Why build Cistom rifle?

[Tree]

I have been going back and forth on starting a custom build. I currently have an AI AE MKIII with a 6.5 creed barrel that I have been shooting and like a lot. With that said I have been debating on building another rifle for when the barrel on this one is shot out and switching my AE to 308.

I like the 60 degree throw and three lug bolt of the AI. The Curtis custom vector intrigued me because of this.

On the other hand I like the availability of AI barrels which are easy to swap at home even on my AE.

Having the availability of another style stock/chassis makes me lean toward a custom setup.

Anyone know if the vector will have barrels available by multiple manufacturers for easy changeout without a smith?

What would be the advantage of going custom over getting another AI in a switch barrel set-up?

 

[Afkirby]

A custom rifle is a good alternative to the high-end factory rifles if you prefer a different style stock or chassis system. Also many manufacturers are making actions with consistent enough dimensions that you can buy a barrel without the gunsmith having the action in hand, or you can go the barrel nut route and headspace the rifle yourself.

With all the options out there today its hard to justify (especially if you’re on a budget) the super high end factory rifles, when you can slap together a nice custom at home for half the price. That being said there will always be a place for the Accuracy Internationals of the world for those looking for a turn-key solution.

 

[sleeplz]

I wanted the vector until their I saw the prices on their barrels. It seems like the barrels are only standard to their action but I’m sure other companies will spin the barrel for the right price. Look at the nucleus action, savage pre-fit barrels and 72 degree bolt throw.

 

[brianf]

the only reason i buy customs now is:
"new" hunting rifle. if i book a really nice hunt that deserves a stained wood stock, or if im going high in the mountains where my faggot-ass wont carry anything heavy anymore.

Or, if im really love or admire what the smith does.

Like my Tac-Ops are different animals. yes they shoot great (they are not like my benchrest rifles), yet i admire the craftsmanship so to me its worth it.

for everything else i shoot my AI's. they do what every other custom does as good etc, and im using the same platform for muscle memory.

i get sucked into looking and drooling at every other new rifle and chassis that comes out, but when i finally get past the honeymoon time i stick to what works for me.

i also only like to shoot rifles that shoot factory match ammo well. i dont always have the time for reloading anymore plus im anal about it and wont halfass it.

 

[FUNCTIONAL]

For the cost you could buy another used AI and have consistency with your current setup.

If you want something a bit different look into the Ultimatum Deadline action. 60deg bolt throw and uses savage pre-fit barrels you can pick up tons of places now. Interchangeable bolt heads to run from 223 to magnum calibers.

Or you can sell your current AI and pick up a newer model with the quick change barrel screw.

 

[Bradu]

If you are happy with the AI then I would consider getting another. I like mine but don't shoot them that much anymore. The only reason I would go custom is if you want a different stock or a caliber that's not available in the AI such as a 223. I have a couple customs and after having the AI, TRG and DT rifles, I don't know that I would own a single custom rifle.

 

[RyanM]

I have owned TRGs and 2 AIs. I now only have customs (the opposite of what a lot of folks do here).

I find my MPA chassis or Manners T4 to be much more comfortable than my AIs.

Do I miss the super smooth and reliable action of the AI? For sure but the customs just fit me better than the AIs/TRGs did.

If you can get comfy behind the AIs then you are lucky.

 

[Tree]

Well at this point I am quite happy with my AI. I am definitely keeping it and running it at matches until I shoot out the 2 barrels I have for it. Will continue to look at what is out there and try to get behind some of what others have at the matches. I can get comfortable behind my current AI so in no rush. It also will hold under 1/2 moa with factory ammo so can't complain.

 

[1clicktrick]

I bought a savage target action. I bought my action wrench and barrel nut wrench and a head space gauge. Chucked her all up in a vice and did it all myself. Super easy and it was fun. I have a savage model12 in a 22-250 that I pulled off the barrel and put a shilen .260 barrel on. Both my rigs are shooters. I shoot with buddies that have high end rifles and they both want to build on a savage because they just shoot. Friend of mine bought a savage bench rest rifle in 6.5x284 Norma. That thing shoots quarter moa as well! Don't overlook savages they are being recognized now! My 338 win duplicated mid lapua speeds and is a great shooter.

 

[BallisticPrimate]

For what I can build on a tikka I find it difficult to justify a full custom build these days. I love my Surgeon build, but aside from it 'feeling' more robust I can't really say it's any better than my tikka semi customs

 

[1clicktrick]

I agree with you. They "look" cool too but the money I can not justify the cost. I'm not a pro nor do I have sponsors. I feel myself and most others are not a good enough shot to see the difference if there is any. I know the customs are good, I just think the average Joe wont see the gain.

