custom rifle questions

[mrolen]

hey guys i just graduated from the colorado school of trades and i want to build a custom hunting rifle on a wood stock and was just wondering if you were having one made what would you want as far as action, caliber not a wild cat, barrel contour, barrel length, and barrel twist, and finish type. the gun would be for big game in washington but i dont want a mag cal. thank you very much for your help

[norsepeak]

I have two customs and if I were you, I would go with the best barrel you can afford, (I recommend Lilja, but douglas, hart, and many others are good too), I would go stainless, in a small contour for light weight, then synthetic stock again for weight, pillar bed it, float the barrel, spend some money on having your action blueprinted and trued, (700 Rem. is a great action to build on).  As far as caliber, sky is the limit, but for elk/moose sized stuff I wouldn't go smaller than 270, probably more like a 30 cal. of some kind.  I'd spend some money on good quality optics too.  This is a loaded question you ask because there are a million combinations that will work great, just do some research, but in my opinion, the barrel is the most important part, so spend your money there.  Good luck.

[hoyt2002]

I know you said you don't want a mag cal but look at the 300wsm. Its very close to a 300 win mag but less recoil. it's about the same as the 06 in recoil but flatter shooting. norsepeak was right on about the action and the barrel. don't go cheap get the best you can afford.

[AWS]

I would go with a short action Mod 70 in 338 Fed or 358 Win 22" barrel nicely figured walnut stock and a leupold 2.5x8 scope in S&K mounts.  A real classic custom that would do everything.

AWS

[MDGrand]

Well, I am going to try and stick to the requirements you already laid out:

Wood stock.. I would pick out or have made a AAA Fancy walknut stuck, deep English Walnut and have it cut. If cost is an issue, you can find a TON of nice stocks online unfinished if you prefer.. Stockys has plenty, Boyds are really good too. many coats of polyurethene and sanding.. finish it off with a pachmyer

Caliber.. Non magnum huh? Ok.. well, that leaves it to two classics: 270 or .30-06.. My vote is for the 30-06 to ensure you can get all NA game with a little more umph (easy Jack O'Connor fans!)

Barrel: Douglas! No doubt about it.. reasonably priced, really nice barrels.. Rate of twist, 1:11.. no need to go any faster with an 270 or .30-06 cartridge.. Lenght, 24".. perhaps 25" to help out the long action and give you just a litle more velocity. Size, 5A.. that is a bit larger than a standard sporter barrel in the 4s.. but adds a bit of steadiness, more barrel life and touching on a tactical look. Matt blue it. Recess the crown.

Action: Mauser Mark X. The original positive feeding action (well maybe thats the Mauser 98).. but the Mark X is almost identical and Winchester just copied it. I would incorporate the 3 position safety though, those are awesome and it can be done quite easily with the Mark X. As far as stregth, the Rem 700 is barely stronger, but only slightly.. and if you are building a classic, the extractor claw gives  huge touch of class. Blueprint this action, lap the lugs and true it up to the receiver and barrel and you will have a great tack driver. Lastly glass bed it and float the barrel. Matt blue it.

I am redoing my dads old converted springfield in almost the same matter.

Good luck!

[sakoshooter]

I know you said you don't want a mag cal but look at the 300wsm. Its very close to a 300 win mag but less recoil. it's about the same as the 06 in recoil but flatter shooting. norsepeak was right on about the action and the barrel. don't go cheap get the best you can afford.

I beg to differ on your comparison of the 300 Win Mag recoild versus the 300 WSM. My brother in law has one and my son the other. I've shot both and can't tell any difference in recoil with similar loads. Ballistically, they're almost the same. The only difference to my knowledge is a shorter action on the Short Mag. The loss of those few ounces form less action could technically turn into more recoil.

My vote would be for the 30-06 for reasons already stated. It's boring caliber to talk about but it's the greatest all around caliber ever according to the gun buying public. I'm also glad to hear you want a wood stock. I love nice wood.

