[Nightcrawler]

What rifle would you have made if you, say, won a lot of money and could afford a completely custom job, if you wanted one? Or, what rifle do you wish some company would make?

I'd like a version of the Robinson M96 in .308, taking FAL mags. Chrome lined barrel, completely modular. Rifle, carbine, top fed, etc., all in one.

In the Bren configuration with a 30-round FAL mag (a converted Bren .308 mag) it'd be really cool to have.

That's what I'd like. What about you?

[Beav]

Hmm...probably something like a Walther W2000 in .338 lapua or something like that.

[ShaiVong]

TANGO-51
or
HK PSG-1

[BenW]

Left-handed 98 Mauser conversion to either a .308 Win or .338 magnum.

[Soap]

I would want a pair of these in .308:

http://www.brockmansrifles.com/bolt_action_prac.asp

[4Truck]

The new Weatherby TRR in .30-378 Weatherby Magnum, of course with the price of that ammo, you would need to be independantly wealthy...

[Marko Kloos]

I could live with a HK G36-type rifle chambered in .308 or .243 Winchester.

[Schuey2002]

A dream photo of my "dream" rifle.:D
http://www.gun-world.net/H&K/g36/g36cacces.JPG
Sorry about the size. :uhoh:

[Skunkabilly]

http://www.hkpro.com/image/g36cfire.jpg

Awwwwwwwwww! Cuuuuuuuuute!!!!

[Kronos]

A pump-action AR-15 mutation with a folding stock, standard magazine well, 16 in barrel and bayo lug.

[Dave Markowitz]

Well, I have two dream rifles.

1. An early Lancaster-style flintlock longrifle, left-handed, swamped 40" barrel, with a super-premium grade curly maple stock, in .54 caliber with a 1:66" rifling twist..

2. A southpaw No.4 Lee-Enfield in 7x57mm.

[MarineTech]

I don't want some futuristic or gee whiz gun. I want Winchester to bring back the Model 52C rifle. Probably one of the best .22s of all time.


With that said, Skunk what the heck is that in the picture?

[ShaiVong]

Isnt that yer olde HK G36?

[Schuey2002]

Skunk and I are displaying H&K G36C's..:D

[Art Eatman]

At the moment, a 700 Ti in 7mmWSM but with a 24" barrel, all trued and bedded. And a set of loading dies.

:), Art

[cratz2]

A few come to mind:

First and foremost: A slicked up, trued, lapped, cryo'd, bedded, floated, crowned, firelapped, Pre-64 Winchester Model 70 action with a 24" heavy sporter barrel in 257 Roberts Improved with no iron sights. Charcoal blue with a pretty stock with a little figure in it. With a nice old Swarovski 6x42 scope. Nothing too fancy, just perfect in every way.

A matching rifle in 6.5x55.

A Winchester Model 94 in 454 Cassul that somehow would be strong enough to handle the big boomers indefinately. Probably mostly put 45 Colt through her though. About a 24" barrel and Lyman tang sight.

An extra heavy (1.2" barrel) benchrest rifle, probably on a 40X action chambered in 6.5-284 with a Nightforce 12-42x56 scope. Maybe in 338 Lapua if I felt I could handle the recoil. Sort of hard to estimate recoil of a heavy caliber in a heavy rifle.

[Skunkabilly]

Heck, if I got just a regular semi-auto G36 I'd be jumping for joy.

[SodaPop]

A select fire FAL in .223.

[Tamara]

I'm in one of my recurring, intermittent phases where I get all spun up over the Steyr AUG. Don't worry, it'll pass.

Last week I was this -><- close to buying a Steyr Scout in .376, because I suddenly got it into my head that I needed to be ready in case any man-eaters snuck into my back yard... ;)

[T.Stahl]

I think I'd be pretty happy with any full-size G3. G3A3, G3A4, G3SG1, ...
Hmm, how about a G3SG1 with an HK79 attached? :cool:

No, just gimme a nice, factory new G3A3 and I'll be happy. :)

[Tamara]

http://www.thehighroad.org/attachment.php?s=&postid=85063

:neener:

;)

You can come shoot it any time you're in TN.

