I am wanting to have a new rifle built. It will have a model 70 action, mcmillan stock,chambered to 300 Win Mag. Between Hill Country Rifle and Mark Penrod, who would you choose, based upon quality of work.

A hunting buddy of mine used HCR for "accurizing" a model 70 and it didn't work so well. I dont remember all the details but the gun had to go back several times to make it accurate. I have personaly used Howard Dietz, who is the same area as HCR, with excellent results. He has tweaked (lapping barrels, trueing actions, bedding, floating, triggers, etc) 7-10 rifles for me and built one complete custom, all of which are one hole guns now. Dietz's number is 830 885-4662. Hope this helps and doesn't confuse the process more.

Perry

I've had great luck at Hill Country and know several other people who have. I also know folks who have had stuff done by Mark Penrod and as far as I know he has a great reputation, I just don't have any personal knowledge. To some extent it probably depends on where you're from and where they're located. Good luck!

I have 3 rifles from HCR, and they are uniformly excellent. I am also impressed with Penrod's work. Either will build you a superb hunting rifle. Price, delivery date, and gut feeling are probably good determinants as any to distinguish between the two. Either way, you're getting a good rifle!

I haven't seen any of the work of HCR. But I have had Mark build me two rifles and am going to have him build another one. Honest, straight up guy, excellent workmanship, delivers everything he promises. He's a one man shop, so you know he's the one doing the work.

Jeff

I have never dealt with Mr. Penrod, but his reputation is excellent. I have dealt with HCR and as stated above, their work has been uniformly excellent. From accurizing to rebarreling to complete rifle to my specifications, all of their work was first rate.

Give some consideration to Bansners. They make first rate guns!

Mark Penrod is does excellent work & is great to work with. He has an excellent repuration on this board and 24 hour camp fire as well.

Where is he located?

Perry

Penrod Precision
(260) 982-8385


312 E College Ave
North Manchester, IN 46962

Safari,

I do not know where you are located, but if it is in the San Antonia area you should visit with Howard Dietz.

The riflesmith that I have used the last ten years has retired. I have a 7mm Reg Mag project that I want to do this summer and when I asked him who he would recommended, it was Mr. Deitz. This is from a guy who built hunting rifles that produce Bench Rest groups.

Saludos...Frank

Off the subject a bit.

It has to be frustrating for a Custom Rifle Builder in this day and age. Heck most amateurs can't even use the accuracy of a good store bought rifle, let alone rifles capable of sub minute of angle performance.

Then add in the dynamics of a heavy recoiling rig. Only the very best marksmen need attempt to judge a really fine rifle's (true) performance.

Just my 2 cents. But, I'd bet that either or will (can) build one more than capable of spanking the average deep pocketed buyer.

Well said ceg1963. Trust all is well in the Great North Country. Used to keep my boat in Seldovia, fished a lot for halibut and would go into Tutka Bay and Tutka Lagoon. Been all over this globe and can not think of a prettier place. Tricky shoals there, but worth the trip. Spent many an evening there sleeping "on the hook (anchor")

Darrell Holland built my 6mm Ackley Improved and it is one hell'ava shooter. At 100 yards it groups in the .2s and for it to have a 1-7" twist for shooting the 107 Sierra Matchkings, that's killer. Normally for that quick of a twist, it takes a bit more range to get the bullets to stop yawing and pitching. Darrell normally does Rem 700s, but I think he could handle anything---he chambers up to .416 Rigby.

Driver, it is most definately as gorgeous as you last viewed it! As you know, Alaska in general has the most breathtaking views of anywhere in the world. Aside, from the inevitable upcoming spring breakup, it is a wonderful visual experience.