Post by: Sakko300wsm on December 26, 2016, 06:15:35 AM
I love my sakos and tikkas , but for some reason I've always wanted a custom rifle - are there any customs out there that are any good in the 2-3k range ? I havnt really done any research , just starting now .
Post by: hogslayer on December 26, 2016, 06:57:08 AM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on December 26, 2016, 07:01:45 AM
This is mine.
Savage Model 10 action ( It was a 308 ) $700 You can buy an action for $400 - $500 ish
MDT LSS Chassis $300 on sale
Magpul 10 round Mags $40 each x 2 = $80
Black Hole Weaponry 6.5 Creedmoor 22 inch barrel $ 325
Benchmark Barrel 3 Port Miller Brake $95
RifleBasix 2 trigger $140
Rock River Operator Buttstock and Mil Spec tube $100 on sale
Finger grooved grip $25
Millet Scope $450 ( had it laying around ) I'd buy a better scope, but these got good reviews for a moderate scope for LR shooting. I used it on my 308 for LR and it worked great.
Piccatinny Rails another $60 or so.
Not counting Atlas bipod add another $300
Post by: yorketransport on December 26, 2016, 01:08:17 PM
I have a few smiths I recommend for this sort of work and they have increadible turn around times at great prices with top notch quality.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 26, 2016, 01:20:17 PM
I have a sako in 7mm mag and have a custom being built off of that right now. You can use your tikka/sako action and go from there. I went with hells canyon armory out of Wenatchee, and am really happy so far. I haven got my rifle yet, but Michael takes all my calls and answering any questions I have with scopes and reloading.Mike is kind of the man at building on Tikka actions. His current hunting rig is a Tikka action on one of his carbon barrels chambered in .280ai.
Post by: hunting4sanity on December 26, 2016, 03:22:27 PM
Post by: Sakko300wsm on December 26, 2016, 03:46:05 PM
Post by: MichaelJ on December 26, 2016, 04:41:26 PM
For a ground up build you're looking $2500ish minimum. There's so many stock barrel and action options it can run into the mid $4k range very easily!
A Stiller action, Manners EH1, Carbon barreled custom will run you $3300ish before taxes.
If you wanted to reuse one of your tikka or Sako actions that'll save some money for sure! Also have the option of blueprinting and using a Remington but if you already don't have the action you're better off with a Stiller. I've built a handful of Tikkas and they shoot lights out! Doing a Sako 6.5WSM here shortly as well. Shoot me an email or give me a call if you'd like be happy to talk over some options for you!
Mike
509-421-2966
HCARifles@gmail.com
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Post by: grousetracker on December 26, 2016, 05:08:12 PM
Post by: CAMPMEAT on December 26, 2016, 05:27:18 PM
down side of a custom, until you scratch it up a bunch you over protect it,anything that breaks costs alot more, yes the custom is more accurate and feels better. I have built 3 customs and wouldnt do it again, just buy a factory gun pick your scope,trigger job and enjoy.
I disagree. The guys I know on Long Range Reality use their guns and get scratches and dings.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 26, 2016, 05:35:00 PM
Post by: Karl Blanchard on December 26, 2016, 05:36:54 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on December 26, 2016, 05:47:10 PM
Fierce Rifles 1 moa carbon barrel: $3,000
Christensen Rogue or Classic 2 carbon barrel - 1 moa $3,000
But to goto .5 moa = twice as much
Custom = .5 moa @ $4,000+
Post by: MichaelJ on December 26, 2016, 06:58:57 PM
Weatherby Mark V or Arroyo : 8.5# any caliber. 1 moa. $2500
Fierce Rifles 1 moa carbon barrel: $3,000
Christensen Rogue or Classic 2 carbon barrel - 1 moa $3,000
But to goto .5 moa = twice as much
Custom = .5 moa @ $4,000+
I guarantee 1/2MOA on all my rifles, and the majority of them are 7-7.5 lb bare gun and $3kish.... and they won't heat walk like sporter contour barrels will.
