I have the bug for a new semi-custom rifle for North American big game. Caliber must be suitable for both elk and moose.

Here is my request. What gunmaker would you use and what caliber would you pick. I don't want any mass produced gunmakers. I already have a Dakota (semi-mass produced) so they are out of the running.

Thanks
crl

CRL- this could be a way fun project, especially being as we get to live thru you...

Are you thinking wood or african walnut?

Also what type of a budget are you working with?

I know several good smiths for either application.

Thx

Mark

I want at least an exhibition grade wood. I have not decided on what type as of yet. Budget wise, I would like to keep it under $7,500.

crl
Class of '85 MSU go Bobcats

I am in the middle of gathering parts for a .376 Steyr on a Commercial Mauser action, so that occurs to me.

Or you could talk to Charlie Sisk about a 9.3 Barsness-Sisk (that one is on the .350 Rem Mag case).

If reality intrudes, make it a .338 Win Mag.

jim

I forgot to add Mark Stratton for the Mauser metal work and Chic Worthing for the stock. I asked Chic already, but somehow I forgot to get on Mark's dancecard.

jim

Easy decision for me: 338-06.

Cartridge: 9.3x62 or .338-06

Smith: How deep are your pockets?

Call me dumb but i like Jarrett Rifles. The prohunter model would be a nice touch.

What do you mean by "semi-custom"?

AD

I guess what I mean by semi custom meaning that I have choices in stock wood and dimensions along with other options such as barrel length, cosmetic stuff. To me a fully custom gun is one that offers all of the above plus one off engraving, plus that extra what ever that is done to make it an exceptionally accurate gun instead of a very accurate hunting gun. Pretty vague but that's how I see it.

crl

by the sounds of it you really need to talk to jim kobe. he's in bloomington.

crl, here's my suggestion:

http://www.hillcountryrifles.com

AD

I am going to have Jim Kobe rebuild an old 30-06 for me. It is probably a waste of money but the rifle has lots of family history. I have thought about working with him on this project as well. I like to hear what others think and what they know.

crl

Allen,

I forget what you mentioned about Hill Country Rifles... Did they make up a rifle for you or someone you know?

They don't seem to charge much: about $2,400 for their "Custom Hunter Rifle" with McM Stock iff you supply the action. Their wood rifles seem much more elaborate with greater attention to detail.

Say I was to start with a mauser action. What would be the way to go? Surplus or commercial. If commercial which one?

Crl

Truvelo of SA makes mauser actions in different lenghts and the prices are reasonable. You could also look at Recknagel or Johanssen but then you´re looking at 5000E for the action....

There are a ton of good gunplumbers out there. What I suppose you want is a top drawer one at reasonable prices. My choice would start with a call to Hein rifles and Lon Paul as they are two that I know offer real custom quality at reasonable rates. Use them as benchmarks and then call around and look at as much work as you can. Don't overlook Jim Brockman, Empire Rifles and Charlie Sisk either.

quote:

Surplus or commercial

If you can find them the commercial Mauser is a better start on a custom. Problem: finding one they are difficult to find and a Banner Mauser in good condition is pricey.

Cheapest option is find a donor Pre 64 Model 70 Winchester, and start from there. Another solid choice is get a FN, and convert it to a 2-3 position safety. This two options aren't too tough to get started, and although not real cheap they are reasonable starting points.

If you are going to use a military action, do some homework, and be picky with what you start with. I have lost a lot of steam in the last few years on military conversions, I still like 09 Argentines, G33/40's and Persian BRNO's and a few others don't get me wrong, its just in the end wouldn't you rather have the Mauser Banner in the end?

As 458 said, Lon Paul is one of the better plumbers around. First rate work to say the least.

I like that term Gun Plumbers.

Anyone have contact info for Lon Paul.

Thanks
crl

quote:

Originally posted by crl:
Anyone have contact info for Lon Paul.

Thanks
crl

Lon did some stuff for me in 1994. The info I have is off his letterhead.

Tanglewood Ranch Custom Guns,
28950 Bonita Vista Road,
Mountain Center, CA 92561
909-659-2909

As I said this info is from 1994 but it's a starting point. He is a very talented young man and can do both metal work as well as wood. You won't go wrong with him.

Well, if your wanting a premium synthetic stocked rifle I would talk to D'Arcy Echols. It will run you around $7000-$8000 but its worth it. Jarrett makes a good rifle but IMO I think that they are getting overpriced for what you get, don't get me wrong they are good guns and they shoot extremely well, but Echols puts more time and effort into his rifles, and everything from feeding to to feel Echols is where I'd spend my money. If your wanting a fancy wooden stocked rifle Roger Biesen makes a very good rifle with classic lines. Some others you could look Hill Country Rifle. I haven't had any experiance with thier firearms but I hear thier good.

Lots of great suggestions for rifle builders.

I would just put in my 2 cents worth on the caliber

*9.3x62* - lots of ammo options now.

crl,

Do yourself a favor and let Ray build you a gun...

...I've heard some good stuff about his creations...mostly that they are great shooters!

I won't qualify my credentials - let's just say I can buy what I want and I want one of his rifles once I get an action I like for him to build on.

He uses his time-proven H & H modified stock design that comes up like a rocket and is on the mark....ask around.

Jeff