Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Bolt action rifles, lever action, pump action, self loading rifles and other miscellaneous longarms.

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by TassieTiger » 31 Oct 2019, 11:12 am

sungazer wrote:The difference comes down to design more than anything. What the design provides for is more rigidity and strength. The customs dont usually have mag wells and they dont have large open wells on the top. The bolt may or may not have an ejection piston, this presents the cartridge straight into the chamber without any side pressure. The ejection port can be made to order it is normally quite large so you can extract the cartridge with a finger if you dont have the ejection piston.

If you are going to hang a long thick barrel on a factory action that has really big cut outs on the top, the bottom and one side think if it is really designed for that purpose.


And the ultimate affect on accuracy ?
Tikka .260 (Z5 5x25/52)
Steyr Pro Varmint .223 - VX 3
CZ455 .22 & Norinco .22 (vtex 4-12, bush 3-9)
ATA 686 U/O 12g & Baikal S/S 12g.
Adler a110 reddot
Sauer 30-06 - VX 3
Howa 300 win mag. SHV 5-20/56
Marlin SBL 45/70
TassieTiger
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3704
Tasmania

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by sungazer » 31 Oct 2019, 11:49 am

@TassieTiger Well that is for you and every person to decide when they buy a gun. What is the value proposition that you are willing to purchase.

For me I have a variety of guns from cheap Howas to Sako 85 and custom, milsurp, bolt, pump, lever, break each fits a point that satisfies me.
sungazer
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
 
Posts: 1525
Other

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by bigrich » 31 Oct 2019, 12:19 pm

sungazer wrote:@TassieTiger Well that is for you and every person to decide when they buy a gun. What is the value proposition that you are willing to purchase.

For me I have a variety of guns from cheap Howas to Sako 85 and custom, milsurp, bolt, pump, lever, break each fits a point that satisfies me.


Variety is interesting for sure. I’ve owned and traded a lot of different stuff to find what fits what I want to do
User avatar
bigrich
Brigadier
Brigadier
 
Posts: 4485
Queensland

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by TassieTiger » 31 Oct 2019, 12:26 pm

sungazer wrote:@TassieTiger Well that is for you and every person to decide when they buy a gun. What is the value proposition that you are willing to purchase.

For me I have a variety of guns from cheap Howas to Sako 85 and custom, milsurp, bolt, pump, lever, break each fits a point that satisfies me.


I’ll ask again, The effect on accuracy?

The topic question asks regarding a nice rifle - that is something different to everyone,
What I’m proposing is that the factory rifles of today have progressed to a point where the accuracy question is a bit of a moot point...for all but specialist shooters,
Tikka .260 (Z5 5x25/52)
Steyr Pro Varmint .223 - VX 3
CZ455 .22 & Norinco .22 (vtex 4-12, bush 3-9)
ATA 686 U/O 12g & Baikal S/S 12g.
Adler a110 reddot
Sauer 30-06 - VX 3
Howa 300 win mag. SHV 5-20/56
Marlin SBL 45/70
TassieTiger
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3704
Tasmania

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by sungazer » 31 Oct 2019, 12:46 pm

TassieTiger wrote:
sungazer wrote:@TassieTiger Well that is for you and every person to decide when they buy a gun. What is the value proposition that you are willing to purchase.

For me I have a variety of guns from cheap Howas to Sako 85 and custom, milsurp, bolt, pump, lever, break each fits a point that satisfies me.


I’ll ask again, The effect on accuracy?

The topic question asks regarding a nice rifle - that is something different to everyone,
What I’m proposing is that the factory rifles of today have progressed to a point where the accuracy question is a bit of a moot point...for all but specialist shooters,


I think you just answered your own question. Yes I believe that there are specialist actions built that deliver better accuracy.

