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$5k for a new bolt gun

S

snipe10

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
May 10, 2010
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Colorado
Alright, I have $5K for a new bolt gun not counting glass. I want a 308 with detachable mags and am thinking Surgeon, AIAW, Spartan (had one of Marc's builds) or GAP, also like TRG22's. I really don't want to wait 6 months, Surgeon says they can build something up pretty quick, AIAW's are a deal right now with the MC's coming out, TRG's are always available through Eurooptic, Spartan and GAP would require a wait. I have a place with plenty of room to stretch it out and want a reliable, durable, all weather rifle that's accurate.

I know all rifles listed are great but let's hear your pros and cons, apologies if this is redundant, just thought it'd be good to get opinions with the new year starting.

(love the looks of the new AI MC but they're $7K)
 
DTA. Not only do they have detachable mags, they have detachable barrels. You only need one good scope and you can run 243 to 338 Lapua Magnum from the same rig. Just buy new barrels and bolts. Short Action Customs can do any caliber you want. Can't go wrong. Put a S&B or Nightforce BEAST atop and you're good for any bolt situation. My two cents. Good problem to have, $5K burning a hole in your pocket! Don't rush though.
 
HUH! all great choices, I have GAP and surgeon. Both are great and would be pretty quick in the custom world. AI is built like a tank and very tough. Will be accurate too. THing about AI is you have to use their stock. Is that the stock you want. I'm not a chassis guy and I love Manners stocks a lot so that's what I always look for myself. GAP is my main smith right now and I have 2 guns there now, ones a surgeon. I would not feel bad with any of them. Don't know about the others as I've never had one. The AI and TRG are nice rifles though. But my money will be going to GAP and manners as they are the companies I want to support. Getting 4 bbls from them soon and they treat me right. 2 months for what I asked them to do isn't bad. I say GAP. Good luck
 
$5k will get you an AI AT folder, and extra barrel in the caliber of your choice, and a few extra mags. I'm told I'll see mine at the end of February.
 
Find a AIAE mk3 have a couple 6.5 or 6mm barrels turned up. Tooley does these so all good! Spend the rest on ammo or loading supplies.
BTW new MK3s are going cheap as the new models are coming out.

R
 
You can get an AIAT for under $4k. Use the rest for ammo, training, or as funding towards glass...
 
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Get a Rem 700 SA....send it to Jon Beanland in Gould, Oklahoma and tell him to make you a 6.5x47Lapua! You'll thank me later!!
 
You can build one for far less than 5k. Get a good gunsmith you trust, Gradous, Dana English, exc. and give them a call. I have a few customs, and some remingtons, the barrel is what will make the gun shoot not the action. Why the .308? Other than being common and available I can't think of a reason to build one. I understand a guy wants what a guy wants, just wondering why.
 
redneckbmxer24 said:
$5k will get you an AI AT folder, and extra barrel in the caliber of your choice, and a few extra mags. I'm told I'll see mine at the end of February.
Click to expand...

If I had 5k to blow on a rifle this would be exactly how I would spend it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
A month ago, I would have said going with the AX rifle, but the new AT is definitely the way to go if you want to be in the 5k range and like the AI rifles.
If the AI stock is not to your liking, a GAP rifle is worth the wait, if you are not getting an AI, then a GAP would be what I would suggest you go with.
 
But with the DTA, you can use bigger bolt faces for the 7mm, 300 win mag and 338 Lapua magnum. The AI's and GAPs, no can do. You get much more versatility with the DTA.
 
DTA's are a love hate relationship, somebody should certainly put some ronds down range with one before buying. I had one and didn't shoot one before I bought, otherwise I would have never bought it. I'm short and don't have long arms and I couldn't manipulate the bolt comfortably, mag changes were also awkward. I'm much faster with a standard bolt gun and other former DTA owners I've talked to shared the same thoughts. I do know there are some that like them though. Regardless, shoot one first. All the caliber changes in the world don't mean a thing if it's uncomfortable to shoot.
 
redneckbmxer24 said:
DTA's are a love hate relationship, somebody should certainly put some ronds down range with one before buying. I had one and didn't shoot one before I bought, otherwise I would have never bought it. I'm short and don't have long arms and I couldn't manipulate the bolt comfortably, mag changes were also awkward. I'm much faster with a standard bolt gun and other former DTA owners I've talked to shared the same thoughts. I do know there are some that like them though. Regardless, shoot one first. All the caliber changes in the world don't mean a thing if it's uncomfortable to shoot.
Click to expand...
Sage wisdom here.
 