Mike
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Post by: yorketransport on December 26, 2016, 07:03:54 PM
Post by: jackelope on December 26, 2016, 07:05:12 PM
Weatherby Mark V or Arroyo : 8.5# any caliber. 1 moa. $2500
Fierce Rifles 1 moa carbon barrel: $3,000
Christensen Rogue or Classic 2 carbon barrel - 1 moa $3,000
But to goto .5 moa = twice as much
Custom = .5 moa @ $4,000+
I was told by another smith who frequents huntwa that .5 MOA was the easy part. .25 was where you better bring your big boy pants.
Post by: yorketransport on December 26, 2016, 07:09:52 PM
That's not a challenge for the smith either! Shooting .25 MOA groups at any range is much less common than the interwebs would have people believe!Weatherby Mark V or Arroyo : 8.5# any caliber. 1 moa. $2500
Fierce Rifles 1 moa carbon barrel: $3,000
Christensen Rogue or Classic 2 carbon barrel - 1 moa $3,000
But to goto .5 moa = twice as much
Custom = .5 moa @ $4,000+
I was told by another smith who frequents huntwa that .5 MOA was the easy part. .25 was where you better bring your big boy pants.
Post by: MichaelJ on December 26, 2016, 07:37:56 PM
Weatherby Mark V or Arroyo : 8.5# any caliber. 1 moa. $2500
Fierce Rifles 1 moa carbon barrel: $3,000
Christensen Rogue or Classic 2 carbon barrel - 1 moa $3,000
But to goto .5 moa = twice as much
Custom = .5 moa @ $4,000+
I was told by another smith who frequents huntwa that .5 MOA was the easy part. .25 was where you better bring your big boy pants.
There's a very good reason you don't see anybody guarantee better than 1/2MOA. You have no control over the customer side of things, how they load ammo or their shooting ability. I've never had an issue shooting in the low .3's consistently, and honestly with a 7 lb rifle that is REALLY good. I can induce different palm pressure or load the bipod different and intentionally throw a round 1/4MOA or more off. A 9-10 lb base rifle weight is MUCH easier to shoot. That green tikka of mine that Karl posted is a 1/4MOA gun all day every day if I do my part.
Mike
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Post by: hogslayer on December 26, 2016, 07:42:50 PM
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 03, 2017, 05:55:48 PM
Question here.
I love my sakos and tikkas , but for some reason I've always wanted a custom rifle - are there any customs out there that are any good in the 2-3k range ? I havnt really done any research , just starting now .
Just started a custom build Lapua not much over your price range. Have a couple demo stocks on the way from Manners to check out. Gonna be a fun project.
Post by: slm9s on January 03, 2017, 06:15:55 PM
A few semi-customs that might satisfy you:
Cooper
Forbes
Nosler
I would also look at the used custom market. Many lightly used customs are sold all the time, look for a build and accuracy history and a low round count from a reputable seller.
A big decision is custom action vs trued 700 or other factory action. IMO, some trued 700s can be as smooth as any custom action, but MANY are not. You CAN save a bunch of money with a 700 however.
Good luck. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 03, 2017, 06:37:53 PM
Check em out.
Post by: elkaholic123 on January 03, 2017, 07:25:44 PM
Mike, do you do ALL the smith work on your builds?Weatherby Mark V or Arroyo : 8.5# any caliber. 1 moa. $2500
Fierce Rifles 1 moa carbon barrel: $3,000
Christensen Rogue or Classic 2 carbon barrel - 1 moa $3,000
But to goto .5 moa = twice as much
Custom = .5 moa @ $4,000+
I guarantee 1/2MOA on all my rifles, and the majority of them are 7-7.5 lb bare gun and $3kish.... and they won't heat walk like sporter contour barrels will.
Mike
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: MichaelJ on January 03, 2017, 07:51:33 PM
Mike, do you do ALL the smith work on your builds?Weatherby Mark V or Arroyo : 8.5# any caliber. 1 moa. $2500
Fierce Rifles 1 moa carbon barrel: $3,000
Christensen Rogue or Classic 2 carbon barrel - 1 moa $3,000
But to goto .5 moa = twice as much
Custom = .5 moa @ $4,000+
I guarantee 1/2MOA on all my rifles, and the majority of them are 7-7.5 lb bare gun and $3kish.... and they won't heat walk like sporter contour barrels will.