 

[PBWalsh]

I was going to have a custom built on an ARC Mausingfield. Was determined and set to buy a short action Mausingfield the week I shot a member’s AIAT. Shooting the AT changed my mind and am now currently saving my pennies for an AIAT now. The inherent feel and culmination of what that rifle is sold me within the first few shots. I knew I would not be able to build anything that was as durable, versatile, and ergonomic as an AT.

What other rifle could I have built that I can trust my life with, change barrels in a minute (go from PRS to Palma to hunting in one barrel swap), have factory support, be very stable in all shooting positions (including unsupported standing), have an extremely tested and proven two-stage trigger, and be that comfortable behind? Well, none that I can think of. A Mausingfield fills most of those, but the quick change barrel system is very nice.

An AI ain’t your run-of-the-mill factory rifle, but there is nothing custom about it.

 

[Nittynate]

I was going to have a custom built on an ARC Mausingfield. Was determined and set to buy a short action Mausingfield the week I shot a member’s AIAT. Shooting the AT changed my mind and am now currently saving my pennies for an AIAT now. The inherent feel and culmination of what that rifle is sold me within the first few shots. I knew I would not be able to build anything that was as durable, versatile, and ergonomic as an AT.

What other rifle could I have built that I can trust my life with, change barrels in a minute (go from PRS to Palma to hunting in one barrel swap), have factory support, be very stable in all shooting positions (including unsupported standing), have an extremely tested and proven two-stage trigger, and be that comfortable behind? Well, none that I can think of. A Mausingfield fills most of those, but the quick change barrel system is very nice.

An AI ain’t your run-of-the-mill factory rifle, but there is nothing custom about it.

I think a lot of the points you made about AIAT could be made about my custom Impact rifle (reliability, durability, and the best customer support in the business.) And with the new Barloc from ARC the quick barrel changes on AIAT are a moot point. Even with the Impact, barrel swaps are quick and easy. Plus going ARC your supporting a great American company.

“We are going to win so much, you’re going to be so sick and tired of winning.” 45th Pres.

 

[1clicktrick]

I was going to have a custom built on an ARC Mausingfield. Was determined and set to buy a short action Mausingfield the week I shot a member’s AIAT. Shooting the AT changed my mind and am now currently saving my pennies for an AIAT now. The inherent feel and culmination of what that rifle is sold me within the first few shots. I knew I would not be able to build anything that was as durable, versatile, and ergonomic as an AT.

What other rifle could I have built that I can trust my life with, change barrels in a minute (go from PRS to Palma to hunting in one barrel swap), have factory support, be very stable in all shooting positions (including unsupported standing), have an extremely tested and proven two-stage trigger, and be that comfortable behind? Well, none that I can think of. A Mausingfield fills most of those, but the quick change barrel system is very nice.

An AI ain’t your run-of-the-mill factory rifle, but there is nothing custom about it.

I hear a lot about "reliability" I myself have never had a bolt gun fail me. I live in the country and shoot at my house. I'm not picking at anyone I'm just asking for my gain of knowledge. Please explain, when I replied to this post I took it as we were ringing steel or punching paper. I guess reliability would come from the action/barrel. As far as comfort I ran a McMillan A5, best I personally shot behind. Please anyone chime in and give me feedback. Thank you.

 

[Nittynate]

I agree with you. They "look" cool too but the money I can not justify the cost. I'm not a pro nor do I have sponsors. I feel myself and most others are not a good enough shot to see the difference if there is any. I know the customs are good, I just think the average Joe wont see the gain.

There is more to a custom rifle than being “good enough shot to see the difference.” I have a upgraded Tikka and it is a great rifle( 22” Krieger 6.5 creedmoor Manners T4a). The thing that gets me is you certainly don’t need to be “sponsored” to shoot a custom rifle. All those guys wearing jerseys are a small percentage of us shooters, so don’t start giving advice based on your shooting capabilities or that the rifle looks “cool.”

 

[1clicktrick]

There is more to a custom rifle than being “good enough shot to see the difference.” I have a upgraded Tikka and it is a great rifle( 22” Krieger 6.5 creedmoor Manners T4a). The thing that gets me is you certainly don’t need to be “sponsored” to shoot a custom rifle. All those guys wearing jerseys are a small percentage of us shooters, so don’t start giving advice based on your shooting capabilities or that the rifle looks “cool.”

I never "gave advice" I simply stated an opinion. I have a similiar build to u. Shilen barrel but I ran a McMillan stock and used a savage action. It was a cheap build that shoots amazing is all I'm saying. I did everything myself except inlet my stock thats what I paid McMillan for $$$. I was actually on the fence about the manners as well. I assume you love it?