[spookgus]

This is what I would do. Since I have had a Remington since my grandfather bought me a 721 in 30-06 when I turned 13 over thirty years ago and I can find a Remington safety in my sleep. I would use a 700 action or a Vanguard/Howa action which is less expensive but has great quality and has a safety in the same position as Remington. I would use the standard blued action that is lapped, squared etc. I would use a 23 inch Lilja stainless barrel coated in black Teflon in #2 contour. Barrel twist would be 1-9.5 since I would chamber in 280Rem or 280AI. You don't want a magnum and there is no arguing 270 or 30-06 if you choose 280. If you decide to go synthetic and light, I would go 22 inch #1 barrel and skeletonize the action, bolt and handle.

[norsepeak]

Or you could go all out and build a full custom like this one.  270 Allen Mag. with everything done to it you can think of.  And yes, it shoots unbelievably good out past 1k.

[MuleySniper]

Caliber.. Non magnum huh? Ok.. well, that leaves it to two classics: 270 or .30-06.. My vote is for the 30-06 to ensure you can get all NA game with a little more umph (easy Jack O'Connor fans!)

I was thinking the same thing!
MS

[400out]

Here is a cusom 300wsm That will make you drool! I know it's not a wood but I perfer a good syn. Just like norsepeak this has it all done I'm not sure about 1k but I have gone out far enough and had not problems to at all! I've had it for going on 4 years and everything it's connected with out to 500 has droped in it's track for the most part one elk went about 50 yrds but it was on the run when hit so.... a dream to shoot too! My wife would rather shoot this over her 06 anyday!I say it's worth the money to go all out but you have to have right smith do the work to make it all come together  

[Rob]

Need to know what you are hunting, and what ranges you want to shoot at.

Best advice I ever received regarding building a rife was to define:
1.  What you want to shoot (varmint, deer, Elk, Moose, zombies, paper, etc)
2.  The range you want to shoot at (100 yards?  1,000 yards? 300 yards?)
3.  Select a bullet type, weight and caliber in a cartridge that gives you the energy needed to effectively kill your target at the max range you want to shoot at (and still buck winds if you are looking for long range stuff)
4.  Now start looking at the barrel make and twist rate.
5.  Move on to the action, stock and optics from there.

I'm working with a buddy to build a wildcat right now and we are just about ready to chamber the barrel!  can't wait!

[Jamieb]

I'd look around for a Rem 700 in 06 or anything off the 06 case. Send it to Pac-Nor for a SS barrel chambered in 280, 1 in 9 twist at 22" with a recessed target crown. As far as the stock I much prefer synthetic to wood but if your set on a wood stock then I'd look on the web, starting with Stockys for a inleted, unfinished blank that you can finish yourself. If you want to dress it up a little send the bolt to Kempfield customs and have it fluted, I like the Ti pattern with black in the flutes and maybe order a aftermarket firing pin/spring with a colored shroud.
I'd top it with a leupold VX3 3.5-10X40 W/ M-1 elevation turret. Talley LW's. I don't mind a blued action with a SS barrel so to save money I'd probably buy a blued/steel donor rifle to start with.

[JackOfAllTrades]

Need to know what you are hunting, and what ranges you want to shoot at.

Best advice I ever received regarding building a rife was to define:
1.  What you want to shoot (varmint, deer, Elk, Moose, zombies, paper, etc)
2.  The range you want to shoot at (100 yards?  1,000 yards? 300 yards?)
3.  Select a bullet type, weight and caliber in a cartridge that gives you the energy needed to effectively kill your target at the max range you want to shoot at (and still buck winds if you are looking for long range stuff)
4.  Now start looking at the barrel make and twist rate.
5.  Move on to the action, stock and optics from there.

This is some great advice.  Other than that, for cartridge... 30-06ai (for when you do start reloading you can take advantage of another +100fps, and it's not a wildcat since you can still fire factory ammo in the same chamber.) You can build a custom around a factory cartridge if you want, but you're throwing out money from the tree. There are plenty of premium grade wood stocked guns available. Buy one, and have a gunsmith ream out the chamber to AI or have a Lilja or Douglas barrel installed. Then put some premium optics on and go hunting.  Spend your money on what counts, not just that it's a custom gun.

