New Rifle..Custom Gun or Non Custom ?

[BIGR]

Ok guys and girls I am thinking about getting a new bolt rifle for big game (mainly but not limited to Deer). For some reason I am going off the deep end on this purchase. For years I have hunted big game with semi auto rifles and on occasion have carried one of my bolt guns. I have the model 7's, 700's and 70's but want something that is different. All of my bolt guns are right hand. I shoot a long gun left handed. Cost would be limited to $2300.00. I would rather not spend that kind of money but if there is a rifle around $ 1200.00 or so that would do the job that would be better. I have several decisions to make on this and I want any input on this.

1. Is a custom rifle worth the extra money? If it is would you get a factory custom rifle or get one from H & S Precision, Ed Brown, Rifles INC. ETC. I know Remington has some custom rifles in the KS Mountain Rifle Series and in left hand model. Are they worth it?
2. Should I get a left hand model being that I am left handed. I suppose it would be safer in the event of case failure?
3. This rifle would need to be less than 7 LBS. (bare gun) for mountain hunting.
4. I like to try a different caliber say.....something like a flat shooting 7 MM Ultra Mag. Anyone familar with that caliber? I have several 30.06 ' S .
5. The finish would either have to be weather resistant (stainless or a teflon coated).

I know I am throwing alot of stuff at you but I have faith that you expert gun guru's will jump all over this and digest it like a pro. Any input will be appreciated. Don't feel bad about hurting my feelings. If a high dollar gun does not shoot much better than the factory guns tell me.

 

[dakotasin]

you need to pose this same question on www.24hourcampfire.com ... there are some hardcore hunters and mountain hunters (and some very noted gunsmiths) there that can steer you right.

to answer your question... yes, go custom. start w/ a rem 700 adl. sell the barrel, and stock. send the gun off to a trusted 'smith w/ whom you've had much phone conversation and emails w/ discussing exactly what you want, minimums, maximums, finishes, expectations, etc. while your gun is at the 'smith, decide on the stock type you'd like. if you want a fiberglass one, get ahold of mcmillan, and discuss weights, finishes, and styles, then order one. if you want wood, determine the type you want, the grade, how it is to be inletted, etc etc... for laminates, check into boyds... they make their laminates light (for an extra charge) but cutting pockets out of the butt and forend.

for the finish, while you are at the campfire, do a search on finishes (teflon coating)... there are some reccomendations on who can do them, and why one is better than another.

ok, for caliber... the ultra-mags shoot very flat, no doubt, but i think that they go beyond the point of diminishing returns. they suck up over 100 grains of powder per shot, and get a marginal increase in velocity over the 7 stw - and w/ the stw's 80 grains of powder per shot, it is not far behind the rum's in velocity, but is way ahead in shots per pound etc... but, if you build custom, you have to get what you want...

oh, yeah... since you are left handed, you should build this gun left handed. that's the point of a custom: no compromises, built to your specs, to fit you.

 

[redneck2]

As a practical matter...

custom is pretty much a waste of money in terms of accuracy for hunting. You or I probably can't hold well enough in a hunting situation to tell the difference.

Now, if it's what you want and can afford, go for it. I've got guns in my safe that are totally impractical (1885 Browning BPCR in .45-90 for example) that I think are cool and I wanted so I got 'em. If somebody doesn't agree, they can buy what they want.

FWIW...guides usually cringe when they see somebody show up with custom Superwhizbangmagnum. The hotrod rounds sell gun magazines and make good stories for guys that can't or won't shoot.

If you want something "practical", get a Remington 700 LH in 7 mag, get the action trued up, and a Hart, Lilja, Kreiger, etc barrel put on it. Benchrest accuracy, shoots flat, and will take anything you're after with factory ammo. Plenty of power but the recoil is tolerable.