 

[Nittynate]

I

I never "gave advice" I simply stated an opinion. I have a similiar build to u. Shilen barrel but I ran a McMillan stock and used a savage action. It was a cheap build that shoots amazing is all I'm saying. I did everything myself except inlet my stock thats what I paid McMillan for $$$. I was actually on the fence about the manners as well. I assume you love it?

I do love my Manners stocks and the Tikka rifle(never had a problem with it.) but not as much as I will when my new build is done:

Impact action
PVA 18” 6.5 creed barrel Remington Varmint profile
Triggertech Diamond
Manners elite Ta gen 2 chassis Core Highlander

 

[1clicktrick]

I


I do love my Manners stocks and the Tikka rifle(never had a problem with it.) but not as much as I will when my new build is done:

Impact action
PVA 18” 6.5 creed barrel Remington Varmint profile
Triggertech Diamond
Manners elite Ta gen 2 chassis Core Highlander

That's nice. I'm building a .260 looking at going with a chassis I think for my wife. The 6.5's are badass.

 

[PBWalsh]

I hear a lot about "reliability" I myself have never had a bolt gun fail me. I live in the country and shoot at my house. I'm not picking at anyone I'm just asking for my gain of knowledge. Please explain, when I replied to this post I took it as we were ringing steel or punching paper. I guess reliability would come from the action/barrel. As far as comfort I ran a McMillan A5, best I personally shot behind. Please anyone chime in and give me feedback. Thank you.

Reliability as far as running in unfavorable conditions with little to know cleaning. I have had a Remington (factory) 700 fail and not extract a steel case. Granted steel is harder BUT any rifle should be able to. When I get my AT in, it will be tested with steel as well. After that incident, I didn’t really trust the action. My former FN SPR A1 never had a problem extracting anything, steel included. I trusted that rifle and still regret selling it.

AI rifles are kinda a gold standard for operating in harsh conditions, or “battlefield” use. Hope to never be jn a gun fight with one though.

The McMillian A series is definitely a good group of stocks. If the AT would not have fit me, I would have used probably used a McM A3 or MCS T6/PRS.

I think a lot of the points you made about AIAT could be made about my custom Impact rifle (reliability, durability, and the best customer support in the business.) And with the new Barloc from ARC the quick barrel changes on AIAT are a moot point. Even with the Impact, barrel swaps are quick and easy. Plus going ARC your supporting a great American company.

I really like the Barloc idea, but it seems (from what I’ve read on here) just a *bit* more finiky than the AI quick lock system. Like I’ve said, if the AI was not a thing, I would already have a Mausingfield in hand.

Once you get to this level of rifle (AI, Sako, DT, ARC, Impact, etc.) you seriously CANNOT go wrong.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

I think the custom route is an excellent path, and am very happy with the more traditional approach of a trued receiver, a good composite stock, and a superior aftermarket barrel. Years ago (2001) I became the owner of an excellent custom .260, based on the then current Savage 10FP. It has a factory Pillar Bedded Macmillan A3 Tactical Stock and a 28" Lothar-Walther barrel which has put together several strings of X's at 1000yd, and has proven to be a superior firearm, capable of allowing me to attain whatever level of success I can still manage, without any equipment related issues. I did have some initial extractor issues due to overly hot loads/hot day, but that was resolved on the line very satisfactorily, and a redeveloped load solved the underlying cause once and for all. Since it allows me to fully employ my own moderately limited skills fully, I have no motivation to depart from this platform.

Things have changed in the intervening nearly two decades. But I'm still hanging in there with the one and same custom rifle. It's had three barrels on it (the third was a sad flirtation with .30BR), but the second one is the one that's stayed on. It's a L-W SAAMI .260 Rem 28" 1:8", and it's maybe less than 1/2 of the way through the 2400 rounds the L-W tech and I jawed over one afternoon on the phone, based on throat growth. It may go longer now that I've stepped down my load since moving to High Desert country; don't need the full throttle so much anymore.

I remain, at heart, a factory rifle fan.

I recommend the 6.5CM. I will stay with the .260 because of my long time handloading investment in it, but I think the CM has the better ammunition support base, all things being equal, and handloading being the chore it can become.

I still resist the attraction for the chassis, but most would disagree and be totally correct for their own situation.

The attraction of the 308 is always a strong one. Nowadays, I see it maybe going the way of the 30-06; still capable, but no longer the popular flavor. the 30-06 remains a strong part of my shooting, with my Garand and a 'coming-along' Savage Axis II Hunter. I would need a specific reason to shoot the 308, and I have one, F T/R. A few years back would have been more timely for me, but I'll keep that capability around. The 30-06 Axis II's only real issue has been scope mounting. I believe I finally have that nailed, but still need to get out and prove that for my own satisfaction. I'll be looking to work up a 120-125gr load for it; I'm no longer so tolerant of recoil, which has also been a large factor in the scope mounting journey.

Greg