Gunsmith Recommendations

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cycloneshooter

Member
Nov 7, 2012
105
0
Iowa
I have ideas for a custom long range hunting rifle ironed out and am looking for a quality gunsmith with reasonable rates. I was hoping members of the forum would have some good recommendations for people to try.
I reside in eastern Iowa if that makes a difference.

I would be supplying the action, stock, barrel etc.
Gunsmith would be asked to blueprint the action, bed the action, install and chamber the barrel chamber the barrel.

Looking for 0.5MOA or better from a custom rig with custom loads.

Thanks for the feedback.
 
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cycloneshooter

Member
Nov 7, 2012
105
0
Iowa
Right now the plan in not to skimp on components, and I don't want skimp on gunsmithing either.
That said, I don't really want a total bill of $3000-$5000 either, otherwise I should have just ordered a custom gun from one of the various quality companies out there.

I have a Winchester 70 push feed short action on hand I was hoping to use. I am planning on a Satern barrel and probably a McMillan stock. I would need a gunsmith to do all the metal and fit up work, with end result being 0.5MOA or better potential.

Caliber leading the way right now is 284 Winchester. With the high quality 7mm bullets on the market, the 284 has enough speed to retain enough power to kill almost anything in North America at long range with minimum recoil and optimum barrel life. I have also been considering the 7mm short mags, but not sure if my action will support those or not.

Thanks for the interest in my post.
 
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canvsbk

Active Member
Apr 8, 2012
176
0
Michigan
It seems that the guys who are good at the work you want are also very busy. Usually the hold up on a custom build is the lead time for the barrel but since you have all the parts required it should cut your build time by months. I've had a couple put together in the manner you're talking and couldn't be more pleased. Will send a pm.
 
hardstalk

hardstalk

Veteran member
Sep 13, 2011
1,550
43
vegas
cycloneshooter said:
Right now the plan in not to skimp on components, and I don't want skimp on gunsmithing either.
That said, I don't really want a total bill of $3000-$5000 either, otherwise I should have just ordered a custom gun from one of the various quality companies out there.



I have a Winchester 70 push feed short action on hand I was hoping to use. I am planning on a Satern barrel and probably a McMillan stock. I would need a gunsmith to do all the metal and fit up work, with end result being 0.5MOA or better potential.

Caliber leading the way right now is 284 Winchester. With the high quality 7mm bullets on the market, the 284 has enough speed to retain enough power to kill almost anything in North America at long range with minimum recoil and optimum barrel life. I have also been considering the 7mm short mags, but not sure if my action will support those or not.

Thanks for the interest in my post.
Click to expand...
Just to be straight your looking to spend less than 3k and supply action only? Im not trying to pry I've got a buddy who builds some great shooting rigs and just making sure I relay the proper info to see if he has interest in taking on the challenge.

You also mentioned " long range " and in a previous post mentioned " ironed out" im assuming shiny action and components but no iron sights. If your going for a long range, im guessing 700-1000 yards and higher end optics with adjustable turret capabilities?
 
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Straightshot

New Member
Oct 23, 2013
5
0
I just got a custom rifle back Kampfeld Custom. I only had hime do some fluting on the barrel and the bolt and install a removable muzzle brake, and wow he does an amazing job! He offers work other than the fluting and I would bet its of the same quality. Karl's work is very high quality.
My project isnt finished yet but now it is one step closer.

1.jpg2.jpg3.jpg
 
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cycloneshooter

Member
Nov 7, 2012
105
0
Iowa
Yes, I am talking that 700+ range and yes, I would like to stay on somewhat of a budget.
I will be supplying the components (action, barrel, stock) and I will probably mount the optics myself.
All I am looking for from the gunsmith is the installation work, (blueprinting action, barrel install, chambering and stock bedding).

I used a 257 Roberts for a 575 yard antelope shot this past fall, but the cartridge has its limitations.
Looking to build something a little heavier for even better results and bigger game.

Here is the goat and the gun I used to take him.
Bens Buck 001.jpg

Thanks for the great feedback thus far. Keep it coming.
 
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WapitiBob

Veteran member
Mar 1, 2011
1,385
58
Bend, Orygun
my setup

Rem 700 sps in 7stw, $635
Greybull stock, $325
Brux #5 fluted stainless, $425
true action/chamber/cut/crown barrel, $275
I bedded the action myself
Scope, I bought Greybull but would go Nightforce next time.

Went from 2" at 200 to 3/4" with ammo loaded for the original rifle.
Turn around time on action/barrel work, one week. Local guy (30 years @ Nosler) did the work.
 
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SansSouci

Active Member
Nov 3, 2013
207
0
cycloneshooter,

I have a factory Sako that will shoot under a half-inch all day long. I had a friend who has since ascended to Heaven. He had many custom rifles. He told me that not a one would out-shoot my Sako. The only things I have had done to my Sako is bed the action and trigger work.

I was all set to customize a 700 action. After I researched it, I found that due to computer aided manufacture, many factory rifles are capable of accuracy that meet or exceeds custom guns.

Were I to buy another rifle, which I don't need, I'd buy a Sako AV action .270 Win. If I didn't have loading stuff for a .270 Win, I'd go .280 Rem. IMHO and from my experience, it seems that .284 projectiles hold an inherent accuracy edge over other hunting calibers.

Anyway, if you're dead set on going custom route, I wish you the best. My suggestion is to look for a used Sako AV and modify it as you wish. For that matter, any factory rifle that has an accuracy track record.

Remington rifles deserve a look. The second most accurate rifle I have evef fired was a 700 ADL that belonged to another friend who is also in Heaven. His rifle was stock. He didn't have a thing done to it. And the way it shot, he didn't need to do a thing to it. From what I've read, Savage rifles are incredibly accurate right off the shelf as well. Maybe you can save money that can go towards a hunting adventure.
 
Retterath

Retterath

Veteran member
Dec 24, 2013
1,440
1
South Dakota
Straightshotgunsmithing.com he has built me 5 custom rifles and are awesome he guarantees 1/2" moa @ 600 yards or 3" group at 600
 
Cobbhunts

Cobbhunts

Veteran member
Jan 22, 2014
1,060
1
Kentucky
I used "Precision Barrel Works" out of Texas. He did me a fine job. I went with a .270 WSM, Hart Barrel, Browning A-Bolt Medalion Action and a custom laminate stock.

I am also sure that the gunsmiths mentioned above are all fine too. Just do your research and ask good questions when you contact the smith.
 
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tikka_mike

New Member
Jul 27, 2013
9
0
www.shoot-long.com I have 2 custom rifles build by him and attention to detail and very personal customer service are top notch. the turn around time is crazy fast too. the last Rifle I sent to him I sent all the parts and told him I needed it asap he had it together in about a week.. its possible because he doesnt take on more orders than he has time for. Highly recommend!
 
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