If you only want to talk about accuracy in regards to this thread Factory, modified and specialist /custom. Then the answer would be custom every part / component of the gun is responsible for accuracy. As long as there is a week link in the chain it will never be as strong that has every link purpose built and specialised. Thats my opinion anyway
sungazer
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
 
Posts: 1525
Other

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by TassieTiger » 31 Oct 2019, 1:37 pm

Ill ask the question a different way...
Could Joe Smoe, a general hunter and part time shooter (not F class or regular A grade target) - gain anything from shooting a well set up (inc bullets, etc) Tikka / Howa / Rem vs a specialized and custom action / barrel arrangement ? Would the extra dollars result in real world results for the average shooter ?
Tikka .260 (Z5 5x25/52)
Steyr Pro Varmint .223 - VX 3
CZ455 .22 & Norinco .22 (vtex 4-12, bush 3-9)
ATA 686 U/O 12g & Baikal S/S 12g.
Adler a110 reddot
Sauer 30-06 - VX 3
Howa 300 win mag. SHV 5-20/56
Marlin SBL 45/70
TassieTiger
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3704
Tasmania

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by sungazer » 31 Oct 2019, 2:22 pm

In another thread that asked the question you are posing my first word out was a simple. No.

But I dont see what point you are trying to make If you are a target shooter and have the means to measure, you can see the differences in accuracy between rifles. That is between all rifles. Different brands / models will tend to fall into a band of accuracy. Different designs will fall into different bands.

There are factory rifles that cost more than building a rifle from "Top Shelf" components as well. What do you have to say about those? Is the customer a fool for purchasing that rifle? or did he get "his value" for money?

At what point do you say that is too much money to spend? What level of accuracy or perhaps craftsmanship do you draw the line and say you have reached the point of diminishing returns.

What is it in a rifle that demands the higher price?

There are many aspects and levels in the general question though and that is why there are different price points. Quality of the wood does it for some people.
sungazer
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
 
Posts: 1525
Other

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by in2anity » 31 Oct 2019, 2:36 pm

TassieTiger wrote:Ill ask the question a different way...
Could Joe Smoe, a general hunter and part time shooter (not F class or regular A grade target) - gain anything from shooting a well set up (inc bullets, etc) Tikka / Howa / Rem vs a specialized and custom action / barrel arrangement ? Would the extra dollars result in real world results for the average shooter ?

Yes; it makes reloading much simpler. And it means you can shoot the cheap stuff better than in cheaper factory barrels. Also, it takes any doubt out of target shooting; all error is guaranteed to have stemmed from the user not the gun (psycholigical factor).
At what point does lack of maintenance become patina?
User avatar
in2anity
Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
 
Posts: 3048
New South Wales

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by Sergeant Hartman » 31 Oct 2019, 2:49 pm

Its funny i keep hearing bad things about rem700 not shooting that good.

Anyway tassie, a new 2500 remmington might not be that much better than say a 800 howa as far as shooting is concerned...but might have better fit and finish (ok sometimes you don't get any better by paying more.... maybe i should have said a tikka).

But what causes inaccuratcy in a rifle.. apart from the shooter. The biggest effect would be the barrel. Then trigger... than action. The reason fclass Thanks go custom action is cuz firstly they are looking for the final 2% plus they likely run extreme loads and pressures... that normal actions can't handle... plus as said above no extractor or magazine so round is sitting straight.

Now you can get a good barrel on say a cheap howa and it should shoot better than a factory tikka or a 2500 gun.
Sergeant Hartman
Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
 
Posts: 1722
Victoria

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by marksman » 31 Oct 2019, 3:17 pm

sungazer wrote:If you are going to hang a long thick barrel on a factory action that has really big cut outs on the top, the bottom and one side think if it is really designed for that purpose.


this is counteracted by proper/correct bedding
the problem with this is that the action will have stress on it bending slightly till you fire a shot when the action will snap straight
when the action snaps straight it can cause inconsistencies
the same problem happens with round actions eg... remington and some custom actions that have the rem footprint
it is the reason why a few custom actions have integral picatinny rails to stiffen the action up on top but keep the rem footprint for stocking
as l said though if you bed properly it's not a problem :drinks:
“If you do not read the newspapers you are uninformed. If you do read the newspapers you are misinformed”. Mark Twain
User avatar
marksman
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3660
Victoria

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by SCJ429 » 31 Oct 2019, 6:00 pm

No matter what you do to a Tikka or a Howa you won't be setting any records with it. The custom actions use quality billet steel, great design and fantastic machine work. If you have the inclination and opportunity you should treat yourself.

