Is one custom rifle worth several factory rifles?

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RBO11

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I have been throwing this thought around a lot lately. I like the thought of having lots of rifles, in many different calibers (and a few in the same caliber), but rarely shoot them all. I like different things about each rifle, but none of them are "the one." I have recently been thinking about moving several rifles to build one custom rifle that would be "the one," with no compromised, just as I want it to be (This would likely mean one big game rifle and one predator rifle, not really one gun for everything). To me a custom rifle is more than just a tool, they are almost like works of art that can be appreciated and depended on.

What do you think?
 
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What is your definition of a custom rifle?

The definition can vary greatly from one person to another and from one forum to another. Here a "custom rifle" can vary from a Boyd's stock on a Ruger American to a complete full custom rifle built with the best of individual components including custom rifle actions.
 
"Is one custom rifle worth several factory rifles?"

I'd say it depends on the person and how satisfied with their factory rifles they are. If you are completely satisfied with the performance/shooting ability of your factory rifles, well, it may not be worth it to you. Also, if all you shoot is factory ammo, again, it may not be worth it to you. But, if you're wanting more than your factory rifles are delivering, with regard to performance, a custom or semi custom will be worth it.

I have some full blown customs and many semi customs built off Rem 700's, my full customs are prettier and certainly cost more but they both shoot better than I can and definitely better than any factory rifle I've ever owned.
 
Originally Posted By: Winny FanWhat is your definition of a custom rifle?

The definition can vary greatly from one person to another and from one forum to another. Here a "custom rifle" can vary from a Boyd's stock on a Ruger American to a complete full custom rifle built with the best of individual components including custom rifle actions.

Once again winny has it pretty much nailed. I see a lot of "custom" guns for sale and all they are is a factory gun with a fancy stock. Custom is all in the way the seller describes it. Shop wisely.

E.R. Shaw is selling a "Custom" rifle. Its a Savage action with a fancy bolt handle, Boyd's stock or similar to, and an E.R.Shaw barrel. Is this a true "Custom" rifle??????
 
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Originally Posted By: Winny FanWhat is your definition of a custom rifle?



I apologize for not clarifying. I want to focus more on my actual question than get into peoples opinions about what the best custom rifle or who the best builder is, so I left that part vague. I am talking full custom build, not a modified factory rifle.

I do reload, and enjoy tinkering with that.

My currently dream rifle is the NULA Model 20. I've been blessed with the opportunity to handle and shoot hundreds of different rifles, and the NULA's leave a lasting impression.
 
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Originally Posted By: RBO11
My currently dream rifle is the NULA Model 20. I've been blessed with the opportunity to handle and shoot hundreds of different rifles, and the NULA's leave a lasting impression.

It sounds like you already know what you want. Only you can tell if "one custom rifle is worth several factory rifles" and you'll never know until you get one.
 
Originally Posted By: RBO11I have been throwing this thought around a lot lately. I like the thought of having lots of rifles, in many different calibers (and a few in the same caliber), but rarely shoot them all. I like different things about each rifle, but none of them are "the one." I have recently been thinking about moving several rifles to build one custom rifle that would be "the one," with no compromised, just as I want it to be. To me a custom rifle is more than just a tool, they are almost like works of art that can be appreciated and depended on.

What do you think?

Part of the human condition is that we learn, change, and want to experience new things. So, when I felt like you did, I built a rifle "platform" for different calibers. For example, I chose a Remington 700 action, Jewel trigger, xyz scope and rings. Next, choose a caliber for that size bolt face and stock. ENjoy that set up for a while, then have a different caliber barrel chambered for that same action, and you may want a different stock for that new barrel also.

I ended up with a Rem 700 action(223 size bolt) with multiple barrels, a std 700 action with a 308 size bolt, and Magnum action set up. Each one of these actions may have 3 or more barrels for them. Switching barrels is easy, and you use a bore sighter to get the (X,Y) reading on each barrel when it is sighted in, then return to that (x,Y) reading, you will be within an inch on a regular basis or closer.

What this means is that you own a lot less rifles and a lot more calibers. If a caliber barrel does not suit you, then you sell it off, which is very easy for a Rem 700. Now, the Remage system makes selling a barrel a lot easier because you do not enter into a situation where the barrel will need headspacing from gun to gun. The only fly in the ointment is that when you have an action trued, barrels will no longer interchange from one owner to another like with the REmage system.

Just a though so you can justify having more calibers you always wanted to try.

Good luck!
 
I would say eye of the beholder. I have built rifles gauged on a purpose. That purpose could not be reached by an over the counter rifle. If you feel a store bought rifle cannot meet your needs, then build one to fit those needs.
 
Yes. I also liked the idea of having many rifles for awhile, then I got my first full custom rig. I now would rather have 3-4 custom rifles exactly how I want them in various calibers to fit my hunting and target needs than a dozen factory rifles, which in all likelihood I would only shoot 3-4 on a regular basis.
 
I'm a big fan of a full custom. Now...that could vary from person to person on how they want there custom rifle configured.
Or what the intended use will be.

So...yes I have that one rifle that is the one! It cannot be replaced by several factory rifles.

I did have it built for a particular purpose, but it can be used for several.
The idea of another custom build,action, barrel, trigger, stock/chassis, gives me some serious wood
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Good luck
 
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Careful, owning just "one" custom often turns into multiple.
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I have a hard time buying a factory rifle anymore. Usually because no one builds them exactly the way I want, so I end up building what I want. Life is too short to not do it the way you want if you can swing it. I would vote 1 custom in your survey.
 
I am not opposed to more than one custom gun. I'd technically like to have two rifles. One for predator and one for big game. I think I will start selling a few rifles now and get one custom now, and then save up for the next. I think I could be perfectly content right now with a rimfire, a predator rifle, and a big game rifle made the way I want them. I already have the rimfire, so starting on the next two.
 
If I buy a factory rifle... which is almost never, it's because it's in a caliber that's not worth going custom to me, like my 17 hornet.

Other than that.... I have no desire to collect a bunch of common rifles.
 
I have a 20 Practical, 223AI, 22-250AI, 220 Swift, 243, 6.5 Creedmore and four two two's, and a couple of muzzle loaders. They all have a purpose.......taking up spaces in my safe. Oh ya, and a 260 on its way. Where would I start if I was going to sell them off??
 
Ive owned dozens of centerfire hunting rifles in the last 15 years. They all do the job if I do my part. Last year I decided to sell a bunch of rifles that weren't go-to's, safe queens. Cool rifles but surplus to my needs. I put all the $ towards two customs. Defiance Rebel actions, Timney Calvin Elite triggers, Benchmark barrels, McMillan stocks, PTG bottom metal. Sent the parts out today to the gunsmith. Neither are predator rifles, I am content with my 223 tikka for that work, for now at least. One will be a 280 Ackley, and the other a 338-06. They will see the majority of my big game hunting in the next 30 years!
 
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