[JMLV]

A Ruger # 1 in caliber 45/70. I have always admired the sleek lines and balance of the number just never found one I could afford when I could afford one. Got lucky found one at an excellent price and in my caliber too! Removed the scope and set it up for factory irons(I hope to add one of those peep sights that fits in the scope mounts someday soon). Only complaint is the recoil pad needs replacing. Once that is done and the peep sight added the gun will be exactly what I always wanted. sorry no pictures of the rifle collection yet. :D

[Marshall]

This Mauser M98 Mag would be nice
http://www.mauserwaffen.de/m98m-g.jpg

BAR High Grade
http://www.browning.com/products/catalog/firearms/images/031004m.jpg

[chaim]

Don't know enough about rifles to know how I'd want a custom job configured but if I had the money for what I wanted here is my list of wants (all realistic if I buy a few every year or two):

-M1A (preferably a higher grade model but even the "base" model would more than do)
-M1 Garand
-M1 Carbine
-Uberti .357mag and .45lc lever rifles
-good quality AR 15, as close to the military M16A2 as possible
-CZ bolt gun, the 527 Carbine in 7.62x39 looks interesting
-Ruger 77, top end Winchester 70, Browning A-bolt or top end Remington 700 in 30-06
-same in .270
-Remington 7400 (caliber unimportant)
-Ruger PC9
-Marlin Camp Carbine in .45acp
-not sure which model but a nice reproduction of a Revolutionary War era musket or two
-not sure which models but a nice reproduction of a Civil War era rifled musket or two
-nice Mauser
-nice Fin Mosin-Negant
-nice Enfield and/or SMLE
-a Ruger Mini-14 (just for fun)

There are others I'll get. Some because they'll catch my eye, others because they are a bit less than the equivelent on my list, but these are what I really want.

[Kaylee]

because I'm in a silly mood this morning....


... how about an FN2000, all tricked out with subtle silver wire inlay in the housings, along the aesthetics of the LOTR Elvish scrollwork? Make a real Elven popgun.... :D

Hrm.. failing that..... whoever's making the Thompsons these days draws up a licensing agreement with whatever studio owns "Aliens" now and makes an aluminum-and-synthetic framed copy of the M41A. Chambering in either .223, .45ACP, or 10mm... and 12-guage, of course.

either would be great just for the kiddie-cool factor.

-K

[firestar]

MarineTech
"I don't want some futuristic or gee whiz gun. I want Winchester to bring back the Model 52C rifle. Probably one of the best .22s of all time."

I think Winchest has brought back the 52. I saw several at my local gun store and the guy said they were brand new. Apparently they are now making them or made them for a while recently. The price was about $600 but the wood didn't look as good as the older ones.

I would like a full custom .22 target rifle something about 10lbs would be nice.

[cratz2]

http://www.mauserwaffen.de/m98m-g.jpg

That is a beautiful rifle but I'd get so little use out of a 375 H&H or 416 Rigby. If they'd make that in something closer to a 270 Winchester or 30-06 or even a 300 Win Mag, I might start trying to scrape the funds together. ;)

[T.Stahl]

Tamara, don't make me search for an engineering consultant company near Knoxville. :D

BTW, is there any automotive or aeronautical industry in Tennessee?

[John Galt]

I'd have Speedy build me a custom Nesika Bay medium weight rifle in .243 WSSM & it would look like the one he built his wife.

Such a gun would probably be about $3200 without scope. $4000 total with scope, reload dies, etc. But, it would be real purdy & put all the bullets in the same hole.

[VictorLouis]

In short-action, left-hand.:D

[hksw]

My pipe-dream gun is still the PSG-1.

Maybe a PSG-1 in .300 WSM.

[Marshall]

Cratz2,

Isn't that M98 a dream? One the prettiest rifles I have seen. I am like you in the fact of having no need for a 375H&H or larger! However, it would probably spend most of it's time locked up regardless of cailiber, so......... hmmmmm? ;)

[MarineTech]

I think Winchest has brought back the 52. I saw several at my local gun store and the guy said they were brand new. Apparently they are now making them or made them for a while recently. The price was about $600 but the wood didn't look as good as the older ones.

Can anybody else corroborate this one? I haven't seen anything in the gun rags for the last couple years about a limited release and Winchester is not listing anything on their site.

Firestar, you sure that they weren't Anshutz rifles?

[cratz2]

Marshall, there used to be a website with several larger pictures of that rifle but I can't remember or find the URL.

Lovely pictures of a lovely rifle. :(

[Mute]

Phase plasma rifle in the 40 watt range.

[JohnBT]

MarineTech,

I don't know about current 52B reissues, but there are always the earlier Japanese reissue Browning/Winchester for $500 or $600.

Here's one of the 1993 guns for sale...

www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976307657.htm

John

[SteyrAUG]

Mine would have to be something practical like a HK59.

The HK59 would be a theoretical subgun chambered in .338 Lapau.

Oh baby. :evil:

[BHP9]

When I think of custom rifles I think of beauty , elegance, grace, class and in short a work of gun makers art. Not some new injection molded creation of plastic and sheet steel.

The rifle would of course be made on a classic 98 Mauser action of forged steel (no castings please) . Even today nothing comes close to its safety and reliablity under the extreme conditions of hunting.

The stock would be of highly figured walnut finished in a hand rubbed oil finish. It would of course have wrap around elegant hand checkering not machine cut checkering (there is a big difference in quality). It would have a fore end tip of rare exotic wood. It would have a steel pistol grip cap and perhaps a steel checkered butt plate (no I do not need a recoil pad for hunting unless the caliber is monsterous).

Detachable flush mount sling swivels.

The blueing would of course be highly polished.

The bolt engine turned.

Barrel 22 inches of 4140 steel (absolutely not stainless).

Gold engraved animal scenes on the floor plate and reciever.

A quick detachable scope with auxillary iron sights to be used as back up would be mandatory.

Caliber would probably be a toss up between the 7x57 Mauser or .280 Remington.

Weight would be about 7 1/2 lbs unloaded without scope.

Like most modern Homo Sapiens I am often forced to eat with plastic spoons, plastic plates, wear plasitc cloths, drive to work in a plastic car and sit behind a plasic computer and someday be buried in a plastic coffin. The last thing I want in a custom gun is plastic.

[TheFrontRange]

I can think of two right off-hand (and I'm sure could come up with more given a few more minutes)...

An M14E2, the BAR-like SAW version of the M14 with the pistol grip-style stock, heavy barrel, and bipod...and a pile of magazines and a few cases of 7.62 NATO.

A salty old Winchester saddle-ring carbine in .44-40.

Okay...one more...an M21 (M14) with a Leatherwood ARTII scope. I don't know if this is still the Army's sniper rifle setup but I remember reading about them as a kid and really loving the look of them!

[Dr.Rob]

Well that custom mauser is hard to beat.

Rob's idea of a custom rifle:

Magnum grade mauser action, (Rigby & Sons?) 2 cross bolts. Douglas barrel in .375 H&H magnum, 1/4 rib with 1 standing and 2 folding sights for 100, 200 and 300 yards. Rust-blued overall. Front sight can flip up to a luminous bead for close in-heavy brush work. Sling swivel mount on barrel for carry strap. Perhaps some mild engraving on the floorplate.

Figured walnut stock, buffalo horn end cap and grip cap, live rubber butt pad, hand checkered 24 lines per-inch at the wrist and fore-arm, which has a slight flare where your hand meets it. (2nd Field-grade stock for actually taking it in the bush)

Heavy english leather carry strap that matches the leather and canvas case it comes with, felt-lined naturally.

_________________________

Idea 2:

Coin finished chisel cut engraved double rifle in 45-70, (Bison on one side, Cape Buffalo on the other) stong enough to handle HOT 45-70 loadings, extractors rather than ejectors, had cut 24 lpi checkering, 2nd set of barrels in HEAVY caliber, like 470 NE, lots of nifty extras like a german silver grip cap, 1/4 rib, flip up night sight (like a large ivory bead) and a good travel case for it. Matching Howdah pistol in 45-70, coin finished chisel cut engraved side plates (Tiger on one side, Boar on the other) rust blued and it also fits in teh case.

___________________________

Custom rifles shouldn't look like everyone else's. If you can buy it off the shelf, it isn't really custom.

[rennaissancemann]

A Shiloh Sharps in 45-110 with creemore sights...

A Steyr Mannlicher in .243; with a full length stock, double set triggers, 6 power scope, and hand tooled sling.

Kaylee's idea for a functional "Aliens" reproduction has a very high custom coolness factor.

[Politically Incorrect]

An M14E2, the BAR-like SAW version of the M14 with the pistol grip-style stock, heavy barrel, and bipod...and a pile of magazines and a few cases of 7.62 NATO.

TheFrontRange, I agree!

Plus, I'd like a BAR chambered for the .416 Rigby just in case the elephants that escape from a circus charge in my direction. :neener:

I bet John Moses Browning never thought about that!

[Quintin Likely]

An AI L96A1 in .338 Lapua would be nice.

A real, honest to goodness M40A3 with a Unertl 10X scope.

And a PSG1 or MSG-90 just for kicks. :cool:

[Quintin Likely]

"Okay...one more...an M21 (M14) with a Leatherwood ARTII scope. I don't know if this is still the Army's sniper rifle setup but I remember reading about them as a kid and really loving the look of them!"

Army Special Forces still use the M21 in MOUT areas or places where "rapid, highly accurate lethal rifle fire is required." The primary sniper weapon system the Army uses is the M24.

And I agree, I'd like a real M21 or M25 (the Navy's version) myself :)

[H&Hhunter]

If money is no factor........Well.......It's going to be a Rigby or Evans .500 NE Double rifle with a set of 12 GA drop in barrells. For my African set up and I've already got the .375 of my dreams. But it would be hard to resist one of those M-98 mag rifles Ohhh baby.

For North america it'd be a couple of real nice weather proof light weight rifles one in a flat shooting mag and the other in a .30-06 or .308.

[Kahr carrier]

A Barrett 50 Bmg.:D

[TheFrontRange]

Army Special Forces still use the M21 in MOUT areas or places where "rapid, highly accurate lethal rifle fire is required." The primary sniper weapon system the Army uses is the M24.

Thank you for this info! I have a couple more questions, if you don't mind...first, is the M24 still an M14-based rifle? I'm guessing "yes" since you referred to the Navy version as an M25, but was just curious...it's been too long since I've read anything on this topic!

Plus, what does MOUT stand for? I know I've seen that acronym before and just cannot come up with the meaning.

Thanks again! :)

[TheFrontRange]

Plus, I'd like a BAR chambered for the .416 Rigby just in case the elephants that escape from a circus charge in my direction.

Ooo, yes, a BAR! My Dad was in the Marines right after the Korean War while the M1 Garand was still the issue rifle. Even though he was never one of the "BAR men" in his unit he's always spoken very highly of those weapons.

Dad was a grunt and got to travel most of the Mediterranean on manuevers. I don't remember where this took place, but their adversary for one exercise was a group of British Royal Marines. My Dad's fire team was hidden near a road when they saw a lone Brit buzzing up the road on a motorcycle. The BAR gunner snuck down into a ditch and waited, waited, waited...until the unsuspecting Brit was upon him...and the BAR man stood and let him have a whole magazine (blanks, of course)...my Dad said that English gentleman fairly well popped a wheelie and zipped right back from whence he came without skipping a beat!

Wasn't a semi-auto BAR released for sale a few years back?

[Politically Incorrect]

http://www.ohioordnanceworks.com/ offers the semi-auto BAR.

[wanderinwalker]

I would want either a nice Mauser 98 or a CRF Winchester model 70 action.

Chambering could be a .260 Rem, 6.5mm-06, .270 Win, .280 Rem, 7mm-08 Rem, .308 Win, .30-06, .338-06, .338-08, .35 Whelen, or .358 Win.

Would need a 20 inch medium-light contour barrel.

A nice, Mannlicher stock, in laminate, for weather toughness.

Open sights to back up the low-power (1-4x, 1.5-6x) variable scope I will mount on it.

That would give me a classy, high-intensity rifle adequate for most any nondangerous game animal on the planet, suitable to be carried just about anywhere. How could you go wrong with that?

(Until my dream comes true, I'll carry and shoot my .260 M700 Mountain Rifle. And drool over the Kevlar stocked Model 7.)

[Quintin Likely]

"Thank you for this info! I have a couple more questions, if you don't mind...first, is the M24 still an M14-based rifle? I'm guessing "yes" since you referred to the Navy version as an M25, but was just curious...it's been too long since I've read anything on this topic!"

No problem. Anywho, the M24 is a bolt gun, built by Remington using a model 700 long action, even though its chambered in .308, so the Army can update to the .300 Win Mag if they felt so inclined. Kinda like one of these:

http://www.remingtonle.com/rifle/m24.htm

"Plus, what does MOUT stand for? I know I've seen that acronym before and just cannot come up with the meaning."

Military Observations on Urbanized Terrain