Not taking anything away from what you have done with your Mauser 98 there Marksman, quite inspirational as I have a 1909 Argentine there I should slip a barrel onto.
SCJ429
Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
 
Posts: 3208
New South Wales

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by TassieTiger » 31 Oct 2019, 7:33 pm

Can the average shooter use the extra precision that a top end build offers? - or, not unlike the populace being faster on a track in a standard car than a v8 super car, because it takes regular and ongoing practice to get the best out of that supercar??
Tikka .260 (Z5 5x25/52)
Steyr Pro Varmint .223 - VX 3
CZ455 .22 & Norinco .22 (vtex 4-12, bush 3-9)
ATA 686 U/O 12g & Baikal S/S 12g.
Adler a110 reddot
Sauer 30-06 - VX 3
Howa 300 win mag. SHV 5-20/56
Marlin SBL 45/70
TassieTiger
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3704
Tasmania

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by GQshayne » 31 Oct 2019, 7:38 pm

Depends on the goal. In my case, I like rifles that mean something to me. I like nice walnut. Hard to get that in new stuff now, so all my rifles are old. My last purchase was an M55 Tikka, likely from the late 70's or early 80's. It is the newest rifle I own.
GQshayne
Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
 
Posts: 839
Queensland

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by SCJ429 » 31 Oct 2019, 7:55 pm

But this is a thread about modifying a factory rifle or building a custom one.

You can buy a new Ruger #1 or Weatherby Mark 5 with a nice bit of walnut attached.
SCJ429
Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
 
Posts: 3208
New South Wales

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by bigrich » 31 Oct 2019, 7:55 pm

TassieTiger wrote:Ill ask the question a different way...
Could Joe Smoe, a general hunter and part time shooter (not F class or regular A grade target) - gain anything from shooting a well set up (inc bullets, etc) Tikka / Howa / Rem vs a specialized and custom action / barrel arrangement ? Would the extra dollars result in real world results for the average shooter ?


i believe a properly smithed custom , even in the old military actions like the mauser 98 and p14/m17 can be made to shoot very, very well. i've rebarrelled and bedded, floated a few of mine, and owned standard factory rifles as well . the most accurate rifle i've ever owned is my 222 win 70 .bedded, floated ,trigger job by me , swan barrel fitted by the swan boys .the second most accurate rifle was a factory sako A7 in 308 that would make one hole with handloads , and shoot under a inch with aussie outback 165 sierra factory loads . i've heard howa's shoot very well ,and are definately more "bang for your buck" than a custom or sako but i'm content to spend more on a rifle, either rebuilt or a qaulity new one ,in the belief you get what you pay for . in my experience it pays off , but the custom depends on abilities of the smith. JMHO

:drinks: :drinks: :thumbsup:
User avatar
bigrich
Brigadier
Brigadier
 
Posts: 4485
Queensland

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by bigrich » 31 Oct 2019, 7:58 pm

GQshayne wrote:Depends on the goal. In my case, I like rifles that mean something to me. I like nice walnut. Hard to get that in new stuff now, so all my rifles are old. My last purchase was an M55 Tikka, likely from the late 70's or early 80's. It is the newest rifle I own.


i whole heartedly agree with your point of view mate :thumbsup:
User avatar
bigrich
Brigadier
Brigadier
 
