LopeHunter
Well-known member
Abso-fricken-lutely!
That said, no one needs a custom rifle to be a successfully harvest big game. I will now never buy a rifle that is not custom, though. Just as I will never buy average optics anymore.
Hunted big game for 35 years using mostly Winchesters. Those rifles got the job done as I knew the limitations of me and the rifles.
I now only use five guns. Two are custom. Not the handgun, turkey shotgun nor my wing-shooting shotgun.
Custom rifle for larger than mule deer and another custom rifle for mule deer and smaller.
Each custom rifle is dialed in for one bullet weight and one load. I carry a laminated cheat sheet for wind drift, etc, for each rifle.
I would never have bought a custom rifle until I had obtained very good glass for binos and spotter and scope. Those tools are a bigger factor on my typical hunt.
I never would have bought a custom rifle if had to finance. Family obligations come first.
If have the cash and have another 30 big game tags in your future then a custom rifle has to be a consideration.
Here is why custom is on the table assuming the gunsmith is top-notch:
Trigger was perfect. Scope eye relief was perfect. Stock to cheek fit was effortless. I got two lugs on the forearm. One for shoulder strap and one for detachable bipod. LOP was perfect for me wearing winter clothes. Bolt angle. Safety style. Fantastic balance. Reduced weight. All perfect. Comfortable. Great accuracy for greater distances than I would ever shoot at an unwounded animal.
Likely boosted confidence as well. My ego liked having a tool that nice.
But, optics first.
That said, no one needs a custom rifle to be a successfully harvest big game. I will now never buy a rifle that is not custom, though. Just as I will never buy average optics anymore.
Hunted big game for 35 years using mostly Winchesters. Those rifles got the job done as I knew the limitations of me and the rifles.
I now only use five guns. Two are custom. Not the handgun, turkey shotgun nor my wing-shooting shotgun.
Custom rifle for larger than mule deer and another custom rifle for mule deer and smaller.
Each custom rifle is dialed in for one bullet weight and one load. I carry a laminated cheat sheet for wind drift, etc, for each rifle.
I would never have bought a custom rifle until I had obtained very good glass for binos and spotter and scope. Those tools are a bigger factor on my typical hunt.
I never would have bought a custom rifle if had to finance. Family obligations come first.
If have the cash and have another 30 big game tags in your future then a custom rifle has to be a consideration.
Here is why custom is on the table assuming the gunsmith is top-notch:
Trigger was perfect. Scope eye relief was perfect. Stock to cheek fit was effortless. I got two lugs on the forearm. One for shoulder strap and one for detachable bipod. LOP was perfect for me wearing winter clothes. Bolt angle. Safety style. Fantastic balance. Reduced weight. All perfect. Comfortable. Great accuracy for greater distances than I would ever shoot at an unwounded animal.
Likely boosted confidence as well. My ego liked having a tool that nice.
But, optics first.
