custom rifle questions

[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