Posts: 4485
Queensland

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by Stix » 31 Oct 2019, 9:06 pm

bigrich wrote:
TassieTiger wrote:Ill ask the question a different way...
Could Joe Smoe, a general hunter and part time shooter (not F class or regular A grade target) - gain anything from shooting a well set up (inc bullets, etc) Tikka / Howa / Rem vs a specialized and custom action / barrel arrangement ? Would the extra dollars result in real world results for the average shooter ?


i believe a properly smithed custom , even in the old military actions like the mauser 98 and p14/m17 can be made to shoot very, very well. i've rebarrelled and bedded, floated a few of mine, and owned standard factory rifles as well . the most accurate rifle i've ever owned is my 222 win 70 .bedded, floated ,trigger job by me , swan barrel fitted by the swan boys .the second most accurate rifle was a factory sako A7 in 308 that would make one hole with handloads , and shoot under a inch with aussie outback 165 sierra factory loads . i've heard howa's shoot very well ,and are definately more "bang for your buck" than a custom or sako but i'm content to spend more on a rifle, either rebuilt or a qaulity new one ,in the belief you get what you pay for . in my experience it pays off , but the custom depends on abilities of the smith. JMHO

:drinks: :drinks: :thumbsup:

I do believe its time you did another purchase/build up Richo...!!!... :)

Ill be happy to help you by way of permanently storing that (my) bloody hornet thats utilising valuable space in your safe, so as to not ding up the new one... :thumbsup:

See...!!...and people think i arent nice... :D
:drinks:
The man who knows everything, doesnt really know everything...he's just stopped learning...
Stix
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3675
South Australia

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by Am88 » 01 Nov 2019, 7:49 am

GQshayne wrote:Depends on the goal. In my case, I like rifles that mean something to me. I like nice walnut. Hard to get that in new stuff now, so all my rifles are old. My last purchase was an M55 Tikka, likely from the late 70's or early 80's. It is the newest rifle I own.


Agree with this as well, I have rifles that I have from my Dad that are timber and blued, Tikka LSA55 in .222 that I will never change, Marlin 336 with original stock, couple of older shotguns, I have only ever changed 1 stock that was timber, and that was my Remington 700 to a B&C Stock, others were all synthetic, work guns.

Another way I guess you could think of it is as with shotguns, I shoot AA Grade Trap, I've owned shotguns that ranged from $1500 to $5000, I can shoot 25 single barrel with a Winchester 37A I got off my Dad with no front bead and the front stock spring is loose and sometimes falls off :lol: . How many times I could do it but is a different story, My Franchi started showing signs of wear after say 2000 rounds on the ejectors and trunions, my 692 after 4 or 5000, the gun looked brand new still, and the smooth silkyness of higher end shotguns closing compared to cheaper ones I guess you could compare to bolts, magazine insertions etc. it's like having a brand new car door close with a nice thud instead of a clapped out 15 year old Carolla. Everyone hear has pretty much answered the questions I believe too.
Am88
Corporal
Corporal
 
Posts: 295
Queensland

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by marksman » 01 Nov 2019, 7:59 am

TassieTiger wrote:Can the average shooter use the extra precision that a top end build offers? - or, not unlike the populace being faster on a track in a standard car than a v8 super car, because it takes regular and ongoing practice to get the best out of that supercar??


practise does make perfect
IMO a bad shooter will be able to shoot a good rifle good but a good shooter will shoot a bad rifle bad,
it is always better to have a rifle that shoots better than you :drinks:
“If you do not read the newspapers you are uninformed. If you do read the newspapers you are misinformed”. Mark Twain
User avatar
marksman
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3660
Victoria

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by FNQ » 01 Nov 2019, 2:06 pm

My JW15 is a $200 rifle.

The quality and workmanship looks atrocious. Poor girl has also had a hard life & possibly 1 millions rounds up her.. Same could probably be said for ex military weapons.

