Getting a custom rifle with no history?

[Andy T]

I found what I think is a decent deal (~2200) for a blueprinted Rem 700 Action, custom 1/8 barrel chambered in .223 in AICS chassis. I'm thinking about getting it, however I am concerned by the fact that the owner does not know the build history/gunsmith and the specific barrel make.
Does it make sense to "bite the bullet" and get it or is it better to wait around or get one built so that I know its exact specs. I would also think a resale value of a rifle with "known history" to be greater as well. Is it so?

 

[excess]

Re: Getting a custom rifle with no history?

I'd be leary. You might by buying something not much different than a factory 700.

 

[ORD]

Re: Getting a custom rifle with no history?

I tend to stay away from "custom" rifles that don't have any sort of pedigree, documentation, etc. I mean people pay thousands of dollars for custom parts and accessories, labor from highly regarded smiths, and then don't bother to keep a record of any of it?!?! WTF?!?! It just calls up a lot of questions that you may never be able to get answered.

As for the "value" question...it varies, but personally, I would pay somewhat of a premium for a rifle with appropriate build documentation, round count data, etc. versus a visually identical rifle with nothing at all.

As for the rifle in question, does it have any identifying markings on it at all? Barrel stamp/roll mark? Custom Shop/Smith stamp/roll mark? I mean, short of running a patch test on it, how does he even know it is a 1:8 twist?

If you are hesitant about it and can't get a straightforward answer with proof to your questions about it, my advice is to walk away and find something else. There have been some very nice .223 and .223AI bolt guns come through the Hide in the last year. Be patient and the right one will come along, or you can put your money toward a true custom rig built to your exact specifications if you prefer to go that route.

 

[The Surgeons Ghost]

Re: Getting a custom rifle with no history?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Andy T</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I found what I think is a decent deal (~2200) for a blueprinted Rem 700 Action, custom 1/8 barrel chambered in .223 in AICS chassis. I'm thinking about getting it, however I am concerned by the fact that the owner does not know the build history/gunsmith and the specific barrel make.
Does it make sense to "bite the bullet" and get it or is it better to wait around or get one built so that I know its exact specs. I would also think a resale value of a rifle with "known history" to be greater as well. Is it so? </div></div>

Gut instinct is what I would go off of. Listen to your instincts, most of the time they are not wrong. JM2C

 

[LanceS4803]

Re: Getting a custom rifle with no history?

Like buying a high-end used car with no maintenance history.
Buyer beware.

 

[Jaxdialation]

Re: Getting a custom rifle with no history?

If the seller is so clueless, how can he rep any part of the gun? I would not do the deal.

 

[leadbullet]

Re: Getting a custom rifle with no history?

I see a lot of thosde custom rifles at the gunshow that were built by Bob or John or Dave and yet the seller has no idea of round count, brand of barrel, twist etc usually the Bob guy did a trigger job and it is now a custom rifle.
pass.

 

[B3dlam]

Re: Getting a custom rifle with no history?

I would say pass as well if your seller has no idea on who did what it likely wasn't his gun and if its been passing owner to owner there is probably a reason.

 

[JC189]

Re: Getting a custom rifle with no history?

I would walk away from that deal. It might shoot real well. Then again it might not. I would not pay that kind of money for a rifle and not even know what kind of barrel it is or how many rounds have been shot through it. jmo, but I would need more info on the rig before I would be a buyer at that price. keep an eye on the firearms for sale section. Lots of good deals on here and you will know exactly what you are buying.

 

[Andy T]

Re: Getting a custom rifle with no history?

Thanks for the feedback. I decided to wait and see, since I already have one rifle that's a shooter.

 

[Roadwild17]

Re: Getting a custom rifle with no history?

A value of a true precision rig is greater than the sum of all its parts. What your talking about I would value at the sum of all its parts - used.

 

[sr15match]

Re: Getting a custom rifle with no history?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Roadwild17</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A value of a true precision rig is greater than the sum of all its parts. What your talking about I would value at the sum of all its parts - used. </div></div>

This is sort of what I was thinking.

Do the math, add & subtract and do a little research of what the parts add up to by them self. If the price is right, take in consideration it might not shoot well and need a barrel & tune work. This is where pricing comes into play. Current parts added with the potential is a fair ball park. It might not be fair to whom ever or the seller but CYOA is the best policy.