Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: Mtnwalker on April 28, 2017, 05:40:26 PM

Title: Build VS buy
Post by: Mtnwalker on April 28, 2017, 05:40:26 PM: 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?
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: Crunchy on April 28, 2017, 05:52:54 PM: I'm having Rbros build my custom in 7mm, they just dont know it yet.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: high country on April 28, 2017, 06:04:10 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: AWS on April 28, 2017, 06:04:33 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: Mtnwalker on April 28, 2017, 06:21:13 PM: Quote
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
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: b23 on April 28, 2017, 07:52:17 PM: Quote from: Mtnwalker on April 28, 2017, 06:21:13 PM
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. :yike:
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: Biggerhammer on April 28, 2017, 08:15:12 PM: :yeah:
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: Taco280AI on April 28, 2017, 08:19:11 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: Alchase on April 28, 2017, 08:49:24 PM: Buying one it is a Tool.
Building one it is a tool and a hobby or obsession.
LOL
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: runamuk on April 28, 2017, 09:03:09 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: high country on April 28, 2017, 09:08:20 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: Magnum_Willys on April 28, 2017, 09:09:12 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: j_h_nimrod on April 28, 2017, 09:26:22 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: high country on April 28, 2017, 09:38:14 PM: 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.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: kselkhunter on April 28, 2017, 09:57:36 PM: 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.....
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: Magnum_Willys on April 28, 2017, 10:44:09 PM: Quote from: j_h_nimrod on April 28, 2017, 09:26:22 PM
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.
what bullet and powder are you trying ? Try 192 Bergers with Retumbo ?
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: Biggerhammer on April 28, 2017, 10:57:30 PM: Listen to the guys who have slapped a trigger a bunch. The rest are all "Google" happy and just trying to get and/or want to be there.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: kentrek on April 29, 2017, 02:26:20 AM: Titanium is light but it's not crazy light, rite at half the weight of steel I believe? ....and the carbon barrels still have a barrel under them ! I love my Christensen arms tho....amazing balance and accuracy for a gun that light..love that gun

Id have no problem getting a lone peak or defiance action and adding a carbon barrel of your choice to it......if you carry your gun safari style you appreciate the carbon on cold days! Id talk to the guys @ hells canyon armory and get there perspective on things
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: Biggerhammer on April 29, 2017, 08:24:43 AM: Is "Safari style" like "M60" style? :chuckle:
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: high country on April 29, 2017, 09:03:31 AM: One thing that you may or may not know is that super light rifles require a very disciplined technique to be accurate.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: Magnum_Willys on April 29, 2017, 09:46:03 AM: Quote from: high country on April 29, 2017, 09:03:31 AM
One thing that you may or may not know is that super light rifles require a very disciplined technique to be accurate.

Kirby Allen, one of the most respected gunsmiths out there who has built 1000's of long range rifles, rates his light rifles for a max of 800 yards or less just due to the limits on most shooters to hold a light rifle steady up to and through the shot himself included.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: high country on April 29, 2017, 11:02:21 AM: It takes someone willing to take a beating to be accurate for sure. I shoot my lightest rifles from bags on the bench and from my backpack in the field. If I can't get perfect hold on those rifles I just don't shoot. It really does make a difference. The recoil must be repeatable evey time for these to be accurate. Many people can't get perfect cheek weld on their light rifles and just try to cope with it.....which is tough to do repeatably.
Title: Re: Build VS buy
Post by: yorketransport on April 29, 2017, 07:46:45 PM: You could just have Mel Forbes build you a rifle; New Ultra Light Arms (NULA) rifles are hard to beat for an ultra light gun. Titanium actions and CF barrels are over priced hype. :twocents: