Buying a custom rifle. What to get.

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Agsalaska

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Yea yea I know. These threads are a dime a dozen. But I am in this position right now and want to make sure I cover all angles.

I am going to by a custom rifle in 2015. I am not interested in any AR or any other semi platform. Bolt action rifle with a wood stock. I have a lot of nice rifles but am always afraid to mess them up in the field. I start to like them too much. Because of this I safe queen most of them and use a much cheaper rifle, like my 760 and 788, for actual killing.

But I am 37 and want to buy the gun to hunt Texas deer with for the rest of my life. It will also be a hog and general purpose ranch rifle. I may take it one day to hunt Elk but could also just buy a different rifle for what would most certainly be a rare trip.

I am also left handed, so it must be available in LH if it is a bolt.

I am leaning towards a Cooper Custom in 30-06 with a walnut stock and a high gloss finish. They will, as I understand it, make a LH bolt. I have every intention of banging it around and using the hell out of it with no regrets or consideration to depreciating value.

But if it was you buying this rifle, a custom rifle, considering money is not a real option up to 5 or 6k at least, what would it be.
 
I have a lot of nice rifles but am always afraid to mess them up in the field.
Click to expand...
Hmmmmm?

Think this through to the logical conclusion.

A Cooper Custom will be far far nicer then anything you have now.

And if you are afraid to use the ones you have now?
Why do you think you wouldn't be even more afraid to use a new Cooper.

You sound like a guy that should buy a stainless / synthetic beater to hunt with.
Then have your way with it in the field and not worry about it nearly as much.

rc
 
Nothing wrong with a 30-06. But if I'm going full custom I want something out of the mainstream. I'd consider 280 if you reload, possibly a 280 AI which will almost duplicate 7mm magnum power. I've had 280's in the past, there isn't anything magical about them and in reality the 30-06 does everything the 280 does with less hassle. But the 280 doesn't give up a thing and at least on paper is a tad better. But it is a lot cooler to say you have a 280 than a 30-06 like everyone else does. With 160-175 gr bullets even the standard 280 is plenty for that future elk hunt.

Added after RC post

If it were mine it would also be SS in a McMillan Edge stock. But you seemed set on walnut.
 
Get it in a McMillan fiberglass stock, then you'll actually use it all the time. Buy a Remington SPS Stainless 30-06, replace the trigger with a Timney or Jewell or Rifle Basix. Have the full action bedded in Accra Glass gel and mount a Leopold VX-2 3-9X40mm onto Talley Lightweight rings/bases. Way more use and fun will be had this way...not just another safe queen.
 
My friend just had his Model 70 turned into the rifle of his dreams by Hill Country Rifles in New Braunfels TX....

If I ever have a custom hunting rifle built they will be the first call I make.
Will
 
I have every intention of banging it around and using the hell out of it with no regrets or consideration to depreciating value.
Click to expand...

And you want high gloss walnut? What's in the safe you don't want to use. I got a GREAT deal on a pristine Win M12 16ga years back. Then I found out it was worth more then I realized so I didn't hunt with it for a year. Then I realized it was the fastest, slickest upland gun I owned and it was made to use. Have hunted with that gun over 35 years now and have enjoyed every minute of it !
If you WANT a new "working"gun look at a major mfg stainless, have the trigger worked and drop it into a good after market stock. Decent glass on top and for under $1500 you could have a top line rifle. 308 or 30-06 would be a great choice if you don't reload.
 
You certainly came to the right place for advice. After reading several of these
similar threads lately, we've been thinking about a custom gun also. But I tend to think one rifle isn't going to do it, for us at least. The key word(s) I picked up on was a possible future "ELK HUNT". One thing we learned for sure is you don't want to miss the "elk of a lifetime" with an under powered cartridge smaller than say a 300 wsm (no matter you can load up a 30/06 to about the same). And since you will also want to waste as little meat as possible on the
future elk hunt and Texas deer, a 375 H&H is preferable. Especially if you are "road hunting" in some of the lofty peaks up near the Canadian border in
"marginal light conditions" where you need to "DRT them right there" as we like to say in this part of the country. Of course this may not be for you if you're not in top shape like most of the heemen (and heewomen) that are common in these parts. Expert elk hunters all.

For our part, we'd like to strictly hunt in daylight hours, but we are considering researching, with the appropriate authorities, this "road hunting" business, to see what's legal and what's not (or even if any of it is) since that's a new thing to us. So we are leaning towards a custom double barrel 375 H & H with the triggers wired together for that aspect of the hunt. And kind of leaning towards a custom double barrel 458 win, with the triggers wired together on this as well, as a walking around gun for our local deer and maybe some pot hunting for a cottontail now and then. Mainly to damage as little meat as possible.
Not sure on the scope and mounts yet, but we're leaning on having the barrels "dovetailed" for the tried and true "tip off" rings. OYE
 
There are several suggestions to rework a commercial rifle purchase, but every one of them I've read have ignored replacing the barrel. The barrel is the biggest determining factor for accuracy, so if i'm going for a "custom" rifle, I'm replacing the barrel with either a Krieger or Bartlien barrel in the caliber of choice. Basically, pick the action that is solid and gives you the left handed option you like and build around it.

I did a custom build for my son and chose a Defiance action (manufacturer for G.A. Precision Templar) and I'm sure they can do a left handed option. I mated a Krieger barrel in 7mm-08, Timney trigger and HS Precision stock to it with a sharp Duracoat finish on the stock. It's topped with a Leupold VX-III scope and Warne rings and shoots great.

I don't know what the "perfect" caliber of choice would be for you, but if I had to do it over again, the only thing I might change is going with a Bartlien barrel because of their support of long range/precision shooting sports.

I think I'm around $3500 (but no more than $4000) into the rifle, so it can be done easily within your budget with top end parts. Have fun with it.

If you already have nice rifles you don't want to mess up, make this one durable and forget a wood stock. Make this one fully functional/indestructable and go with a synthetic stock, make the action and barrel stainless steel, or blued and cerakoted. If you want the custom rifle to last a lifetime, make it from parts that will last a lifetime.
 
Custom doesn't have to mean fancy. I have a couple of rifles that I restocked to fit me better. They come up like a rifle is supposed to and I do not need to look for the sights. Another custom rifle I had was an 1895 Winchester that was reworked from 30 US to 405 WCF. Everything on the rifle was stock except for the chambering.

Of course, beautiful wood grain or engraving are pretty but a simple custom rifle will be a pleasure to own.

Kevin
 
How far are you shooting game? How much do you want it to weigh? Any concerns about overall length? Do you intend to get any training or have ideas about learning to run a rifle differently or more efficiently?
 
rcmodel said:
Hmmmmm?

Think this through to the logical conclusion.

A Cooper Custom will be far far nicer then anything you have now.

And if you are afraid to use the ones you have now?
Why do you think you wouldn't be even more afraid to use a new Cooper.

You sound like a guy that should buy a stainless / synthetic beater to hunt with.
Then have your way with it in the field and not worry about it nearly as much.

rc
Click to expand...
You sound like my conscience. And I am going to make an exception for this one particular rifle.
 
Ok I know I sound like a broken record sometime but if you want a once in a life rifle why not take a look at the 375H&H? Less harsh recoil then the other magnums, in fact I have shot light 30-06 rifles that are more unpleasant to shoot than my 375.

If you hand load you can tailor loads to your specific game. There are a couple of members here that have demonstrated that the 375 can be used on deer with great success. Load a mid weight bullet and go hunting. Want hogs, great load any weight you want. Want elk load 250 or 270gr bullets and hunt with confidence. Contrary to popular belief the 375 does less meat damage than the other big magnums so you are left with more usable meat.

The other argument I hear is the weight of the rifle. My rifle with optics weights right around 9 lbs. I am 35, not in the best shape and have asthma. If I can carry my rifle at 11,000ft for elk hunts then that argument is lost.

The other neat thing about the round is that there is very little poi shift across the range of bullet weights. Much less that just about any other rifle. And they tend to be very accurate. I have put 3 rounds, all mine will hold, into an area 3"x3" area from a seating position using my knees as support from about 500y.

The only change I would make would be a McMillan stock. A hand oiled presentation wood stock has no place on a working rifle.

Montana Rifles makes a number of rifles in LH so that might be a thought as well.

One world, one rifle. And 375H&H is it.
 
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Agsalaska;

I did the very same thing just a couple of years ago. I bought a Tikka left hand gun that was chambered in a perfectly useless caliber the world would be better off without and had a Lilja 22" 6.5 X 55mm Swedish Mauser tube screwed into it. But first, the action was trued and the weird-Alice floating recoil lug was eliminated, replaced with a Remington type & the flats perfectly matching the receiver. The barrel was a heavy sporter weight and profile.

The stockmaker allowed me to pick from his blanks when it came to the wood. Therefore, it's a nice chunk of walnut but not so spectacular that it hurts to have the normal hunting use mark it. It's very nice having a stock proportioned to fit my particular ergonomics. Not that mine are odd, its just that the stock fits me. A good friend of mine checkered it, and really did an outstanding job.

It's topped with a Zeiss Conquest in Talley rings. The scope is the now out of production MC44 3.5-10X 44mm with the Zeiss #43 reticle.

A real bonus was that the trigger did not need to be replaced. Simply "fussing" with the stock unit produced an excellent hunting trigger.

The barrel was specifically chambered for the Sierrra 140 grain Gamekings, and my load leaves at around 2725 fps. It will consistently shoot .5's and has done as well as .26's, from a sporter barrel. Having used it, I can confidently state that the Swede would be ideal for your stated uses of deer, hogs, and possibly elk. I live in Outer Montana, hunt elk with it, and don't feel in the least under-gunned. That 140 grain would, I think, go through a brick wall at a hundred yards.

900F
 
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I appreciate the comments and suggestions so far. I have been on that Montana rifle sight now for a while. I have seen those before and not sure why they slipped my mind. To address some of the feedback:

- I understand it seems kind of strange that I want to buy an expensive custom rifle that I am willing to freely use after also saying that I have had trouble with this with other, even less expensive rifles(Ruger #1 for example). I have committed to making an exception with this one very similarar to ford8nr's post number 6.

- I have considered and am open to any real caliber choice. I hunted this year with a .222 rem mag. I like oddball calibers and have a lot. But for some reason I always seem to kill with my 30-06. But the .375 H&H, like Robert suggested, is certainly worthy of consideration as is any 30 mag, 7 or 264 mag, .280, any Weatherby mag, etc. I do not reload and do not plan to, but I am not really concerned with cost per shot as long as it is commercially available.

- Lastly, it has a lot of it has to do with looks over practicality. Thats why I want the walmut stock and high gloss finish. I just love the look of those rifles. The furthest I carry a rifle is about two miles thru mesquite and cactus, but no real elevation changes. Therefore I am not too concerned about weight. I know I mentioned the possible elk hunt in the future but like I said I wouldnt sacrifice anything in this rifle for that.


I do appreciate the feedback. I have taken something from every post and am considering everything posted. I like reading your wide range of experiences. Everything is on the table for me.
 
CB900F said:
Agsalaska;

I did the very same thing just a couple of years ago. I bought a Tikka left hand gun that was chambered in a perfectly useless caliber the world would be better off without and had a Lilja 22" 6.5 X 55mm Swedish Mauser tube screwed into it. But first, the action was trued and the weird-Alice floating recoil lug was eliminated, replaced with a Remington type & the flat perfectly matching the receiver. The barrel was a heavy sporter weight and profile.

The stockmaker allowed me to pick from his blanks when it came to the wood. Therefore, it's a nice chunk of walnut but not so spectacular that it hurts to have the normal hunting use mark it. It's very nice having a stock proportioned to fit my particular ergonomics. Not that mine are odd, its just that the stock fits me. A good friend of mine checkered it, and really did an outstanding job.

It's topped with a Zeiss Conquest in Talley rings. The scope is the now out of production MC44 3.5-10X 44mm with the Zeiss #43 reticle.

A real bonus was that the trigger did not need to be replaced. Simply "fussing" with the stock unit produced an excellent hunting trigger.

The barrel was specifically chambered for the Sierrra 140 grain Gamekings, and my load leaves at around 2725 fps. It will consistently shoot .5's and has done as well as .26's, from a sporter barrel. Having used it, I can confidently state that the Swede would be ideal for your stated uses of deer, hogs, and possibly elk. I live in Outer Montana, hunt elk with it, and don't feel in the least under-gunned. That 140 grain would, I think, go through a brick wall at a hundred yards.

900F
Click to expand...
Doing something like this is also tempting.
 
+1 for the .375 H&H.

I built mine with a Rem 700 XCR II that I restocked, free-floated and glass-bedded in a B&C Medalist Sporter stock in the Weatherby configuration, I replaced the X-Mark Pro factory trigger with a Timney 510, set by Timney at 3.5 lbs, and scoped it with a Zeiss Conquest 3-9x40 with Rapid Z600 reticle and mounted in Leupold QR bases and rings. I also added a Leupy VX3 in 1.5-6x24, also in QR rings. Both return very close to their zeros when I remount them though I range test whichever setup I'm going to use before going out to ensure my desired zero.

I'll take this baby anywhere (it's weatherproof, scratch and scuff proof) to hunt anything on this planet (I have no plans for big pachyderms...if I did, I'd step up to a .404 Jeffery or .458 Win) and have less than $2,500 into the rifle, 2 scopes, bases/rings and trigger plus some gunsmithing. It's a 5-shot 3/4" shooter at 100 yards with my handholds and Nosler Trophy Grade 260 gr Partitions (October range session off the bench).

375HampH260grNoslerPartitions_zpsfcd35043.jpg

Harry
 
Perception and attitude is everything. It gives me much more pleasure to hunt with my "nice" rifles BY FAR than anything plainer or more utilitarian. Even if they do get the occasional nick, scratch or ding. It enhances my experience in the field and makes success all the more sweeter. I take care of my guns but don't worry about the minor bumps and bruises that might be incurred. I've been eyeballing a custom CZ in .416Rigby or perhaps .500Jeffery for my eventual trip (or two or three) to Africa. Thanks to .35Whelen for the link.

http://americanhuntingrifles.com/?page_id=33
 
A .375 H&H Mag love fest .... AWESOME! I've built three custom rifles with Krieger barrels but those days are over for me. I'd rather buy a well executed factory rifle these days. I haven't done a thing to the Talkeetna below other than add a scope, rings and a front sling swivel. I haven't even adjusted the excellent trigger. It shoots great (see 100 yard target below) and has a glassy smooth action. I'm picky so I might check the bolt lugs this spring and lap if necessary. I got mine at a significant discount but consider them to be worth every penny of the MSRP. The barrel is basically a custom barrel from the factory so upgrading to a Krieger or similar wouldn't be worth the cost.

kimber_talkeetna_01.jpg

250gr_ttsx_3shot_grp.jpg
 
I had a custom hunting rifle made years ago. It is a great gun rem action, lightwt McMillian stock, turned barrel and action, etc. Great rifle in 300 wm. Since then I picked up a rem custom shop in 375 h&h. Great rifle, super accurate, better rifle in every way, and it was half the price of the custom. I recently acquired some Kimber montana and mountain ascent versions in 308 and 300wsm. No way would I go for a custom rifle with what is available commercially. That's just me though.
 
Despite what I posted above about my .375 H&H, I also agree with casefull about the quality of what's available "off the shelf" today. My most recent acquisition is a Sako 85 Bavarian in .300 WSM. The stock is simply beautiful nicely figured oiled walnut with Rosewood embellishments, the action is smooth as can be and, if it stops snowing here in CO, I'm going to sight it in this week before I head to CMP in Anniston for the Advanced Maintenance Class for the M1 Garand. Sako gives a 5-shot < 1 MOA guarantee for the rifle...I'm expecting that to hold with Nosler Trophy Grade ammo while I start to work up loads for this rifle.

Cheers,

Harry
 
My M70 is a beautiful rifle but it came with some issues. Winchester did not bed the rifle correctly or cut the crown correctly at the factory. I discovered these issue only weeks before hunting season. It cost me a fair amount in smithing fees to get it bedded and fixed in time to zero and be ready for elk season. Now it is an amazing rifle. Not so much when I first took it out of the box.

That being said, it has some beautiful wood for a factory rifle and the stock fits me like it was fitted to me. It shoulders better than any other rifle I own, it points like an extension of my body and the trigger is decent. But if I were going to spend the money again I'd get something like that Montana rifle in my link above. Not a true "custom" but better than an off the rack rifle. With what I paid for my rifle and then to have a smith fix Winchester's issues I could have bought that Montana.
 
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