Is one custom rifle worth several factory rifles?
- Thread starter RBO11
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It is very, very important that people be able to share their various opinions of what they like because this is how some of us learn. Sharing various trains of thoughts very often leads to Bruised ego's, which has happened here.
On another note, One of the main issues for me in having a custom rifle vs other less valuable rifles is pride of ownership. I feel as if "pride of ownerwhip" issue is a dangerous road to go down for a lot of reasons, Pride being one of the Deadly sins, not to mention tens of thousands of dollars involved, as I learned the hard way when a friend passed away and left me an old Ruger 77 Tang Safety 6mm Rem Varmint and a Parker Hale Mauser in 6mm Remington. I had Shilen Match barrels put on both, The Ruger in 243 AI and the Parker in 6 Rem with zero freebore. Both of these rifles immediately shot groups in the very low 2's, I was very humbled to say the least.
I now enjoy making a "Silk Purse from a Sow's Ear" idea, using Non Trued Rem 700's and Savages to shoot very tiny groups, and keeping as much money in my pocket as I possibly can. A custom off a Rem 783 and a Tikka are my next projects, and I don't consider a Tikka a Sow's ear. The Tikka has a multitude of issues on upgrading which I am working through now. The Remington 783's have a LOT going for them, and are machined very true, more so that the Savage 10's.
The Remington 783, maybe the very best value on the market today for a foundation for a semi custom in as far as how "True" the action is machined...those with Ears, let them Hear. Upgrades on stocks and triggers choices will be a challenge for both the 783 and the Tikka, unlike the Remington 700 and the Savage.
People tend to get emotional or practical in their choices, but in the end I hope that we can respect another's opinion for where they are in their hobby's development at this stage in their life.
On another note, One of the main issues for me in having a custom rifle vs other less valuable rifles is pride of ownership. I feel as if "pride of ownerwhip" issue is a dangerous road to go down for a lot of reasons, Pride being one of the Deadly sins, not to mention tens of thousands of dollars involved, as I learned the hard way when a friend passed away and left me an old Ruger 77 Tang Safety 6mm Rem Varmint and a Parker Hale Mauser in 6mm Remington. I had Shilen Match barrels put on both, The Ruger in 243 AI and the Parker in 6 Rem with zero freebore. Both of these rifles immediately shot groups in the very low 2's, I was very humbled to say the least.
I now enjoy making a "Silk Purse from a Sow's Ear" idea, using Non Trued Rem 700's and Savages to shoot very tiny groups, and keeping as much money in my pocket as I possibly can. A custom off a Rem 783 and a Tikka are my next projects, and I don't consider a Tikka a Sow's ear. The Tikka has a multitude of issues on upgrading which I am working through now. The Remington 783's have a LOT going for them, and are machined very true, more so that the Savage 10's.
The Remington 783, maybe the very best value on the market today for a foundation for a semi custom in as far as how "True" the action is machined...those with Ears, let them Hear. Upgrades on stocks and triggers choices will be a challenge for both the 783 and the Tikka, unlike the Remington 700 and the Savage.
People tend to get emotional or practical in their choices, but in the end I hope that we can respect another's opinion for where they are in their hobby's development at this stage in their life.
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Rustydust
Active member
Originally Posted By: ackleyman
People tend to get emotional or practical in their choices, but in the end I hope that we can respect another's opinion for where they are in their hobby's development at this stage in their life.
You are right of course, Keith.
Sometimes there is too much "Ford vs Chevy" around here. Something that I will admit to being guilty of too. On rare occasion.
People tend to get emotional or practical in their choices, but in the end I hope that we can respect another's opinion for where they are in their hobby's development at this stage in their life.
You are right of course, Keith.
Sometimes there is too much "Ford vs Chevy" around here. Something that I will admit to being guilty of too. On rare occasion.
Blackhawk43
New member
I have to say that I appreciate Ackleyman's posts, this last one was very well thought out and expressed some very good points.
Preacherman
Member
For me it's more about the shooter than the rifle. I've only ever shot 1 rifle, my .243 I use for calling coyotes. It's heavy and I've hauled it around for over 20 years, so last year I bought a light weight 22-250. That rifle with factory ammo shot a .25 center to center group, the smallest I've ever shot or seen. But it just doesn't have the feel of my 243 (and probably going to sell the 22-250). I just know that gun, and EXTREMELY confident with it. My longest shot on a standing coyote (in the field with my shooting sticks) is 800 yards. On a running coyote, 632 yards (and yes confirmed by witnesses). I've tweaked it over the years (stock, scope, trigger) to be exactly what I want. I've shot a fair amount of factory and hand load ammo, missed a bunched of coyotes and practiced a bunch. It shoots a .5 inch group...not great, but very good. My point is, again for me, it's the time I've spent to get to know this rifle and the ballistics of my bullet intimately. Since I've learned about my gun and my ammo, then I could begin to work on my shooting ability. Many guys that shoot with me have no idea whether their groups are a result of their rifle, ammo or their shooting ability. From my perspective, unless a person wants to get to know their rifle at this level, what's the point of a custom rifle. Btw, neither of mine are custom, but I can out shoot my buddies with custom rifles. Hope you find your gun and happy shooting!
