Planning My First Custom Build

[TNDave]

I have been thinking for quite sometime of a custom rifle build, just wasn’t sure what I wanted. my criteria is pretty simple, I want an all around rifle that could be used on about anything other than dangerous game. Ammo and/or components should be readily available and a wide range of bullets could be used. Lastly, the builder of this rifle is within an hour and a half from my home and builds very nice and super accurate rifles and can have it ready well in time for my safari next year.

With all this said I am about 99% certain in my decision unless there is something compelling or someone that can convince me otherwise, so here it is:
Rifle Build 30-06
Kauger Arms Action
30 caliber 1:9 twist Krieger Barrel Threaded (probably 24”)
BDL Type bottom metal
Trigger Tech Trigger
McMillan Carbon Fiber Stock (probably Game Warden)
Black nitride finish on action and barrel, it will definitely be a working rifle!

He currently has all of the components or I can source components and he will build. The only thing I have to do is come up with the money! The other major decision I have is do I sell a couple or three rifles that are safe queens and will probably never take in the field or suck up the funds and get it done!

 

[Aaron N]

Well since you're open to being convinced otherwise……. I get the allure of a custom build, and I don’t mean what I’m about to say in a bad way, but I’m pretty certain you can find a rifle that’s been built that’s 90% of this list for a lot less than you’ll have to pay for it to be yours. Or buy a barrel wrench, and assemble the parts yourself. Then you can take any money you save and put it towards extra trophy fees!

You can also have this rifle built, look at it every night with satisfaction that you were able to have a rifle built for you exactly how you wanted it to be. There’s not a thing wrong with that either!

 

[WAB]

Seriously think about a 35 Whelen or a 9.3x62. The .30-06 may be a bit limiting at the upper end of PG animals and possibly the big bears.

 

[CM McKenzie]

Seriously think about a 35 Whelen or a 9.3x62. The .30-06 may be a bit limiting at the upper end of PG animals and possibly the big bears.

Everyone knows the first custom is only the beginning. I had to work my way to the 9.3x62 after several. I think the grand old .30-06 is a great starting point; after all its not one and done. Lol!

 

[Tintin]

I think you'll be impressed with the Trigger Tech, I have a Diamond and it is excellent.

 

[R eight]

I wouldn’t go down the custom path ever again. Just buy an off the shelf Rigby Highland.. in 30 Rigby (30/06) guaranteed to be accurate, function properly, look the part, and be ready for the safari.

 

[TNDave]

Seriously think about a 35 Whelen or a 9.3x62. The .30-06 may be a bit limiting at the upper end of PG animals and possibly the big bears.

Guess I should’ve mentioned I have a semi custom 35 Whelen and 458 Lott, also a stock 375 ruger so I’m covered on the upper end.

 

[AZDAVE]

Having build several customs, your parts list in the hands of a good gunsmith have the makings of a nice rifle. The benefit of buying a off the shelf semi custom for any # of companies is that most come with a guarantee on fit, finish, function, accuracy. The benefit of the custom is you get exactly what you want. Would make sure that the gunsmith FITS the rifle exactly to you. (LOP, cast, drop, toe in or out depending on your body type etc) The only one that has to like your rifle is you.

 

[Still alive]

Best thing I have ever done was build custom rifles. 243 for my son when he was 9. 6.5 creedmore? Went thru water buffalo and elk so I built a 300 winmag!! Greatest rifle to date. My 375 h&h is off the shelve.