Actually,
@Ghost1941 ‘s comments were very hurtful and did have me a little worried, because I’d never heard of Evolved Balistics and he certainly could have said he’d build a custom hunting rifle in two weeks. I would have guessed it would be junk if he made that promise, but he could have promised it. If it was as good as I would expect based on his pricing that would have been shocking and amazing in 2021 compared to all the other notable builders who can build something with that much percision.
He got right back to me after the weekend, and it looks like he builds really nice stuff, although his claims on his website are silly and over the top. 4-5 months sounds about right for someone who builds precise rifles you can depend upon. The guys who are good are in demand are backlogged. That’s just the nature of it.
There is no “right now” custom rifle that’s worth a dam unless it’s one the guy has already built and the commissioner welched or it’s just a popular and good mix of components. There is nothing wrong with buying an already built rifle especially if you don’t know exactly what you want, and if this is your first elk hunt that’s likely the case.
In fact, most good builders have their own preferences.
So disappointed in “The Resident Gun Guy“ on Sniper’s Hide (he’s not new either) lying on his buddy Paul. Nemisis always follows hubris. Humility may be the the most important virtue there is.
I was not saying I have five custom rifles to chest thump. I was just saying it because I’ve been through the build process five times, and it doesn’t happen that quickly even under ideal circumstances. Comming out of this pandemic is not ideal. I remember being shocked and pissed that the paint job I chose for a Manners stock was going to add two weeks to a GAP build. Bespoke means more money and more time. Eventually you either learn to roll with it or you don’t.
The advice I gave was solid. Shoot the .308 you know you can shoot. If you love elk hunting and want to make it annual then build the rifle you really want for next year.