Build VS buy

[Mtnwalker]

So I'm about to pull the trigger on my first custom rifle and with all the companies making custom and semi custom guns now it raises the question, have one built or just buy one already done? I see companies like Fierce and In Rut rifles making some super nice looking packages for right around 3k now, are guys building them any cheaper than that for a lightweight custom setup? I'm wanting a carbon barrel (I know, I know), possibly titanium action, semi-long range setup. Opinions? Would I be better off going through a smith than one of these companies?

[Crunchy]

I'm having Rbros build my custom in 7mm, they just dont know it yet.

[high country]

Your recipe is going to be expensive. I'd have built EXACTLY what I wanted considering you're going to have over 3 grand in parts alone.

[AWS]

I got to handle my nephews Kimber lightweight hunter in 280AI and I think you would be hard pressed to build a lightweight custom for three times the price that is as nice.  And the Montana with the carbon fiber stock is even better.

[Mtnwalker]

Your recipe is going to be expensive. I'd have built EXACTLY what I wanted considering you're going to have over 3 grand in parts alone.

That's why I'm wondering if I don't just drop 3900 on a carbon CT and be done with it? Buddy just had a build done, turned out heavier and more expensive than expected

[b23]

Buddy just had a build done, turned out heavier and more expensive than expected

Everyone gets sold on the CF wrapped barrels being lighter and Ti built guns being light weight.  There's a 30 Nosler build that was just completed over on another forum and the build used everything "light weight" Ti action, CF wrapped barrel, CF stock, Ti muzzle brake, and scoped up it still weighed nearly 10lbs.  Not that 10lbs is real heavy but for the price of all those components, you could nearly build another gun.  Last fall I had a 7mm Blaser Mag built, used a Rem 700 action, factory Rem Laminated stock (they're anything but light) and a 26in. Hart #4 fluted barrel with muzzle brake.  Even with a NF NXS 5.5-22x50 scope and rings it was under 10lbs and cost half what that 30 Nosler build did.

If a Ti action and CF wrapped barrel is what you want, go for it, just don't expect it to be super light weight because the only thing it will really lighten up, is your wallet. 

[Biggerhammer]

 

[Taco280AI]

I think it depends on if you want to get exactly what you have in mind or if you can deal with an off the shelf custom that comes close. Also depends on what kind of accuracy you want or need. The custom route will be more expensive, but you'll get exactly what you want.

[Alchase]

Buying one it is a Tool.
Building one it is a tool and a hobby or obsession.
LOL

[runamuk]

I like creating, making , fixing.  So my preference is to buy something close or all the tinker toys and build it myself.  Rumor has it I don't totally suck at customizing my firearms.

[high country]

Edge adjustable game scout,  3wt benchmark and hawkins precision bottom metal and rings.....I'll give you a weight when my stock gets here. I have a titanium action 270 Mt rifle contour and in the hunters edge it's almost too light. I glassed it with a zeiss 2-8×32mm.

[Magnum_Willys]

Fierce sounds good but trying to find many good reviews not so easy.  Christensen has all the goodies you want but to get 1/2" moa you have to bump up to their $5500 model.  Figure $4000 for a custom with carbon barrel.  You can spend more but not much chance to spend less.   Basically the parts are $3k.  You can get them assembled in a factory for $3k+ (fierce) or assembled by a gunsmith who will charge you $1000 for which you get his knowledge, experience, and a guaranteed 1/2" moa rifle. 

A) Do you just want a nice rifle that shoots well?  Lots of options out there for $1,000 plus scope.

B) Do you have a $4,000 budget ? Go with a great local builder like Rbros or Hells Canyon Armory.

C) In between those two look at Fierce, Weatherby R/C.

[j_h_nimrod]

I bought a Fierce last fall and really like it. Gun feels great, trigger is good, and 1/2 moa guarantee. I can't get mine to shoot but I don't think it is necessarily the gun. Standard Edge in 28 Nosler with a Sig Tango4 6-24x50 scope, weighs exactly 10lbs with a full magazine but no sling. If I can figure out a load for it I will be more than happy. My loads so far have only been around moa but am confident it will do better.

I was in the same quandary as you.  I was looking custom but after pricing all the parts and sourcing a good smith to build it I was looking at twice the cost.

[high country]

Whaley just finished up a rifle using a christensen cf tube in a a-3 edge using hawkins stuff and a vx6. It weighs 10#. If christensen is on your radar, you might call Matt Whaley and ask him.

[kselkhunter]

Is your goal light weight, if so what weight?  Or is your goal accuracy, and what measurement (ie 1/2 MOA)?  How long of range do you mean with "semi-long"? 

Note that a long range setup is rarely light weight by the time you're done (hence the comments below about 10lb setups). 

If just a light mountain hunting gun, the Kimber and other factory guns are hard to beat for the price. 

Not sure why the carbon barrel, titanium bolt, etc.  are needed.  But if you're just looking to build custom then do it and enjoy it. 

At this stage of my hunting career and life, optics are more important to me than gun features.  I'd rather put a $2000 scope on a $800 gun, than buy a $2000 gun, and put a $300 scope on it.....