Mike
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yes.
Is this you who I had a short conversation with on FB?
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20170104%2F89fdc8a8480c5d12254280bb404921e2.jpg&hash=d61126450b1b14b4779e947fbe7ff363fd43f7d2)
(https://hunting-washington.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fuploads.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F20170104%2Fe6222a37cd00177c68d3071657f61543.jpg&hash=4fe09d19b1ba631a30d1ee55ffb55084e7978ae0)
Mike
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Post by: syoungs on January 03, 2017, 08:08:40 PM
Post by: mossback91 on January 03, 2017, 08:09:21 PM
Wow... That's a weird Convo.
:yeah: :chuckle:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 03, 2017, 08:12:54 PM
Post by: jjhunter on January 03, 2017, 08:43:52 PM
Post by: jackelope on January 03, 2017, 09:01:37 PM
Post by: jackelope on January 03, 2017, 09:01:49 PM
I just sent him a couple boxes full of parts :tup:Mike?
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 03, 2017, 09:05:28 PM
I just sent him a couple boxes full of parts :tup:
Stuff just layin around or you gotta plan ? :chuckle:
Post by: MichaelJ on January 03, 2017, 09:06:13 PM
I just sent him a couple boxes full of parts :tup:Mike?
Yep! I like it when customers send me all the pieces and I don't have to wait months for actions stocks or barrels 😂
Gonna be a slick 28 Nosler
Mike
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Post by: buglebuster on January 03, 2017, 09:14:34 PM
The day in the life of a business owner. Darn that pesky screen shot feature :chuckle::chuckle:
Post by: yorketransport on January 03, 2017, 09:51:07 PM
I just sent him a couple boxes full of parts :tup:Mike?
Yep! I like it when customers send me all the pieces and I don't have to wait months for actions stocks or barrels 😂
Gonna be a slick 28 Nosler
Mike
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That's my favorite way to have guns built! Let the smith do what they do best instead of sitting on the phone ordering parts.
What's a rough estimate on turn around times, assuming the customer supplied all the necessary parts?
Post by: MichaelJ on January 03, 2017, 10:06:52 PM
I just sent him a couple boxes full of parts :tup:Mike?
Yep! I like it when customers send me all the pieces and I don't have to wait months for actions stocks or barrels 😂
Gonna be a slick 28 Nosler
Mike
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That's my favorite way to have guns built! Let the smith do what they do best instead of sitting on the phone ordering parts.
What's a rough estimate on turn around times, assuming the customer supplied all the necessary parts?
I agree! Though I do make a little bit on the margins for parts but that covers my time in ordering and setting up the build sheet with the customer!
I like to have 6-8 weeks once all parts are in hand depending on the time of year. I got close to 20 builds on the books right now with the majority of them with completion dates in March-June. I've got a decent schedule right now.... took a lot of time off from sept-nov so wasn't taking many orders at that time!
Mike
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Post by: BULLBLASTER on January 04, 2017, 07:17:26 AM
Hopefully most of those 20 on the books are in line after me! :chuckle:I just sent him a couple boxes full of parts :tup:Mike?
Yep! I like it when customers send me all the pieces and I don't have to wait months for actions stocks or barrels 😂
Gonna be a slick 28 Nosler
Mike
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
That's my favorite way to have guns built! Let the smith do what they do best instead of sitting on the phone ordering parts.
What's a rough estimate on turn around times, assuming the customer supplied all the necessary parts?
I agree! Though I do make a little bit on the margins for parts but that covers my time in ordering and setting up the build sheet with the customer!
I like to have 6-8 weeks once all parts are in hand depending on the time of year. I got close to 20 builds on the books right now with the majority of them with completion dates in March-June. I've got a decent schedule right now.... took a lot of time off from sept-nov so wasn't taking many orders at that time!