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Quote:The good news is....not only do you get my favorite spatula when I die I'm putting you down for the Tikka too....
Nnoooooooooooo!!! Don't throw me in the briar patch...........
Nice post Keith and as others have said, thank you for helping me also.
I've seen a rebuilt Tikka trigger that was very, very nicely done by a gunsmith I know. His finished product is totally adjustable.
At some point I hope that ya'll can finally see the light and know that the best custom/factory rifle is a Kimber.
Nnoooooooooooo!!! Don't throw me in the briar patch...........
Nice post Keith and as others have said, thank you for helping me also.
I've seen a rebuilt Tikka trigger that was very, very nicely done by a gunsmith I know. His finished product is totally adjustable.
At some point I hope that ya'll can finally see the light and know that the best custom/factory rifle is a Kimber.
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Winny Fan
New member
Originally Posted By: liliysdadOriginally Posted By: pyscodogThere was a day when one would say the K98 Mauser was the best to build off of.
Sure there was....but that day has has come and is long gone..
Not everyone is willing to pay the steep tariff, but there are still some exceptional FULL CUSTOM rifles built on Mauser actions.
Sure there was....but that day has has come and is long gone..
Not everyone is willing to pay the steep tariff, but there are still some exceptional FULL CUSTOM rifles built on Mauser actions.
Originally Posted By: Winny FanOriginally Posted By: liliysdadOriginally Posted By: pyscodogThere was a day when one would say the K98 Mauser was the best to build off of.
Sure there was....but that day has has come and is long gone..
Not everyone is willing to pay the steep tariff, but there are still some exceptional FULL CUSTOM rifles built on Mauser actions.
Yes, there are, but now they are built out of tradition, or vanity, not because the action is better or even as good as what is available new.
Sure there was....but that day has has come and is long gone..
Not everyone is willing to pay the steep tariff, but there are still some exceptional FULL CUSTOM rifles built on Mauser actions.
Yes, there are, but now they are built out of tradition, or vanity, not because the action is better or even as good as what is available new.
Winny Fan
New member
Originally Posted By: liliysdadOriginally Posted By: Winny FanOriginally Posted By: liliysdadOriginally Posted By: pyscodogThere was a day when one would say the K98 Mauser was the best to build off of.
Sure there was....but that day has has come and is long gone..
Not everyone is willing to pay the steep tariff, but there are still some exceptional FULL CUSTOM rifles built on Mauser actions.
Yes, there are, but now they are built out of tradition, or vanity, not because the action is better or even as good as what is available new.
And the average buy it over the counter or have an average custom built rifle buyer can't even comprehend how that action feels to cycle it due to work done that can't be seen but can only be felt. You have to actually see and handle a full custom rifle in person to be able to understand. Nothing else will prepare your mind for what you're going to feel.
Granted, they are not for everyone, but a full custom like this doesn't have to apologize for anything to anyone.
Sure there was....but that day has has come and is long gone..
Not everyone is willing to pay the steep tariff, but there are still some exceptional FULL CUSTOM rifles built on Mauser actions.
Yes, there are, but now they are built out of tradition, or vanity, not because the action is better or even as good as what is available new.
And the average buy it over the counter or have an average custom built rifle buyer can't even comprehend how that action feels to cycle it due to work done that can't be seen but can only be felt. You have to actually see and handle a full custom rifle in person to be able to understand. Nothing else will prepare your mind for what you're going to feel.
Granted, they are not for everyone, but a full custom like this doesn't have to apologize for anything to anyone.
SlickerThanSnot
New member
Is one custom rifle worth several factory rifles?
not to me. but i am mostly just a hunter and shoot paper, bottles and cans once in a while. my factory rifles do all i want of them. i have no real use for a custom rifle.
custom stuff is nice though.
not to me. but i am mostly just a hunter and shoot paper, bottles and cans once in a while. my factory rifles do all i want of them. i have no real use for a custom rifle.
custom stuff is nice though.
Rustydust
Active member
Originally Posted By: ackleymanI like just about any rifle that is super accurate, the bling is not all that important anymore to me.
Boy howdy but you're right about that one. A nice looking gun is nice but a great shooting gun is nicer. And I just cannot even imagine having any sort of firearm that that is a beauty but is lacking in the accuracy department.
You will never hear me say "Yeah, I missed all those prairie dogs all right. But didn't my gun look good while I was doing it?"
Boy howdy but you're right about that one. A nice looking gun is nice but a great shooting gun is nicer. And I just cannot even imagine having any sort of firearm that that is a beauty but is lacking in the accuracy department.
You will never hear me say "Yeah, I missed all those prairie dogs all right. But didn't my gun look good while I was doing it?"
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