Custom Rifles

Henry Straker

Well-Known Member
I know, I know, this isn't the place to be posting about Custom Rifles, but I was hoping I might get a select category of opinion if I launch this topic from one of the more technical sections of the forum.

I am looking to get a custom rifle made - goes without saying that I am after accuracy - but was looking for a practically tough, light-weight mountain rifle as may be styled by the Kiwis. Can anyone from their own experience suggest some better-value rifle builders ie. would it be financially sensible or even viable to get a rifle build in the States / NZ and import, or have a UK-built rifle?

Within the UK, who offers a good build for an affordable price? For example, I know Callum Ferguson builds v. good rifles, but he soars above my budget.

I want to emphasise I'd rather pay the money though if there is a risk the build won't be good. Any advice or experience-share appreciated.
 
your looking a £1300 ish for a semi custom from rifle craft in norfolk and £2000 ish for a full custom
 
I know, I know, this isn't the place to be posting about Custom Rifles, but I was hoping I might get a select category of opinion if I launch this topic from one of the more technical sections of the forum.

I am looking to get a custom rifle made - goes without saying that I am after accuracy - but was looking for a practically tough, light-weight mountain rifle as may be styled by the Kiwis. Can anyone from their own experience suggest some better-value rifle builders ie. would it be financially sensible or even viable to get a rifle build in the States / NZ and import, or have a UK-built rifle?

Within the UK, who offers a good build for an affordable price? For example, I know Callum Ferguson builds v. good rifles, but he soars above my budget.

I want to emphasise I'd rather pay the money though if there is a risk the build won't be good. Any advice or experience-share appreciated.

From personal experience, I would recommend Border Barrels.
 
From personal experience, I would recommend Border Barrels.

Henry

Dennis Groom built mine when he was head gunsmith at Border Barrels. He is very knowledgeable in all aspects of semi or full custom builds.

Unless you want to go for a custom action (around £1000) the best way to start would be with a basic Remington or Sako actioned rifle. There are any number of cheap used rifles on the go. Don't be put off by the overall condition of the rifle as it will all be binned except for the action.

Dennis is a mate of mine and I know he won't mind you contacting him, he is on this site under the name 'Dennisgrm'. He is now away from Border but now doing stuff under his own name. You could not go wrong by dropping him a pm for an idea of cost. I won't be far off the mark by suggesting his will be around half what Precision Rifle Services would charge. Remember you can do bits to the base rifle as you have the cash, it dose not have to be a full custom job right from the off. If you have a look at my profile there is a photo of the rifle he built for me. He also has a post selling one of his and there is a photo included. It's under 6.5x47 Lapua for sale.

I will leave the rest for the expert to comment on.
 
I know, I know, this isn't the place to be posting about Custom Rifles, but I was hoping I might get a select category of opinion if I launch this topic from one of the more technical sections of the forum.

I am looking to get a custom rifle made - goes without saying that I am after accuracy - but was looking for a practically tough, light-weight mountain rifle as may be styled by the Kiwis. Can anyone from their own experience suggest some better-value rifle builders ie. would it be financially sensible or even viable to get a rifle build in the States / NZ and import, or have a UK-built rifle?

Within the UK, who offers a good build for an affordable price? For example, I know Callum Ferguson builds v. good rifles, but he soars above my budget.

I want to emphasise I'd rather pay the money though if there is a risk the build won't be good. Any advice or experience-share appreciated.


like every thing it depends on what your wanting it for..
is the accuracy for long distance (1000 meters +)
is the accuracy for closer shots
is it for targets/beasts

i met a guy at a meeting not long ago whom is starting up in this field, came highly recommended

i will find his details and pm them to you

frank
 
In no particular order.....

Redmist
Dasherman
Steve Kershaw

All have done custom and semi custom projects for me in the past, and all are excellent, good service, sensible prices.

Good Luck with your choices and with the eventual result.

Best

P
 
i have one by steve bowers , specialist rifle services , i cant fault it . He will do anything you want from blue printing to full custom builds , you may have to wait a while because he is busy , but thats a good sign . Ive seen alot of his work and cant fault it for looks or performance , have a look at the web site and give him a call
 
Henry

Max on this site was trying to sell a 7mm-08 Tooley custom rifle back in June. If it has not been moved on it may fit the bill. Included a scope etc.
 
I had my Tactical Rifle done by Anglo Custom Rifles and Gavin there has some very cool stuff like carbon stocks and he's even building 'new' straight pull SLR's :)

Cheers,

Phil
 
If your on a budget then its gotta be a semi custom. I would be looking at tikka/sako/remington actions but really whatever YOU like. You may think about blueprinting, if you have an action to use already or you can get hold of a shot out rifle cheap then fine, however, if your donor rifle is worth £400 or more, then its probably not worth it because blueprinting is going to cost c. £400 giving a total of £800 ish for a blueprinted action. The action even when blueprinted isnt worth £800 as it is still a sako/remington/tikka/whatever action. You can pick up a custom action for around the £1000 mark. This gets expensive if you want it to.

SO, i would, again in my opinion, go for an action you like which is good quality. Speak to your rifle maker for advice. I wouldnt bother with blueprinting and stick a barrel, decent trigger and stock on it. With it all being checked and built up by a reputable rifle smith, you will have an accurate rifle.

Personally, i would pick a donor rifle/action which already has a mag system as theyre not cheap to buy retrospectively. sticking with the more well known brands will give you more options for stocks and triggers.

And to put it all together, well Steve Kershaw is the only one i have experience of. But i cant sing his praises highly enough. fantastic customer service, high quality jobs and reasonably priced. He is also very quick at turning jobs around.

Oh yeah, beware lots of gun shops telling you they can do it or know someone who can.. It seems like many people have bought a CNC lathe and think they are a rifle smith. Ive seen some horrifying jobs done by botch em and leggits.
 
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If i was going down the line of a semi-custom then where would be best to look for a suitable action for a RUM, in particular a Sako one?
 
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