Mike
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Post by: Timberstalker on January 04, 2017, 07:43:55 AM
Wow... That's a weird Convo.
Kind of a train wreck.
Post by: jasnt on January 04, 2017, 07:54:14 AM
I treat mine like a trekking pole :chuckle:I've used mine as a walking stick while packing a bear out. Once you get that first ding/scratch it's over from there. You won't be disappointed with a custom imo
Post by: BULLBLASTER on January 04, 2017, 08:43:00 AM
Besides you gotta wear all the new off before it's real cool!I treat mine like a trekking pole :chuckle:I've used mine as a walking stick while packing a bear out. Once you get that first ding/scratch it's over from there. You won't be disappointed with a custom imo
Post by: 2MANY on January 04, 2017, 09:16:37 AM
If you know what I mean.
Post by: MichaelJ on January 04, 2017, 09:21:49 AM
Gary Loomis built me a Loomis Composite, GL Loomis, Gary Loomis, Custom barrel, graphite rod that doubles as a golf club, that I eventually sold to Shimano.
If you know what I mean.
I'm kind of tracking. I can honestly tell you that Brad Loomis (my carbon fiber engineer/partner) has very little to no interaction and hasn't for a number of years with either Guy or G Loomis rods. Totally independent and not affiliated with G Loomis in any way shape or form. He started out years ago with them and got his basic knowledge from the G Loomis brand name but started his own thing years and years ago. There's a big family history there that I don't know much about nor care to get into.
Mike
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Post by: 2MANY on January 04, 2017, 09:31:35 AM
If BLRman recommends you I bet you do too.
The Loomis name was the bench mark of quality in graphite rods for years.
Trend setters back when I had them build my first one in 1984.
I was just being a wise azz because I've owned many Loomis products.
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 04, 2017, 10:51:50 AM
Gary Loomis built me a Loomis Composite, GL Loomis, Gary Loomis, Custom barrel, graphite rod that doubles as a golf club, that I eventually sold to Shimano.and that comment right there is why 2MANY is in my top 10 most favorite people on huntwa :chuckle:
If you know what I mean.
Post by: MichaelJ on January 04, 2017, 12:07:27 PM
I bet Brad knows his stuff.
If BLRman recommends you I bet you do too.
The Loomis name was the bench mark of quality in graphite rods for years.
Trend setters back when I had them build my first one in 1984.
I was just being a wise azz because I've owned many Loomis products.
We've come a long way with our barrels and Brad is definitely a mad scientist when it comes to composites! It's been good bringing in the knowledge from my side of rifles and combining it with his knowledge of composites. I've got some barrels going out to a company right now for testing to see if we can maybe start to up our volume capability. Each barrel is wrapped by hand and it's extremely time consuming but the materials require it. Got some things in the works to help out with that but no timeline on it yet.
Btw I just finished up this 28 Nosler a this morning.... did all the work myself and everything! 😂
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Post by: BULLBLASTER on January 04, 2017, 12:22:50 PM
In seriousness. That is a good looking trekking pole!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 04, 2017, 12:24:35 PM
Ehh.... who cares about that 28 nosler! Get on to the good ones like ti action 300 win mags! And quit wasting time on huntwa! :chuckle::chuckle: you didn't go 28 Noslwr!?!?!?!?! What a LOSER!!!!!
In seriousness. That is a good looking trekking pole!