I don't own any full custom rifles, however if I had my druthers I'd go visit Robert Gradous and build one with him by my side. The "apprenticeship" he offers intrigues me since I like to tinker with things!
 
redneckbmxer24 said:
$5k will get you an AI AT folder, and extra barrel in the caliber of your choice, and a few extra mags. I'm told I'll see mine at the end of February.
Click to expand...

Would be my choice as well, switching out barrels is a huge selling point for me. Though i've never used an AICS so i can't comment on the comfortability or ergonomics of it. I love my McM A5 and would have a hard time switching.

The other rout of building a custom is well really... limitless.

Custom action: Take your pick Badger, GAP/Defiance, Surgeon, Bighorn,
Barrel: again whatever is available though my first choice would be Bartlein
Stock: Manners, McM, Whiskey, XLR, AICS
Bipod: Atlas, Harris
 
redneckbmxer24 said:
DTA's are a love hate relationship, somebody should certainly put some ronds down range with one before buying. I had one and didn't shoot one before I bought, otherwise I would have never bought it. I'm short and don't have long arms and I couldn't manipulate the bolt comfortably, mag changes were also awkward. I'm much faster with a standard bolt gun and other former DTA owners I've talked to shared the same thoughts. I do know there are some that like them though. Regardless, shoot one first. All the caliber changes in the world don't mean a thing if it's uncomfortable to shoot.
Click to expand...

This. Also, 6 round magazines suck.
 
+1 to gap

Custom built 300wm: defiance deviant, manners t3: 2 QD cups and atlas rail, defiance BDM, timney trigger, bartlein barrel, defiance NV Mount, atlas bipod, pelican case, nightforce 5.5-22x56. ran me about 5.5k for all but as a non-typical 10months wait but was worth the wait!!
 
Of the builders you have listed (plus AI), pick any, you cannot go wrong. I got my new GAP delivered to my FFL in 10 days from time of order.

If you can live with 6mm Creedmoor, so can you:

Rifles Ready to Ship
 
If you're going to spend up to $5k on a custom, get exactly what you want... irrespective of a reasonable wait time.
 
Robert hands down. They are the best of the best.


6.5x47
Surgeon action
Surgeon bottom metal
Krieger Barrel cut to 22”,
McMillian A5 Stock
Jewel trigger
Nightforce rings
March 10x60 scope Kelbly Rifles http://www.kelbly.com/march-scopes/March Kelbly-Retail price 2014.html

260
Surgeon action
Surgeon bottom metal
Krieger Barrel cut to 22”,
McMillian A5 Stock
Jewel trigger
Sphur rings Home
Schimdt and Bender 12-50x56 scope http://www.eurooptic.com/schmidt-bender-12-50x56-pm-ii-riflescope.aspx
 
Robert hands down. They are the best of the best.


6.5x47
Surgeon action
Surgeon bottom metal
Krieger Barrel cut to 22”,
McMillian A5 Stock
Jewel trigger
Nightforce rings
March 10x60 scope Kelbly Rifles http://www.kelbly.com/march-scopes/March Kelbly-Retail price 2014.html

260
Surgeon action
Surgeon bottom metal
Krieger Barrel cut to 22”,
McMillian A5 Stock
Jewel trigger
Sphur rings Home
Schimdt and Bender 12-50x56 scope http://www.eurooptic.com/schmidt-bender-12-50x56-pm-ii-riflescope.aspx
 
Robert hands down. They are the best of the best. $4450 with out scopes and rings. 6.5 x47 will be his 3rd one for me.


6.5x47 http://www.gradousrifles.com/


Surgeon action
Surgeon bottom metal
Krieger Barrel cut to 22”,
McMillian A5 Stock
Jewel trigger
Nightforce rings
March 10x60 scope Kelbly Rifles http://www.kelbly.com/march-scopes/March Kelbly-Retail price 2014.html

260 260 Rem http://www.gradousrifles.com/

Surgeon action
Surgeon bottom metal
Krieger Barrel cut to 22”,
McMillian A5 Stock
Jewel trigger
Sphur rings Home
Schimdt and Bender 12-50x56 scope Schmidt Bender PM II 12-50x56
 
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Six round mags do suck. But I heard they're coming out with 10 rounders soon.
 
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As others have said, I'd look at a Surgeon or an AI AT. You might call GAP and see what parts they have in stock. Usually rifles built with in-stock parts have a relatively quick turn around time.
 
Using a rear bag was already a bitch with the 6rd mag, I can't imagine being able to use a bag well with another 2" hanging down.
 
