I'm looking into purchasing a rifle from one of the "semi-custom" rifle makers. I think that is the appropriate term.
Companies I'm looking at are New Ultra Light Arms, Ed Brown, Rifles Inc., etc.
Anyone care to give their impressions of any of these rifle makers or similar ones?
A complete custom job is out of the question. I plan to spend no more than $3,000 on the rifle, and, of course, would like to spend less.
Right now I'm leaning toward NULA.
This rifle will be used as my eastern whitetail rifle. I am pretty well set on what I want as far as cartridge goes. Just looking for a rifle
Thanks
Ken

[ 10-26-2002, 02:55: Message edited by: Ken in VA ]

I know this isn't the response that you asked for but you CAN buy a full blown custom rifle for less than your budget of $3000. Of course you can't ask for fancy wood and engraving but you can have the best of functionality with top of the line barrel etc. Just a thought.

Ken,

NULA, Ed Brown, Rifles, Inc. can all provide what you seek, as can H-S Precision, Brown Precision, and Match Grade Arms.

I have an H-S Precision-built 7mmSTW, and I have shot groups as small as .220"; the factory test target was .1326"!

I have a number of semi-custom rifles, where I started with a base rifle, and had it 'blueprinted', re-barreled, and re-stocked. Components and labors cost WELL under $2000.

If your preference is a ready-to-go rifle, determine what you want most: extreme accuracy, light weight, etc. and see how each of the aforementioned companies can meet your needs.

How will you hunt? From a stand or while still-hunting? A light rifle is a joy to carry but can be too light to settle down, especially if your heart is pounding. A heavier rifle settles down nicely, but you may not want to hump 9 or 10 lbs. of rifle around on a long walk through the woods.

Be advised, however, some of these outfits have long waits for their products.

George

Ken,

Have you thought about buying a used custom rifle? Places like Gunsamerica, Griffin & Howe, Champlins, etc. often have some nice used custom rifles for under $3,000.

Regards,

Terry

My view on this for those that don't have the time to DIY is to buy a stock rifle that you like and try it. It may be fine just as is!

But you may be sure you need a certain LOP or it may not group as well as you want. Then I would send it to a smith like a Jack Belk who has the attitude I read in this forum that he would do what is necessary and not just go thru the pop phrases of "blue printing" etc. just to name everything that could be done to a rifle.

I would echo what Mr. Carr said. Unless you are very particular about what you want in a custom rifle, you can save a lot of money by looking for a second hand rifle. Custom rifles, as nice as they are, generally do not hold their original values very well unless built by a prestige maker. $3000 should go a long way if you consider a used rifle.

I appreciate the advise concerning looking for used rifles. I've done that, and just haven't found what I've got in mind.

First of all, I'm a southpaw. I'm looking for a high quality synthetic stock, matte finished, left hand short action rifle. Action doesn't really matter as long as it is smooth and dependable.

I really like the NULA Model 20 due to it being able to handle the 7x57 (my caliber choice, BTW).
If needed, though, I'd go for 7mm-08.
It is neither going to be used for taking 350 yard shots on sheep on top of a mountain, nor "beanfield" type hunting. None of my hunting is extreme in any sense. I sit on stands, still hunt, and participate in some drives.
It will be a serious whitetail rifle.

As for buying a "standard" rifle and seeing if I like it, that's my problem. I own way too many run of the mill rifles now. At last count I own 10. I don't "love" any of them, except a Ruger #1A in 7x57 that my wife bought for me.

Thanks for all the responses and keep'em coming! Would particularly like to hear from anyone who has owned one of the Ultra Light Arms rifles (as you can tell, that is where I'm leaning).

Ken

Ken,

I have a left-handed 300WSM New Ultra Light Arms Model 28. I love it. (now that it feeds - ) It shoots MOA with everything I've put through it so far. I've only shot one shot with it on game so far - got a little meat pig with Kyler - but I'm taking it to Zim in May for plains game.

It balances great, is under 7lbs with a 2.5-10X42 Swarovski, and carries like a feather. Recoil isn't bad either - considering the weight. Doesn't feel like it kicks any harder than my .30-06 Model 70 that weighs around 9 lbs. I think the stock design must have a lot to do with that. Looks almost as good as a 49.99 rifle from Walmart too! Jeff

Ken....there is a gunsmith in Texas who does great work. Most of his work is for benchrest and varmint shooters (I have one of his varmint rifles) and you can find his website by going to www.benchrest.com and clicking on "gunsmiths" on the left and then on to Bryant Custom Gunsmithing. Take a look at his price for putting a rifle together and you will save a lot of money and I guarantee his rifles will shoot and he will build it the way you want and with the components you want...one heck of a nice guy and absolutely no "attitude" at all.

You can call Hill Country Rifles in New Braunfels, Tx. or Rifles Inc. in Pleasant, Tx. for prices. Rifles Inc. makes particularly light rifles just like Ultralight does.

Blued, Stainless, wood or syntetic???
I'm not sure what you are looking for

I would recommend a Ed Brown or a McBros rifle.

If you want an accurate bean rifle call Dave Tooley. He will buld for your needs. He lives in eastern U.S.A.

Cheers
/ JOHAN

Ken,

I bought a rifle from old Ultra Light Arms (pre Colt). I found them very resonsive, easy to deal with and what they said they would do they did.

There weren't any surprises.

jim dodd

Ken,

I forgot to add I buy a rifle every year from H-S Precision; these are auction rifles for our SCI Chapter fund raiser. They are straight-forward people to deal with too, and they turn out a good product.

I am sure other semi-custom makers can do as well, but I don't have personal experience with them.

jim dodd

Ken,
You might take a look at some of the used rifles that Maurice Hollowell has for sale. Check the link below.

http://www.hallowellco.com/

Ken,I don`t think you could go wrong with Ultra Light Arms,I have shot one in .308 that was so accurate that it was boring,every thing went into tight groups.This rifle had a #5 countour and was still light.I was in Morgantown on business Friday and stopped in their shop, it is only 55 minutes from my house.Needless to say I am hooked ,my next trip over I will give a down payment on a .22 rimfire. Melvin Forbes is a total gentlemen ,after a tour of his operation and handling several rifles my next big gama rifle will come from him.Practical as well as efficient.The balance and handling characteristics of these rifles blew me away,and every thing done has a well proven reason. Good Luck

Ken: Watch auctionarms.com, gunbroker.com, gunsamerica.com, the ads in Gun List, etc.

From my experience in having rifle work done. first you need to decide exactly what you want, which it sounds like you are close, choose you will do your work and third don't be in any rush for completion. If you are wanting to hunt with it next fall i'd start now, this fall way to late.

I like to buy my own actions, barrels, stocks and then talk to a smith and get the ball rolling.

For actions and barrels there are many quality pieces out there to pick from , you just have to decide.

To me the kick in the pants is the stock, if you want something special or exotic, it really costs.

A good rifle in a Mcmillan stock should run 2K-2500. depending on actions and accessories less.