Custom Rifle

[muzzleblast525]

I've been looking at this one custom gun for almost 7-months, and really want it, but just can't make myself do it. I've got a Remington 700 LVSF in 7mm-08 that shoots well, and a Kimber 8400 in .243 that also shoots well. Thought of selling these two and going with this custom job, but tell me, what do you think.

[Blink]

If your rem and kimber shoot good, keep them. I prefer a custom gun over a factory any day of the week but unfortunatly, finances dont allow me to many custom guns.

If it aint broke dont fix it

[PaulS]

Don't sell your guns. They have already won a place in your heart. Save the money to buy a custom or have one made but never give up one gun to buy another. Any of us who have done that have lived to regret it. Custom guns are great - but they are just a gun - they shoot a bullet and hit what you aim at - don't give up one that shoots for one that looks like it will shoot - even if it shoots better than the two you have it won't kill those animals any deader. Buy it when you can afford it.

[Ranger413]

I recently completed my own "custom" gun a few weeks ago.  I decided that I wanted a somewhat obscure round, the 338-06, and the only factory offering was a now defunct Weatherby Ultra Lightweight.  Some retailers still have 'em but they cost about $1200 each.  I didn't have that much cash and wasn't crazy about shooting that round out of such a lightweight rifle.

After much searching I finally discovered the Savage option.  It is pretty much a DIY thing - if you can use vices and hand tools you can swap barrels and tailor make anything you want.  I did just that an am now happy with my newly completed rifle.  It took some work, the process was slow, but ultimately it was worth it.  I feel that the rifle is a piece of art that I crafted myself.  Not only that, but its initial groups are averaging 1 1/2" at 100 yards.  Not stellar, but pretty darn good for a "first build".  

As far as the decision to go custom or not, I think it depends on several factors.  First, if you have money to burn then why not.  Second, if you need a specific caliber that is not a factory offering, than going the custom route will do it for you.  And lastly, if you want some specific traited rifle, like a scout-type or lightweight mountain rifle, you may be better served by a nice custom rifle than something off the shelf.  Oh, and one other deal too, maybe your dimensions are not close enough to the "average" person and you'd like a gun tailor built for your specific measurements.

As PaulS said, animals really don't care if they are being hit with something that will do 1 MOA or 3 MOA.  They still die just as fast.  Its your money and only you know what satisfies you!

Ranger413

[longwinters]

If the itch won't go away then you will eventually have to scratch it.  But I would not do it if        
                           1.  You are just going to get a caliber that you already have a great shooting rifle in.

                           2.  It will put you in debt

                           3.  You are not going to use it, but have it only as a     closet queen.

                           4.  You cannot get what you really want a/c cost so you would settle for limited custom but not the whole ball of wax.

                           5.  You will get it done by anyone less than an excellent gunsmith.

Long

[dstegjas]

A custom gun if done correctly is a thing of beauty and in most cases will shoot the center out of a target all day long. That being said, I have about 50 guns in my safe and only one of them is a custom gun. I didn't buy it because I needed it. I have plenty of guns that shoot straight and are reliable. I bought it because I wanted it. So don't sell your ole reliables just because you think you need that nice new shiney custom gun. eventually the shiney will wear off and you will be looking to shoot the ole reliables again. That is if you still have them.

[HuntingGuy]

Save the money to buy a custom or have one made but never give up one gun to buy another. Any of us who have done that have lived to regret it.

Good advice right there.  I had a Tikka T3 338 Win Mag that kicked like a mule so I sold it on here..  A week later I discovered the Lead Sled  Needless to say, sure a sucky feeling to know I could have kept it.  Unless your guns are old enough to have ACQUIRED value or something like a M70 that is already fetching collector's pricing, the story is the same:  Money is lost.  You will regret it!