I'd save another 2 grand and order a tactical rifles.net rifle, every guns and ammo and shotgun news I've read raves on them. Wait time I heard was 34 minutes and you get all sorts of accessories with it like a target
 
I luv DTA bullpup, but they dont or cant fig out how to do a lefty. However if your run of the mill righty

Defiance Actions had several they rock

BlackOps Precision
He was the main guy @ Defiance before going alone
His sticks rate very high
 
Jedi said:
I luv DTA bullpup, but they dont or cant fig out how to do a lefty. However if your run of the mill righty

Defiance Actions had several they rock

BlackOps Precision
He was the main guy @ Defiance before going alone
His sticks rate very high
Click to expand...

from what I have read blacktops precision is closed, and mike bush was only ceo for 3-4 months at defiance, and I will add he was not a very good ceo in my opinion
 
$4900 for a Remington 700... Somebody needs their head examined.

Edit: just looked at it again. Doesn't even have a magazine bottom metal. So...

$600 for a trued Remington action
$600 for a custom tube and install
$850 for a non adjustable McMillan and bedding
$400 for the paint and texture job
$150 for thread and thread protector
$250 for a nice floor plate BM.


That's $2850... What do you get for the other $2k that another builder can't do?
 
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redneckbmxer24 said:
$4900 for a Remington 700... Somebody needs their head examined.

Edit: just looked at it again. Doesn't even have a magazine bottom metal. So...

$600 for a trued Remington action
$600 for a custom tube and install
$850 for a non adjustable McMillan and bedding
$400 for the paint and texture job
$150 for thread and thread protector
$250 for a nice floor plate BM.


That's $2850... What do you get for the other $2k that another builder can't do?
Click to expand...

Yep, you're possibly right about all of that.
Frankenrifle...not my thing.
But still, IF I wanted another .308 that would be the gun.
I guess it boils down to being able to afford something I've always wanted to try-- a TacOps (and, without the wait and for many reasons)
 
How does going to another builder for all of that work make it a Frankenstein rifle? You can't possibly tell me that you believe tac ops is worth $2k+ more than the other top smiths.
 
no matter what round, price point, or builder (as long as he is a reputable one etc..) you have to choose a stock that you feel comfortable with. all smiths worth anything can take a custom/blue printed action, match barrel, match trigger put them together strait creating a tac driver. next you choose a $200 paint job and there you go, but if the stock doesn't fit you or feel comfortable you will never be consistent. all the money you paid for a 1/2" rifle will be a waste if stock/shooter interface makes you fight your natural point of aim.
 
I am with brianf it makes no difference who built it or how tight it will group if you are not comfortable shooting. When I bought my Surgeon I spent alot of time talking to people that had pretty much all of the rifles on your list, I was able to shoot the AI and I don't like the stock same with the TRG both were tack drivers but for me it was HELL saving the money so I wanted a rifle that fit me and was comfortable. I ended up going with Surgeon over GAP because when I made up mind they had a shorter lead time. Whatever way you go good luck.
 
Thanks for all the replies, man I've got about 20 pm's with guys trying to sell me their rifles, I think I'm going to go with Surgeon or GAP, as I always wanted one, but I will take a look at the AIAT ….

(not a slam on those of you sending me pm's, happy to check them out, just didn't expect it)
 
I vote for the Surgeon, but than again I am biased. There are not a lot of choices of in stock rifles and the moment from Surgeon. But as you say, they can put one together fairly quick to your specifications. Spec it out and see how long it would take them and the cost. That way you can make a more informed decision.

What scopes are you looking at? That is a big piece of the total package that you should be hunting down now as well. Good luck, you have a good problem to deal with since you have the capital to do it up right.
 
A high end rifle is a very personal thing, for a lot of reasons. One being ergonomics, an other being intended application, and last but not least aesthetics. Your list is packed with GREAT options so you will not go wrong, however it can be a big commitment to order something that you have not ever shouldered. So my only advice is if it is something totally new to you try and at least get behind something very similar if not shoot it first. There are a lot of very good people here on the hide and most would be more than happy to let you put a few rounds down range to make sure you like what you are about to order. I know I am more than happy to and that offer is open to anyone out there.
 
I've had rifles with a McM A-5 which I really like so I'm leaning towards the Surgeon in an A-5, My hunting rifle from Hill Country Rifles has the A-3 which is good for me as well but in this rifle I want an A-5 I'm pretty sure.

I use a 3.5-15X50 NF on my LMT now so I'm thinking I'll stick with that. Somebody asked why 308 and for me, it's the easiest way to go. I don't re-load (need to get on that) and like to standardize my calibers. My hunting rifle and LMT are 308 (have some AR-15's too) and that's why the 308. Plus I know the round. Thought about getting a 6mm Creedmoor and I guess Copper is now producing ammo but just think I'll stick with the 308.
 
I would consider 6.5CM. Hornady factory ammo is easily found for $22-$24. 6.5CM is the new .308. I'm not saying ditch your current .308's, but don't be afraid to try something new.
 
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