2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

[Mark21]

Wanting to get more involved in precision shooting (taking a course at Rifles Only, tactical matches, etc), last year I decided to get my first "serious" rifle. I bought one of the new Surgeon rounded actions, a Mike Rock barrel, and B&C A5-like stock and had it sent off to a top gunsmith.

That's when my job situation took a crazy turn, and suddenly I had no cash flow for any hobbies, including my gun. For the past 12 months, the parts have sat at the builder and I haven't had the money for the remaining pieces like Jewell trigger, Seekins DBM, etc, let alone the labor costs.

Meanwhile, while the job situation is getting back under control, I'm suddenly seeing all these new semis coming on the market. So my dilemma: I'm VERY familiar with the AR platform, but a year ago wanted the absolute best rifle to learn to shoot precision without any issues-- hence the custom bolt. But these new semis supposedly have little of the issues of past DI/piston 308s, and they also seem to bring accuracy in the .40-.65 MOA range. Now I am seriously considering selling off my components, and throwing in a bit more money to pick up a Larue, a REPR, a POF, or even the new LMT.

Any thoughts, or things that I should be considering?

 

[MAGUA]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

How much for the Surgeon action

 

[Bob Shaver]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

Here's a thought.

How much of a beating are you going to take selling off the parts you no longer want?

It's your money man, do what you want.

 

[nicholst55]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

Now where <span style="font-style: italic">did</span> that last piece of Lapua brass get off too? Man, I just <span style="font-style: italic">hate</span> losing one piece of brass! Now I only have 99 pieces of Lapua brass; bullets come in boxes of 100; primers in boxes of 100, <span style="font-style: italic">not</span> 99! <span style="font-style: italic"><span style="font-weight: bold">Dad gum it!</span></span>

Oh sorry. I'm just contemplating one of the (admittedly very minor) issues with gas guns.

As long as you won't take a beating selling off the components that you've already invested in, and you're confident that you'll be happy with the gas gun, I say go for it! America is all about choices.

 

[Jhart242]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MAGUA</div><div class="ubbcode-body">How much for the Surgeon action

</div></div> Second that motion!!

 

[Mark21]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

Thanks guys. I'm not worried about the components -- they're brand new, and I'm sure I could break even on them.

I'm just wondering should I go the route of a custom bolt or one of these top gas guns as my first foray into shooting .308s at distance. I'm guessing over time, I'll have one or more of both, but for the next few years, whatever I get will be it; that's why I'm hesitating.

 

[steve123]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

Too me the bolt guns are easier to drive and usually more accurate.
I say finish your bolt gun unless you are not going to be able to afford to.

Steve

 

[DMann]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

Just a thought here, but if the smith who has your parts also works on/builds semis, why not try to work a deal with him trading your parts toward a finished semi? Keep it "in the family" so to speak. Your smith might also have other clients looking for components just like yours and could help you move them faster.

 

[Swan]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

.40-.65 MOA consistent gas gun? Really?

Keep the bolt gun.

 

[bub308]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

mark21
I have a Ar15 built by APA and its awesome it is probably more accurate than most bolt action rifles but if I had it to do over I would have built a 223AI which isnt so far in the future. I hate cleaning the AR and reloading for it. No exp. with piston uppers so dont know about there accuracy or cleaning

Im assuming this will be your first custom rifle from your post so your getting ready to start a addiction just do the Precision
Ar on your next build.

 

[deadly0311]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Too me the bolt guns are easier to drive and usually more accurate.
I say finish your bolt gun unless you are not going to be able to afford to.

Steve </div></div>

i agree with this statement. Gas Guns arent harder to drive, but they require your fundamentals be better as they magnify your flaws. Remember there are 3 distinct recoils with the gas guns, and 1 with the bolt gun. I say finish out your bolt gun, it will shoot better than most, probably all factory gassers

 

[Sapper524]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

I would finish the bolt gun. I have an Colt AR and really enjoy shooting it. The problem is I don't enjoy the cost. When I have a stack of 30 round mags full of 55gr bullets ... Im gonna send every one of them down range. Pop out the bipod - slap on the tripler - and burn ragged holes. Is it fun ... HELL YAH ... but I found ammo costs were killin me. With my 308 bolt gun I tend to be WAY more focused and ensure each round counts. Due to this ... I added a 700 SV in 223 to the collection. A few hours at the reloading bench goes a LOT further ... and the ragged holes are much smaller.

Seeing as how part of your situation is financial ... I would think this might help you make a choice. If you don't reload this might even be a bigger factor.

Good luck

 

[scotharr]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

You mentioned a 308 AR rather than a 223 AR. Last I checked the 308-based ARs were pretty damned expensive. I'd stick with a bolt gun for that. Now, in 223, you can build some fine sub-1/2MOA tack-drivers for a lot less than a custom bolt gun.

I have a compass lake AR that shoots as good as my uber-expensive bolt action out to 500 yards. ARs are so much fun to shoot also.....as much as I like cycling that bolt.

I recommend Compass Lake or White Oak for top notch ARs.

 

[Mark21]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

Thanks for all the replies, guys.

Scooter--I already own three ARs, including a 6.8 in stainless steel that was the closest to a tack-driver (when I reloaded, turned necks, etc). The other .223s are a Noveske and Daniel Defense, used more towards carbine courses and the like with chrome-lined barrels. I hadn't though about building a super-accurate .223, so that's interesting! I have a RRA two-stage trigger tuned by White Oak, and it works great; heard great stuff about their barrels too.

I only went the .308 route because that seems to be the round to learn on since the reload recipes, come-ups, etc -- it's all been played out a million times so anyone can help me out. Plus, I started to play on a 600 yard range with the 6.8 and thought more power with the .308 would be fun.

Re: Strohman -- you are right! I always leave the range with ALL my ammo down range with the ARs. That could get really expensive, and I also might start to get away from fundamentals and improving myself and go back to a little fun "blasting" every now and then. Not that it isn't healthy for the soul once in a while!

My smith is urging me to finish the bolt gun and learn on it, then go the gas route. I guess since this is only the first generation of great gas guns in .308, maybe when I'm ready to buy again in two years+ there may be even better improvements to the equipment.

Thanks again guys. Great food for thought.

 

[sobrbiker883]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: deadly0311</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Too me the bolt guns are easier to drive and usually more accurate.
I say finish your bolt gun unless you are not going to be able to afford to.

Steve </div></div>

i agree with this statement. Gas Guns arent harder to drive, but they require your fundamentals be better as they magnify your flaws. Remember there are 3 distinct recoils with the gas guns, and 1 with the bolt gun. I say finish out your bolt gun, it will shoot better than most, probably all factory gassers </div></div>

One more vote in this camp....

The only way I'd prefer a gasgun to a boltgun would be if I were employed to reduce multiple targets in a target rich environment for real (and even them it'd be a quandry).

I placed 10 hits on 5 different targets from a challenging position this weekend in just over 2 minutes (dialing elevation changes 7 times) with a boltgun. The gassers in the match finished the stage in less time, but without the hits-and only hits count.
<span style="font-style: italic">btw-Steve, I'm glad Scott said you couldn't come play, I finally got to win for once!</span>

 

[FequalsMA]

Re: 2nd thoughts halfway thru custom build

I vote for a bolt gun.