Is this s a good deal??

[ducksfootball82]

I'm new to LR shooting and looking at purchasing a custom rifle from a local. Here are the specifics:

only about 40 rounds since re-chambered from .308 (approx 1500 rounds fired in .308) -

.300WSM, Hart 24" Heavy fluted bbl with 1/10 twist, Badger BBL lug, Tubb TI Firing Pin w/end cap, fluted Bolt w/Sako extractor, Timney Trigger, Custom Jake Brake, Badger bolt knob, clip slotted- Iron B.A. Lugger scope mount, Manners Carbon Fiber M401A stock, BDM with 5 AI mags, Harris bi-pod, Cerakoted $3,200

Also has a Leupold Mark4 M2 3.5-10x40 ill w TMR scope with a package price of $4,600 for rifle and scope.

Like I said I'm new to LR, I'm concerned the 10 power scope will not be great enough magnification for out to 1000, but I don't know. What are your thoughts on the scope as well as the rifle and price? Thanks for your help.

 

[JB02]

If there's a new barrel on it it doesn't really matter how many rounds went through the previous barrel.

Manners doesn't make a "M40A1" stock. You've confused it with McMillan. The Manners equivalent is a MCS T or MCS T3.

AI mags aren't really made to hold .300 WSM. Did he modify the feed lips? If you want AI style mags modified for .300 WSM, you need to get Accurate Mag (Manners and GAP uses these in their 300 WSM builds).

The barrel twist and length are sufficient. Good that it has a brake.

I presume it's bedded in the stock. Who did the gunsmithing work? How well does it shoot? Are there any test groups?

For 300 WSM, I would skip on this scope and go with a Razor HD or Bushnell 3-21.

 

[dbsinh2o]

$3200 for a used .308 with 1500 rounds down the tube - rechambered in .300WSM (not a new barrel)? I think I'd shop around, as you should be able to find something from a name-brand builder (GAP, etc) for that kind of money. If that Leupold is used, I paid a grand for the exact same scope unmounted in the box (from the custom shop in black, vs. FDE). Like the scope on my M1A, but it's probably not ideal for long range shooting.

 

[Maxyim]

Re: LCDR JGB - I have heard bad things about Bushnell scopes + magnum cartridges; they are just not very sturdy.

Re: OP - you can build your own brand new custom rifle with better specs and full control over gunsmithing (blueprinting action, bedding stock) for < $3,000, so I would pass. I also did not catch the action on this setup, which is not a good sign if it is not listed.

 

[JB02]

Re: LCDR JGB - I have heard bad things about Bushnell scopes + magnum cartridges; they are just not very sturdy.

Re: OP - you can build your own brand new custom rifle with better specs and full control over gunsmithing (blueprinting action, bedding stock) for < $3,000, so I would pass. I also did not catch the action on this setup, which is not a good sign if it is not listed.

I don't know where you heard that Maxyim. The Bushnell 3.5-21 G2DMR is rugged and reliable. GAP sells it: http://www.gaprecision.net/ga-store/busnell-elite-tactical-et35215g.html, and it's listed pretty often here too: http://www.snipershide.com/shooting/showthread.php?t=157708

40 rounds down a barrel is effectively new IMO; only two boxes of ammo. Pretty much just broken in.

Show me where you can get a fully spec'd out custom rifle for $3K with all the features listed above. I would like to be proved wrong on this. The closest thing is a GAP Rock rifle, but you're not going to get a sako extractor, a muzzle brake, a Timney, and extra mags.

What matters most is how it shoots. Since it's from someone local, the OP has the unique opportunity to see this rifle in action and actually examine it before making a purchase. Plus, no annoying shipping or FFL fees if it's pretty close to what he wants. I asked the questions above because some of the details don't make sense, but that may be because the OP is new.

 

[Maxyim]

Let's see -

Action - $600
Barrel - $500
Stock - $800
Trigger - $250
Gunsmithing - $300
FFL / Shipping - $50
Brake - $150
Mount / Rings - $150
Bipod - $100
Bottom Metal - $150

Subtotal - $3,050


How am I doing so far? This is from my own plan, so asking for feedback purposes, not trying to knock you down.

Regarding Bushnells, I have been doing research for months and general consensus of the internet is to rank the Bushnells towards the bottom tier of scopes with respect to durability, particularly for heavy-recoil setups. Just what I heard, not personal experience.

 

[ducksfootball82]

Thanks for the responses, yes I am new and just listed per the sheet of specs written down by the owner. I'm in Idaho and I'm not sure of the gunsmiths name, but I have heard from multiple people he is the best around. I've also heard from multiple sources prior to even looking at this gun to purchase that it was a shooter. So the barrel is not new, it was just re-chambered for the .300 WSM (not sure what that all entails) I have a couple pics I can post, will try to do that shortly.