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 04, 2017, 12:28:26 PM
Post by: BULLBLASTER on January 04, 2017, 12:35:50 PM
I've been shooting my HCA Carbon a lot the last few weeks and one thing I've noticed is how fast it disapates heat. Ill get a good string of rounds down the pipe and I'll get some pretty good heat wave for a few seconds and then gone! Makes load developement and trajectory validation pretty nice.That couldn't be because it's -45 degrees outside? :bash:
:sry:
Post by: Karl Blanchard on January 04, 2017, 12:38:39 PM
only over in Spokompton!I've been shooting my HCA Carbon a lot the last few weeks and one thing I've noticed is how fast it disapates heat. Ill get a good string of rounds down the pipe and I'll get some pretty good heat wave for a few seconds and then gone! Makes load developement and trajectory validation pretty nice.That couldn't be because it's -45 degrees outside? :bash:
:sry:
Post by: BULLBLASTER on January 04, 2017, 12:42:34 PM
:chuckle: hurry with getting that sucker dialed... I know of some chickens that need tipping over!only over in Spokompton!I've been shooting my HCA Carbon a lot the last few weeks and one thing I've noticed is how fast it disapates heat. Ill get a good string of rounds down the pipe and I'll get some pretty good heat wave for a few seconds and then gone! Makes load developement and trajectory validation pretty nice.That couldn't be because it's -45 degrees outside? :bash:
:sry:
Post by: MichaelJ on January 04, 2017, 12:46:45 PM
Ehh.... who cares about that 28 nosler! Get on to the good ones like ti action 300 win mags! And quit wasting time on huntwa! :chuckle:
In seriousness. That is a good looking trekking pole!
Lmao! Patience is a virtue.... at least thats what I'm told! You're action will be here in about a month, everything else is a bit on the slow side but it's cold out and you don't want to be shooting outside anyways! :)
Mike
Post by: BULLBLASTER on January 04, 2017, 12:50:29 PM
I might be one of the most impatient people there is... :chuckle:Ehh.... who cares about that 28 nosler! Get on to the good ones like ti action 300 win mags! And quit wasting time on huntwa! :chuckle:
In seriousness. That is a good looking trekking pole!
Lmao! Patience is a virtue.... at least thats what I'm told! You're action will be here in about a month, everything else is a bit on the slow side but it's cold out and you don't want to be shooting outside anyways! :)
Mike
My brass showed up yesterday.
Post by: 2MANY on January 04, 2017, 12:51:11 PM
I bet Brad knows his stuff.
If BLRman recommends you I bet you do too.
The Loomis name was the bench mark of quality in graphite rods for years.
Trend setters back when I had them build my first one in 1984.
I was just being a wise azz because I've owned many Loomis products.
We've come a long way with our barrels and Brad is definitely a mad scientist when it comes to composites! It's been good bringing in the knowledge from my side of rifles and combining it with his knowledge of composites. I've got some barrels going out to a company right now for testing to see if we can maybe start to up our volume capability. Each barrel is wrapped by hand and it's extremely time consuming but the materials require it. Got some things in the works to help out with that but no timeline on it yet.
Btw I just finished up this 28 Nosler a this morning.... did all the work myself and everything! 😂
That is a nice looking gun but the broom finish on that concrete slab could have waited another 20 minutes.
Post by: Magnum_Willys on January 04, 2017, 12:52:58 PM
Post by: mountainman on January 04, 2017, 03:55:00 PM
Post by: MichaelJ on January 04, 2017, 04:07:03 PM
I've tested a few barrels he wrapped for me several years ago. Nice for a light, stiff barrel. Wasn't impressed with high volumn/high heat results, but no carbon can handle what we put them thru 👍
Good to hear! We've changed up the composites a bit I imagine since then. Customer of mine put down a sub MOA 20 shot group through his 280AI with my barrel, not bad taking into account shooter variables and he shoots off a bench and front sand bag. I'll typically see a gun that shoots in the low .3's open up to about 3/4MOA after 10-15 shots but then they hold good. Carbon isn't the only material in my barrels...
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Post by: bearpaw on January 13, 2017, 06:33:44 AM
Weatherby Mark V or Arroyo : 8.5# any caliber. 1 moa. $2500
Fierce Rifles 1 moa carbon barrel: $3,000
Christensen Rogue or Classic 2 carbon barrel - 1 moa $3,000
But to goto .5 moa = twice as much
Custom = .5 moa @ $4,000+
Fierce is guaranteeing .5 moa, I've been considering one of their guns, they really fit well when you shoulder them. I've heard they are behind in production, you are better off buying a rifle that's in stock rather than ordering one.
Post by: crabcreekhunter on January 14, 2017, 01:34:17 AM