Is a custom rifle worth it

[adoc65]

I own a rifle that is a very good tool, in the proper hands. It’s only as good as the d!ck behind the trigger.

 

[mtmuley]

That all falls apart under real world situations

Exactly. mtmuley

 

[Wind Gypsy]

Most anyone entry to mid level who has shot matches should learn real quick that they are the limitation if they have properly functioning (read: not necessarily “the best”) gear. When I’ve seen people with legit gear issues at matches it’s typically because they didn’t do their due diligence validating a load (too hot or had bad velocity data), had a new barrel speed up, had basic gun assembly issues, or their gear actually did suck.

That’s the biggest value to matches IMO. You are measured on the clock and have to leave your comfort zone.

 

[GoWyo!]

I wouldn’t know, I mainly run with A-series Sakos…so, what would I gain?

 

[antelopedundee]

I’m a 64 year old guy who has been blessed to have traveled and hunted hundreds of different animals all over the world. I love and collect weaponry of all kinds. I have about a dozen full blown custom rifles, a dozen semi-custom factory rifles and another 2-3 dozen mostly bone stock factory rifles. I easily have just as many shotguns and handguns as rifles. I often feel like I have more than I need and I’m sure that’s true, so I constantly work towards selling off some guns that I value the least as my priorities change. It’s a struggle letting some go but it’s also liberating to a degree and I still occasionally buy more guns that interest me. I enjoy shooting and hunting with my firearms but I also simply owning and caring for them. I have a couple of old $200 guns that shoot as well as most anyone needs one too under your typical hunting circumstances but the high end long range custom rifles really shine on that special once in a lifetime hunt with time, logistics, and other restrictions. You really do get what you pay for and it’s a whole different level of shooting confidence when you’re carrying the very best quality weapon for the job that you have trained with into the field.

IMO It’s obviously not for everyone but I think it’s worth it if you can afford it and if you’re a person who appreciates them. But I warn people that building a rifle exactly like you want it is extremely rewarding but also very addictive! I am not a wealthy man by any stretch and these guns are expensive! It’s hard to settle for less once you’ve tasted the best. I think you really have to carry and shoot the rifle of your dreams to be able to fully appreciate the experience of custom rifle builds.

Just my humble 2 cents worth.
Jeff

When someone asked Phil Gramm how many guns he should have, his response was; more than I need, but not as many as I want.

 

[BobT1105]

Most of my rifles have a few custom touches but I don’t consider them custom, simply customized. The only real custom rifle I own is a bench rest for score rifle, Stolle Panda, right bolt left port, glued in to a McMillan stock, Krieger barrel and Jewel trigger. It carries a 36x Sightron and is chambered in .30 Benchrest. It even uses Bibb custom 110 grain bullets. I do have a couple of full custom pistols built on XP100 actions that I like. Are custom rifles worth the price? I’m in the “it depends camp”. The precision bench rest games require one. Hunting with one I think is a luxury and if you can afford it then it’s fine but not a necessity. If you’re talking about as an investment, then usually not. Like pretty much anything else, there are some exceptions.

 

[JohnCushman]

My Savage Axis is a tack driver with good ammo, so is my Howa and Ruger American. It's all about finding ammo your rifle likes and trigger time.

 

[Mallardsx2]

I always thought it would be cool to have a custom gun but my factory guns simply shoot too good to complain.

If someone wants a custom gun I can’t fault them for it but I think there are a lot better things that money can be spent on.

 

[TN2shot07]

All of my hunting rifles have some level of customization (triggers, stocks, bolt work, cerakote, etc.) but I only have one custom. I sent my favorite 700 to the local Hunttalk gunsmith for a rebuild. Every time that rifle comes out of the safe I smile, worth every penny in my opinion. I got to pick everything I wanted and the work was second to none I’ve handled.

 

[Hunter0925]

I will bite. The answer is yes and no.
If you are an average shooter and you dont shoot often then no it isnt worth it. If you sell guns often then no it isnt worth it. If you dont reload then it may not be worth it.
If you shoot more than most and want sub half moa from your gun then it is worth it. If you have specific things you want (twist, length, weight etc) then it is worth it. If you are going to buy a factory gun and change the stock and trigger then a custom is worth it.
I do not personally own a factory rifle or action anymore. I have found the actions I like for certain purposes, the stocks that I like and the triggers I like. I haven't shot factory ammo in many years other than pistols, shotguns and plinking ammo. I don't have faith or feel comfortable with my rifles if I can't shoot them half moa or better at any distance that I hunt from prone positions off bipods.
They are worth it to me but I wasted a lot of money to figure that out. Do I get a return on investment when I sell? No.