I have been wanting a new rifle for a while. I also have been looking a building one using an action from a gun I hardly use. The cost is about the same because I already have the action. What do you all think? Build one or buy a new one? Thanks.
__________________
Athens Factory Staff
Nimrod Pack System Staff
Broad Head Shed Field Staff
__________________
I love Christmas lights. They remind me of the people who voted for Obama. They all hang together; half of them don't work, and the ones that do, aren't that bright.
For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do
not understand, no explanation is possible.
A golf course is a willful and deliberate misuse of a perfectly good rifle range.
How soon do you need the rifle? Are you building it? If not, how long will it take your smith to do it? If you arent hurtin time wise, Id say build/get onebuilt.
I have bought dozens of factory guns, and have had a few guns put together. I was at the crossroads you are before. And here is what I learned.
1.) If you have a plan for the gun like an upcoming moose trip, don't trust the gunsmith saying he can have it done in time. I ended up having to buy another gun, and it took the smith about 6month longer than planned and it was horrible workmanship, cause I rushed him and PO'd him.
2.) I have had great luck with rebarreled built guns and some bad. Nothing was in the middle. But one in particular sure was barreled badly. So realize there is a chance for a lemon. Gunsmith reputation and honor are important.
3.)I have some real nice factory shooters that I wouldn't sell for 30% markup.
4.) If I had it to do over, I will send the barreled action to a place like shilen. Have them rebarrel. I have noticed they do stand behind thier work. Its cheaper to find a gunsmith, but hard to find a good one.
5.) If your gunsmith is taking much longer than expected, don't rush him, either leave the gun or pick up the whole shootin match and cancel the job.
Location: S.W. Pa.-- Heart in North Central Pa. mountains-
Posts: 2,508
RE: What Should I Do???
Like big country said, I've had some good experiences, and some real nightmares. If you get a 'smith to do the whole thing, better get a real firm price first. Yhis stuff can get expensive quick. If you can do the stockwork yourself, you can save some money if you know what you are doing. Some manufacturers advertise drop-in stocks, but most take a bit of finishing.
It's nice to say it is your custom rifle built by/for just you, but you can get more money in it than a good factory gun costs.
Another point is resale. It is usually harder to sell or trade a custom gun than a factory one. JMO..............
Not too worried about resale. I'm a lefty and they usually don't sell well. Time is also not a issue. If I decide to build it will be after the hunting season. Thanks for the input.
__________________
Athens Factory Staff
Nimrod Pack System Staff
Broad Head Shed Field Staff
While I'm a custom rifle builder by profession,I'm not trying to mislead you when stating that a custom rifle is WAYYYY better than factory rifles. With a custom rifle,you will get for your money hand fitting,extremely tight tolerances,top quality materials/parts,stock,etc fitted exactly for YOU,lifetime pride of ownership,and confidence that only comes from a very accurate rifle where you know the bullet will hit exactly where you aim. Of course there are countless "levels" or options,you may choose anywhere from mild to wild in regards to weight,caliber,appearance,and of course,accuracy. The factorys do a wonderful job at turning out good shooting rifles,they are still mass produced-where as a custom rifle is built to your exact specfications and hand fitting the factory cannot afford to do and still be competive in price.
I honestly believe every rifle shooter/hunter deserves at least 1 totally custom built rifle in their lifetime.
__________________
Sometimes you earthlings REALLY amaze me!
What Should I Do???
