BTH: I've had good luck with the Remington 700 in 30-06 for both whitetail and elk. If you handload I've got some pretty good loads that work quite well in the model 700. Whatever you decide on practice makes perfect.

I am not sure which guy on here says it, but there is somebody who has way too many rifles by D'Arcy Echols (anybody who can own more than one has too many ) Anyways, he mad the astute statement that it is better to have a few really great rifles than a bunch of so-so's. That isn't to say an off the shelf isn't so-so, but often times there are things you decide you would like done.

What I would do is this. If you have shot enough rifles, carried enough of them, know enough about the differences between them, then I would look at getting a custom, or semi-custom. If you are still feeling the water and don't know for sure what you want then I would pick a good rifle that will work for you, maybe put some nicies on it, and spend some more time with it. There are some very nice off the shelf rifles available now.

Seems that every time I use one of my rifles (I don't use them enough) I notice something different that I like or don't and this changes my future ideas. Using others rifles will do this as well, for instance I liked all my rifles till I shot the one I had cut down for my wife, now I don't like the LOP on my others and will have to change them as time allows.

WITH THAT SAID- there are infinite ways to go about a custom or semi-custom. First and foremost in a gunsmith is being comfortable with them. I can tell you after meeting a few of the guys on this board that you will find more often than not that they are very nice fellows and will give you more time than you would expect of somebody needing to get a paycheck. Having one that isn't local I don't consider a big deal, in fact if you are like me it could cost you, some gunsmiths don't like being harassed and I would be in all the time wanting to watch.

I recommend whether you are ready to get it now or not, getting from the ACGG their guide on getting your custom rifle built. There are more things involved in it than you would ever imagine. If you would like I can send you some of the lists that I have made since starting my current project, things I never considered at the beginning that can be hidden costs that will kill a budget.

Get it all mapped out and then talk to the gunsmith you choose, he will discuss with you the things you have picked, might have some better ideas (I know my gunsmith is incredibly brilliant and thought of things I never would have imagined), and you can discuss the budget and timeline. Depending on who it is and the budget some of the guys will do the whole thing or have it all done. For instance if your primary smith does only metal he will work with a stockmaker for that portion, or if a stockmaker then will get metal done by an associate etc. This is all in that guide from ACGG.

And don't forget, look for guns that have been built already!!! You could get a killer deal on something a guy started and you come in late in the game and end up winner.

Red