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.

 

[1100RemingtonMan]

I have wondered if I would not be better off and sell all my Big Game Rifles and just have One Rifle and Yes it would be a 30-06 with a 24 inch standard weight barrel.
I have never hunted with one my self but my Father and Brother have and everything I have witnessed is 100% positive on Game.
If I ever make the Jump this will be it !

 

[Yooper906]

I built off a tikka and I would say it’s worth it. Granted, it’s “semi custom”. But my gun shoots lights out and much cheaper than a full custom.

 

[magnum44270]

Just buy a Seekins havak ph3

 

[MTGunner]

I started with a REM. 700, mountain rifle. Sent it to Holland to be rechambered in 260 AI, blue printed action and brake. Added a Jewel trigger. So far have too much into it. But, it is my meat rifle. Had it rebarreled with Lilia bbl. and PT&G recoil lug. More $$$$ into it. Added a Swarovski scope and level. More $$$$. Thus far it has accounted for numerous deer, both WT and mule. Many African plains game animals. Two Spanish Ibex and a Mouflon sheep. Many Texas exotic critters and feral hogs. So, it shoots as long as I do my part.
So, you have to ask yourself, is it worth the $$$$? Mine has yet to disappoint me. Would I get the $$$$ if I sold it…..NO. I have no intent to sell it as long as I can hunt. MTG

 

[rogerthat]

If it’s so common for peoples crypto to get stolen that raises a lot of concerns with crypto doesn’t it? This is a much more interesting topic than over priced rifles imo

 

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[Ballistic]

Lord Willing, I'll never shoot a factory rifle again. Accuracy is only part of it.

 

[shrapnel]

I would say it is worth it…

 

[Benfromalbuquerque]

I got $500 custom insoles once in 2022. Podiatrist carefully took impressions of my feet, vitals and rule out. Sent off for perfectly formed insoles with a cushy custom overlay.
Yet problem continued.
Turns out I was just living wrong and so after I reevaluated priorities the problem went away.
Still got ‘em and they’re still of use to me like as a reflection of an inflection point in life. No resale value and wouldn’t sell anyway because of the personal connection to them.
So yes, I know about buying custom. Blow your wad on custom builds in obscure calibers. Because it is for you to enjoy and the opinions of others be damned.

 

[Ben Lamb]

In your opinion is having a custom rifle built worth the $$$$

Yes.

Custom Ruger MkII - stock bbl & action with a stock rework, bbl sling stud and front sight added, free floated bbl and a timney trigger install - 1.5" set.

Custom Winchester 1917 P14 action in 338 WM - dumps 225 grain TTSX's into a dime at 100, quarter at 250.

Custom Ruger M77 tang in 7mm Mauser AI - just stupid accurate and pushes a 140 grain ttsx at 3050 fps.

Custom Mauser Model B w/ a 26" bbl octagonal in 35 whelen. Kills shit deader than dead.

I've got factory rifles that are all hand fitted productions from the 1860's - 1970's. They're all custom since they were made by craftsmen specializing in each piece and hand made to order. The fit and finish as well as quality of material is rock solid over 100 years later.

Do modern manufacturing tolerances and methods mean hand-fitted is dead? No, but you can get similar quality for less and that's pretty darned cool.

Get what you want. Don't worry about what others think. They're idiots anyway.