ForrestB laid out a bakers dozen on your first custom built rifle, and a good list it is.
It is from a clients point of view.
One builder chimed in...
I would also like to hear the other side of the story, from a builders point of veiw! What do you run into, and what should a client know before going into any custom rifle project. What should a client and a builder do to get on the same page and make both parties happy.

Mr. srtrax:

The American Custom Gunmaker's Guild has information on this subject that is worth reading.

http://acgg.org/

In fact, it would be a good idea for someone interested in custom guns to join the ACGG. If possible, attend the annual Guild exposition in Reno and meet the gunmakers face to face, see his work and decide on a maker who you like and who's style is similar to what you have in mind.

Glenn Fewless

I'm not looking to have one built, i have in the past built my own. I'm in the process of hooking up my machines and getting shop set up. Maybe by fall i will post some of my stuff. Wont be on par with some of the great stuff i've seen here, but i like to play! I ask the question just to get other points of view...Example: I built one rifle for a customer awhile back. He brought in paper work explaining everything he wanted in this rifle. Then asked how long, wrote the date down. How much needed to get project going, wrote it down, and so forth. We both signed the papers and each had a copy, probly the smoothest and most enjoyable job i done for anyone. We both knew were we stood, he was happy with the job and i was happy i didnt have to second guess what he was after. We both had signed proof of what was going on.