Its shoot 1 inch groups til about 80 yards with a fixed power scope and isn't overly fussy with ammo.

To me guns are a personal preference, custom guns do nothing for me but I understand some shooters fetish.
Gamo CF.177, Savage A.22ss, JW15A, Savage 42 .22/.410, Stirlng .22MAG, Howa .223 stainless, Remington 770 .308, Savage AXIS .30-06, #4 MK1 .303, #4 MK2 .303,#5 .303, Akkar Churchill O/U 12ga, Chippa lever 12ga.

GSM 1911 .22, Glock 17A 9mm, Glock 34 9mm
FNQ
Lance Corporal
Lance Corporal
 
Posts: 105
Queensland

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by GQshayne » 01 Nov 2019, 7:15 pm

SCJ429 wrote:But this is a thread about modifying a factory rifle or building a custom one.

You can buy a new Ruger #1 or Weatherby Mark 5 with a nice bit of walnut attached.


And I am saying that in my case a custom one gives me greater satisfaction. More work yes, but that is part of it too. It is unique, and gives pride of ownership. Something a factory rifle cannot give me.
GQshayne
Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
 
Posts: 839
Queensland

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by duncan61 » 01 Nov 2019, 7:36 pm

The HOWA .243 I purchased for $700 came in a cardboard box with a bit of paper saying it would shoot straight and it did with the 3-10x40 scope it came with.My Remington Sendero with a 26 inch stainless steel fluted barrel that is floated on a kevlar stock will shoot touching at 100m and 15-20mm at 200 metres off a plastic benchrest on the bonnet using 168gn Match Kings.You would have to do a lot of work to a .243 to out shoot the factory Remington
.22 winchester .22hornet .222 .243 7mm rem mag cbc 12g
User avatar
duncan61
Officer Cadet
Officer Cadet
 
Posts: 1905
Western Australia

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by SCJ429 » 01 Nov 2019, 7:45 pm

GQshayne wrote:
SCJ429 wrote:But this is a thread about modifying a factory rifle or building a custom one.

You can buy a new Ruger #1 or Weatherby Mark 5 with a nice bit of walnut attached.


And I am saying that in my case a custom one gives me greater satisfaction. More work yes, but that is part of it too. It is unique, and gives pride of ownership. Something a factory rifle cannot give me.


I still don't understand, do you get a custom action from the 70s and make yourself a walnut stock for it? Or you get a 70s Tikka action and modify it?

I like 70s Ruger #1s and have several, none of them have their original barrels or chamberings and I have upgraded the stocks or modified them. I like an oiled finish rather than the original varnish. This is fun and makes them unique to me. But you can also have a sense of pride from a rifle you researched and had built by a gunsmith, especially when it shoots well.

I wish I had a nice rifle handed down by my Pop, I would treasure that too. Be a nice way to remember someone who loved hunting also.
SCJ429
Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant Colonel
 
Posts: 3208
New South Wales

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by Stix » 01 Nov 2019, 7:50 pm

marksman wrote:
TassieTiger wrote:Can the average shooter use the extra precision that a top end build offers? - or, not unlike the populace being faster on a track in a standard car than a v8 super car, because it takes regular and ongoing practice to get the best out of that supercar??


practise does make perfect
IMO a bad shooter will be able to shoot a good rifle good but a good shooter will shoot a bad rifle bad,
it is always better to have a rifle that shoots better than you :drinks:

Ah that explains it...thankyou marksman...!!

Clearly all my rifles are bad ones...!!!... :lol:
The man who knows everything, doesnt really know everything...he's just stopped learning...
Stix
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3675
South Australia

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by Stix » 01 Nov 2019, 8:00 pm

SCJ429 wrote:
GQshayne wrote:
SCJ429 wrote:But this is a thread about modifying a factory rifle or building a custom one.

You can buy a new Ruger #1 or Weatherby Mark 5 with a nice bit of walnut attached.