Just getting into LR shooting is that a good caliber that will last me? I don't mind spending money to get quality, but I don't want to outgrow it right away, I want something that will last. I've gone the cheap route on so many things and end up spending more in the long run, because you end up adding accessories or replacing it and buying something of quality. I've followed a lot of post on here and it really sounds like you guys know your stuff, so I appreciate all your help.

 

[Maxyim]

Thanks for the responses, yes I am new and just listed per the sheet of specs written down by the owner. I'm in Idaho and I'm not sure of the gunsmiths name, but I have heard from multiple people he is the best around. I've also heard from multiple sources prior to even looking at this gun to purchase that it was a shooter. So the barrel is not new, it was just re-chambered for the .300 WSM (not sure what that all entails) I have a couple pics I can post, will try to do that shortly.

Just getting into LR shooting is that a good caliber that will last me? I don't mind spending money to get quality, but I don't want to outgrow it right away, I want something that will last. I've gone the cheap route on so many things and end up spending more in the long run, because you end up adding accessories or replacing it and buying something of quality. I've followed a lot of post on here and it really sounds like you guys know your stuff, so I appreciate all your help.

This is probably fairly obvious, but make sure that you determine exactly what you are able to shoot in local competitions if you have any plans whatsoever in participating (as you should, if you invest high dollar into a custom LR setup, plus you get prizes, feedback, new friends and connections, and more incentive to develop your own skills). Example case study - for me, my only option is .308 at 300, 600 and 800 yards, so I am building a .308 custom rifle. Sure, I would love to be able to build a .300 Win, 7mm RUM or .338 Lapua setup (for an incremental $1k or less, I would have a far more powerful cartridge that would get me out to a mile +), but why spend all the time and effort if I am going to be competing against myself?

 

[ducksfootball82]

good point, I'll look into that. thanks for the heads up.

 

[huntfish]

Let's see -

Action - $600
Barrel - $500
Stock - $800
Trigger - $250
Gunsmithing - $300
FFL / Shipping - $50
Brake - $150
Mount / Rings - $150
Bipod - $100
Bottom Metal - $150

Subtotal - $3,050


How am I doing so far? This is from my own plan, so asking for feedback purposes, not trying to knock you down.

Regarding Bushnells, I have been doing research for months and general consensus of the internet is to rank the Bushnells towards the bottom tier of scopes with respect to durability, particularly for heavy-recoil setups. Just what I heard, not personal experience.

Details on the $500 barrel?

 

[Maxyim]

Details on the $500 barrel?

Simply what my gunsmith quoted me on a chambered, threaded Rock Creek barrel + any other work needed to fit the rest of the setup; I know nothing more.

 

[huntfish]

Gotcha. That explains the low smithing number.

 

[Maxyim]

Gotcha. That explains the low smithing number.

Right, I suppose that the two categories are intertwined somewhat.

 

[JB02]

Let's see -

Action - $600
Barrel - $500
Stock - $800
Trigger - $250
Gunsmithing - $300
FFL / Shipping - $50
Brake - $150
Mount / Rings - $150
Bipod - $100
Bottom Metal - $150

Subtotal - $3,050


How am I doing so far? This is from my own plan, so asking for feedback purposes, not trying to knock you down.

Regarding Bushnells, I have been doing research for months and general consensus of the internet is to rank the Bushnells towards the bottom tier of scopes with respect to durability, particularly for heavy-recoil setups. Just what I heard, not personal experience.

Whatever you're listing here is not what the OP is buying. No sako extractor, 5 AI mags, and you're "barrel, stock, and gunsmithing" items aren't clearly defined. It's more like $600 for a non-adjustable stock and $250 for pillar bedding (shipping not included). You break down the costs a bit more and you'll see that you're totally lowballing your estimate. Also, you will not get AICS mag capable bottom metal for $150, and you won't get a muzzle brake installed for just $150. Mount and rings for just $150 means you're not getting Badger or Seekins stuff that comes on a GAP rifle. $50 for shipping a rifle in a hard case and clearing your FFL is a pipe dream ... more like $100. Is the trigger you're using going to be a Jewell ... $250 is pretty high.

Of course if you read on the internet that Bushnells suck then it must be true! All of the pros that use them are obviously full of shit. Better let GAP know right now they're selling lemons! Seriously dude, the G2DMR is a tank, solidly built. Very much a tossup between that and a Razor HD iMO.


For the OP:
Action 500
Barrel 340
Chamber and true 350
Timney trigger 130
Tubb firing pin w/ cap 95
Sako extractor 125
Heavy recoil lug 40
stock 600
bedding 225
finishing 175
installed muzzle brake 175
oversize bolt knob 95
Badger M5 350
Total 3200

This is without including shipping (at least $150 for all parts), FFL (~ $25), the 5 AI mags ($65 each) or the Harris bipod ($100). See if he'll take $3K for it if you want it. 300 WSM is not cheap to shoot and I recommend getting it only if you need to pack a nice punch downrange.