Is a custom rifle worth it

[LopeHunter]

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.

 

[JT88]

If you want to shoot competition sized groups, yes. If you want to hunt, no. If you want to hunt long range, slap yourself in the face

 

[turbobrick]

I've had some budget guns, some special factory guns, many semi-custom guns, and a few fully custom guns. With the quality of many guns these days, and the strength of the aftermarket, the need for a custom is much smaller than it used to be.

That being said, my Defiance action rifle built by @van franke at Plains Precision Firearms, is everything I've ever wanted in a gun, its perfect. I think it took me building a couple before, learning from those experiences, and Van's guidance to make that the best rifle.

I think you, as the end user, will need to be looking for; something that isn't really made by anyone, an unusual cartridge, a strange configuration, special accommodation, to make a custom worth it. You also need to be experienced enough to know what you cannot get from an off the shelf gun, and how a custom will get you there.

Paul, @p_ham is putting together a new custom for me right now. Its in an offbeat cartridge, unusual action, funny configuration, and with his added input and skill, I think its going to be awesome. Finding a skilled smith, and allowing them to guide you to success is key IMO.