And I am saying that in my case a custom one gives me greater satisfaction. More work yes, but that is part of it too. It is unique, and gives pride of ownership. Something a factory rifle cannot give me.


I still don't understand, do you get a custom action from the 70s and make yourself a walnut stock for it? Or you get a 70s Tikka action and modify it?

I like 70s Ruger #1s and have several, none of them have their original barrels or chamberings and I have upgraded the stocks or modified them. I like an oiled finish rather than the original varnish. This is fun and makes them unique to me. But you can also have a sense of pride from a rifle you researched and had built by a gunsmith, especially when it shoots well.

I wish I had a nice rifle handed down by my Pop, I would treasure that too. Be a nice way to remember someone who loved hunting also.

And isnt it funny how this sense of getting pleasure out of personalising a rifle is also what many of us dispise ourselves...

What i mean, is, if we see an older rifle for sale thats been altered from new--lets say hypothetically, an early Win mod 70 with nice grain timber stock...that isnt sporting the original barrel or chambering, the stock has been re-finished & slightly altered by someone long in the past, most of us would view it as having been butchered...
:drinks:
The man who knows everything, doesnt really know everything...he's just stopped learning...
Stix
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3675
South Australia

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by duncan61 » 01 Nov 2019, 8:58 pm

I am enjoying this thread and would like to share this analogy.I have a 2001 jeep Cherokee the last of the square ones made with metal not plastic and I was given it by a buddy who drove it till the rear diff exploded.I bought him a Magna as he needed transport and I rebuilt the diff myself.The satisfaction I get every day driving it around as a plumber is a good feeling .Today I towed a trailer to the tip with 1.04 tonne of broken concrete no problem .I am about to spend 3-4 thousand on a turbo and performance exhaust because I would like more horses.If I go to sell the car it is still and old banger.Same if you spend a heap of money on a custom rifle.Its unlikely you will ever get your money back but its the joy of doing it.Who would buy someone elses custom when they could get their own built
.22 winchester .22hornet .222 .243 7mm rem mag cbc 12g
User avatar
duncan61
Officer Cadet
Officer Cadet
 
Posts: 1905
Western Australia

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by bigrich » 02 Nov 2019, 6:36 am

Stix wrote:
SCJ429 wrote:
GQshayne wrote:
SCJ429 wrote:But this is a thread about modifying a factory rifle or building a custom one.

You can buy a new Ruger #1 or Weatherby Mark 5 with a nice bit of walnut attached.


And I am saying that in my case a custom one gives me greater satisfaction. More work yes, but that is part of it too. It is unique, and gives pride of ownership. Something a factory rifle cannot give me.


I still don't understand, do you get a custom action from the 70s and make yourself a walnut stock for it? Or you get a 70s Tikka action and modify it?

I like 70s Ruger #1s and have several, none of them have their original barrels or chamberings and I have upgraded the stocks or modified them. I like an oiled finish rather than the original varnish. This is fun and makes them unique to me. But you can also have a sense of pride from a rifle you researched and had built by a gunsmith, especially when it shoots well.

I wish I had a nice rifle handed down by my Pop, I would treasure that too. Be a nice way to remember someone who loved hunting also.

And isnt it funny how this sense of getting pleasure out of personalising a rifle is also what many of us dispise ourselves...

What i mean, is, if we see an older rifle for sale thats been altered from new--lets say hypothetically, an early Win mod 70 with nice grain timber stock...that isnt sporting the original barrel or chambering, the stock has been re-finished & slightly altered by someone long in the past, most of us would view it as having been butchered...
:drinks:


Whether or not it’s “butchered” depends on your point of view. If the modifications have been done well and tastefully it’s a “custom” rifle . Some folks like stuff for it’s collectibility, in factory condition. I used to rebuild and hot rod old cars , so customising to build what I want, using my hands to put my mark on something gives me a great satisfaction.