-Steve

[sakoshooter]

For good quality glass, I'd look hard at the Zeis Conquest scopes. I put one on my Sako AV Mannlicher 6 years ago. Comparing it to my two Leupold VX-II's, there's is no comparison. The Zeis is brighter and clearer for sure all the way to the edges. Cost is about the same as a Leupold VX-III.

[mrolen]

thank you but i guess i did not make my self clear enough colorado school of trades is a gunsmithing school so im going to build it, and i want a wood stock because i found some for a really good deal, the reason i asked you those questions was because i want to know what the majority of hunters want as far as caliber, action, barrel ect, and i dont want SS, thank you

[JackOfAllTrades]

i asked you those questions was because i want to know what the majority of hunters want as far as caliber, action, barrel ect

In the future, I suggest that you don't play psycho analyst and just ask your customers exactly what they want.  If you want to know what the majority of hunters want as far as caliber, action, barrel ect, then the sales statistics should speak for themselves.

You eliminated mag and wildcat cartridges in your OP. People that have a rifle built are not the same sort that buy run of the mill rifles in standard chamberings off the shelf. People that have something built, will very often spec a mag or wildcat, so you eliminated a percentage of prospective customers right there. Eliminating a majority? The same with action and barrel contour. These options are specific to the use of the rifle and desires of the shooter. Some guys want all weather stainless, but you eliminated that choice in your OP. So, you could be affecting your 'majority of hunters'. Same with only allowing a wood stock.

So, to answer your question, If it was me... Limited to a wood stocked, non stainless rifle, in a factory chambering, I would not have a custom rifle built.

-Steve

[mrolen]

ok now i see what you are saying, im doing this gun for more practice and as a side project and  to make A LITTLE money off of it, the reason i dont want a mag cal is the wood im getting im not sure if it will hold up, but i can see what you are saying about customers wanting wild cats if they are getting a custom rifle made, maybe i will make a dog gun 22-250AI. Thanks for your help

[longrange7mm]

I am familiar with Colorado school of trades  I have a couple friends that went there, they are now smiths for very reputable company's

Remington 700 action, because accessories are readily available and they are a proven action.

Timney Trigger

As far as caliber you dont want a wildcat or a magnum.  6.5mm x .284 $40 - $50 per box  off the shelf and They shoot amazing and are deadly out to 1k

I picked up on the wood stock because you can get them at a good price.check these websites (stockystocks.com/rifle-stocks.com) you may find a better deal

Benchmark BBLs are becoming very popular and are proven accurate and affordable.

Countour 4 - 26"  with a 1:8.5 or 1:9 twist unless you plan on shooting past 500 yards then you may want a contour 5 or Sendero contour. 26" is an accommodating length for an all around rifle.

Finish I am a fan of Cerakote but this is a personal preference that you need to decide what you like.

Cant wait to see some pictures of it when your done!

[mountainman]

Mrolen, maybe stop by and see the guys at High Mountain and see what they suggest?? The also have an awesome new gunsmith there that can answer your questions!! oh, and hope your feeling better buddy!

[mrolen]

haha thanks

[JackOfAllTrades]

I think it would be safe to say that you'll find more custom guns in the hands of target competitors than you will hunters. Some of those will be the same guys, but there are a lot of target shooters that don't hunt. Probably more hunters that don't compete.

I don't know what shooting range you live near, but get in with the target shooters and if you can, find a youth program where you can build an accurate gun for a youngster that you can sell, for not much above cost, donating your labor. Word of mouth and the accuracy, fit, finish of your rifle will be your best advertisement to sell more. Find a specialty you are good at and refine it to be the very best in that field in your area.

If you've got access to a mill and lathe, can you ream chambers? Can you blueprint actions? Jewel bolts? Is your specialty with rifles or can you work the trigger of a Ruger GP100 to feel like a 1968 Python?

What famous gun smith do you hold in the highest regard? What got him/her to that level?

For me? ... Roddy Toyota and Ed Masaki come to mind. Jim Clark.

Are you planning on making a living at this yourself or working for a gunsmith/machinist that is already established?

-Steve