I've entered the market for a good DG working rifle. AHR builds a new one for $4500 plus any "extras." The second hand custom rifles with apparantly equivilent features/quality all seem to have an asking price of more or less $5000. Is this kind of resale typical for custom rifles? It seems that the only real advantage is avoiding a 4-5 month wait. Am I missing something?

Supply and demand.AHR has built me several fantastic big bores,600s and a 700 and I want to say that they do Great work and are selling a good bit of them now as the word has gotten around.What are you looking for in caliber?....

Custom rifles, unless by a famous rifle builder, will typically bring 50% of what it cost to build them. That's not what most ask, but that's what they sell for.

If you include big-bore rifles as a special class I would think the figure would be a bit less since there are fewer people who shoot them. The AR web-site might be a small exception.

I'm looking to buy a 416 rigby. I've been looking at two "pre-owned" rifles (been a previous post on that) one by Dennis Erhardt on a CZ 602, and another by Sterling Davenport on a P17. I'd consider 404 Jeff if the right rifle/deal came along.

I am not an expert, but I tend to agree with DB Bill. Try Hallowells and a few other companies that sell used firearms.
Peter.

I think you will find the big bores actually have a better resale value than the standard calibers in Custom rifles, and they sell better.

What Ray said +1. These 375 and up big bore rifles, if well made, retain the most of any bolt rifle. Still, they make poor investments compared to old model 70's.

It's like precious metals, buy what you like. During the depression precious metals were a give away. Can you see yourself going to McDonald's and asking them to get a spot price on silver and giving you change for a happy meal?

Rich
DRSS
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The big difference between the AHR rifle and the $5,000 customs you have been seeing is the CZ action on the AHR. Lots of people want a Mauser, pre 64 Winchester or full custom action over the CZ. A .416 rigby sized Mauser action will cost you $4,000+ alone if you can actually get one!

Also I call BS on the 50% value number unless it is something that is stainless and plastic and easy to assemble.

When you get into the nicely done big bores with rust blueing and nice walnut you are looking at $5,500+++

Following the 50% number you would see lots of $2,000-$3,000 .404 Jefferys, .416 Rigbys etc and you sure as hell don't seem them south of $5,000 and that is getting lucky.

It can get expensive quickly to find a big enough action, sturdy walnut, hand chckering, rust blueing, rear island or qtr rib, banded front sight, barrel, custom bottom metal, feeding work etc etc.

The AHR is a good deal if you like the CZ action.

Marty:
If the Davenport gun you're considering is the one at Champlins, grab it! Replacement on that gun is about double the price. Davenport really makes first class guns and it would be my choice in a heart beat! The other gun I would consider is a Reimer Johannssen 416 at a Cabelas location. Asking price is $9K but I would think you could get it for less. With todays dollar value that is a good buy also.

Thanks, everyone. I've decided to send George a check. I've considered several rifles, and I think this offers the most. The Enfield action seems classic in this caliber, and I don't really have anything to lose with Champlin's generous inspection policy. George even told me I can shoot it!
Thanks to all for letting me borrow their brains and eyeballs.