It’s not so much the destination, it’s enjoying the journey to get there

I could just go buy a sako, but that’s boring for me

JMHO
User avatar
bigrich
Brigadier
Brigadier
 
Posts: 4485
Queensland

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by marksman » 02 Nov 2019, 5:18 pm

SCJ429 wrote:No matter what you do to a Tikka or a Howa you won't be setting any records with it. The custom actions use quality billet steel, great design and fantastic machine work. If you have the inclination and opportunity you should treat yourself.

Not taking anything away from what you have done with your Mauser 98 there Marksman, quite inspirational as I have a 1909 Argentine there I should slip a barrel onto.


you are very lucky to have a 1909 argentine action, very lucky and shame on you for not having it made into a custom rifle already :drinks: :lol:
its a real shame bill Hambly-Clark jr is not building rifles anymore, he would be my choice of smith for a custom mauser on a 1909 action :thumbsup:
“If you do not read the newspapers you are uninformed. If you do read the newspapers you are misinformed”. Mark Twain
User avatar
marksman
Colonel
Colonel
 
Posts: 3660
Victoria

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by bigrich » 02 Nov 2019, 7:05 pm

marksman wrote:
SCJ429 wrote:No matter what you do to a Tikka or a Howa you won't be setting any records with it. The custom actions use quality billet steel, great design and fantastic machine work. If you have the inclination and opportunity you should treat yourself.

Not taking anything away from what you have done with your Mauser 98 there Marksman, quite inspirational as I have a 1909 Argentine there I should slip a barrel onto.


you are very lucky to have a 1909 argentine action, very lucky and shame on you for not having it made into a custom rifle already :drinks: :lol:
its a real shame bill Hambly-Clark jr is not building rifles anymore, he would be my choice of smith for a custom mauser on a 1909 action :thumbsup:


1909 argentine is the "intermediate" length oberndorf built action, the same as my 1903 turk ? that model turk was the same 7.65x54 chambering as the argentine i think :unknown: i'm curious if they have the same unique bolt with longer firing pin as well :thumbsup:
User avatar
bigrich
Brigadier
Brigadier
 
Posts: 4485
Queensland

Re: Factory vs modifying vs custom build

Post by GQshayne » 02 Nov 2019, 7:19 pm

SCJ429 wrote:
GQshayne wrote:
SCJ429 wrote:But this is a thread about modifying a factory rifle or building a custom one.

You can buy a new Ruger #1 or Weatherby Mark 5 with a nice bit of walnut attached.


And I am saying that in my case a custom one gives me greater satisfaction. More work yes, but that is part of it too. It is unique, and gives pride of ownership. Something a factory rifle cannot give me.


I still don't understand, do you get a custom action from the 70s and make yourself a walnut stock for it? Or you get a 70s Tikka action and modify it?

I like 70s Ruger #1s and have several, none of them have their original barrels or chamberings and I have upgraded the stocks or modified them. I like an oiled finish rather than the original varnish. This is fun and makes them unique to me. But you can also have a sense of pride from a rifle you researched and had built by a gunsmith, especially when it shoots well.

I wish I had a nice rifle handed down by my Pop, I would treasure that too. Be a nice way to remember someone who loved hunting also.


No custom action mate, just a standard action. My version of "custom" is simply not as the factory made it, so not as it came off the shelf. I have looked at new rifles, but ended up buying old ones that I could restore to how I wanted. Only basic stuff. My current one has a different stock, LOP changed with a grind to fit recoil pad, second hand stock restored and my own version of stock finish being done, custom made timber bolt handle knob, and metal work polished and cerakoted. Nothing special really, but just as I want it.

And I take the point made about collectible rifles too, but I do not have one of those. I have an FN made BLR which is not exactly common but not rare either. If I had something rare I would be reluctant to mess with it.
GQshayne
Staff Sergeant
Staff Sergeant
 
Posts: 839
Queensland

Next

Back to top
 
Return to Centerfire rifles