



Long

[fe352v8]

Longwinters,

You said it all, a custom rifle is one of the few lusts you can satisfy, and not commit to great a sin.

If you go custom, decide exatly what you want, can afford, and get it.  It will be your favorite.

life is no joke but funny things happen

jon

[manitou210]

Thats the rub of the whole thing.  You can buy a factory rifle that will probably do everything that you want it to or go semi custom or full blown custom.

The questions are these, in my small mind.  If I want a custom why do I want it?  To have a rifle made specifically for me.  To have a top of the line barrel like hart, douglas, shilen etc... with guaranteed moa accuracy(if the gunsmith knows what he is doing).  To have a rifle with an amazing trigger that I wont get in a factory rifle.   etc . . . In my mind custom is the next step after acquiring several factory rifles (for the rifle affectionado).  Factory will always do the job, but  . . . I want more.  Is the cost worth it to you?  I think a guy who does his homework and gets a custom rifle that really fits him in a caliber that he loves will keep that rifle for a lifetime.  It will be as though part of himself is in it.  

Long winters very very well said!

Long

[Remfarmer]

I have a model 7 Remington I bought many years ago in 7/08. I love the little big gun and though it shot good from the factory I glass bedded and free floated the barrel with a slight bit of upward pressure at the tip. It is my "go to gun" and never lets me down. Accuracy is better than some varmint barreled  guns of like and similar caliber. I do wish it sported a laminated stock as the old walnut is worse for wear but the way it shoots, points and drops game...if it works don't fix it. :-D

[roper]

I've had some pretty nice shooting factory rifles but when you get to build something you get to select action,barrel,barrel twist,barrel length, how you want the rifle throated maybe for a certain bullet,stock,length of pull, trigger and weight of rifle,fluted barrel or not same with bolt etc.  When you buy a factory rifle you are buying something somene  hope you will like when you have something build you are building something you want using your skills to select the right products.  Of course a good gunsmith helps.
I always figure when I have something build I'm just testing my shooting skills to a different level.  I spend alot of time looking at bullets,barrel twist  and what case would work best.  
Hard to say which would be best for you.  Cost alot of money to have one build, can bed an existing rifle and rebarrel for alot less.  If your looking to build one for this year might want to talk to your gunsmith and see what his time frame is.  Well good luck