Build my own A5 from parts, or buy pre made?

[Johnny Sasaki]

I made a similar thread in the gunsmithing section, but this one deals with a slightly different form of the same question. Which is, should I buy the gun I want pre-made or wait and buy all the parts separate?

So I've been drooling over this one rifle on the Surgeon website for quite some time now, and I come to find out that after a good lone while I checked back and it was still there. Upon looking at the price ($4823) I'm starting to realize why.

Then I started to run the numbers on the parts and here's what I got:

591 action: $1295
bottom metal: $360
Jewell AJ04 trigger: $229
Barrel: Seems the going price for most good barrels is $350
McMillan A5 stock: $500? Can't find a clear answer on the price.

Total (assuming I'm not missing anything): $2734

Soooo $4823 - 2734 = $2089 left for gunsmithing, which I somehow doubt it will cost that much. (add around $200 for the surefire mount too I assume, although I probably wouldn't go for that)

So am I missing anything here? Keep in mind I'm not an overly patient person (the wait on my suppressor almost killed me, lol) but I also realize that is a huge markup. Essentially a free Mk18, or Les Baer,.....which I am also looking into.

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Build my own A5 from parts, or buy pre made?

My build basically mirrors yours but I have a badger EFR and Surefire break and I have right at $4500 in my, including Gunsmithing.

You could cut that back several hundred if you don't want the SF brake, EFR, and purchased the R&D DBM ($275)

You could also cut another hundred off if you get in on the group buy of Rock Creeks Button rifled barrels in the group buy section.

Add that up you could save around $700-$800 over a Surgeon and still have a rifle that shoots just as good, just make sure the smith you choose is a good one. I suggest Mark @ Short Action Customs.

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Build my own A5 from parts, or buy pre made?

May I also suggest a Timney or Rifle Basix trigger over the jewel. It's about $75 cheaper. Just because the jewel is more expensive does not mean it's better.

My Timney set at 2lbs makes me giggle everytime I pull it.

 

[Johnny Sasaki]

Re: Build my own A5 from parts, or buy pre made?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pusher591</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> just make sure the smith you choose is a good one. I suggest Mark @ Short Action Customs. </div></div>

You wouldn't happen to know what his lead time was, and what he charges, would ya?

Also, so what you're saying is, that $2000 dollar figure I have (minus gunsmithing of course) is wrong?


Here's the rifle I'm referring to btw.

http://www.surgeonrifles.com/scalpel-3-7-9

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Build my own A5 from parts, or buy pre made?

Build parts are correct, I was just saying you could save money by going with different parts. Like you have bottom metal listed as $360, assuming that's Surgeon. You could save about a hundred dollars going with something like the R&D precision. Very similar to the badger M5. You also had $350 for barrel but could save $100 dollars by going with the Rock Creek group buy as they are selling the barrels for $245.

Could also save by going Timney trigger over the jewel.

I don't know Mark's lead times but if you already have the parts I don't see why it wouldn't get done in a reasonable amount of time. (3-6 weeks) guestimate?

His work is awesome though, PM me a cell number or email address and I can show you his work.

 

[Johnny Sasaki]

Re: Build my own A5 from parts, or buy pre made?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pusher591</div><div class="ubbcode-body">My build basically mirrors yours but I have a badger EFR and Surefire break and I have right at $4500 in my, including Gunsmithing.</div></div>

I guess another question I have is, if yours "mirrors" mine, and my parts added up to $2734, then where did the other $1766 dollars go? I mean, sure, you gotta factor in gunsmithing, and those extra parts you said, but I wouldn't expect it to add up to nearly 1800 bucks.

Also, I sent you a PM btw.

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Build my own A5 from parts, or buy pre made?

It included Cerakoting, extra machineing for EFR & Sf brake, and shipping.

 

[Johnny Sasaki]

Re: Build my own A5 from parts, or buy pre made?

So bottom line is, I'm not gonna save any money and it's gonna take 10 times as long to reach my door?

 

[Pusher591]

Re: Build my own A5 from parts, or buy pre made?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Johnny Sasaki</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So bottom line is, I'm not gonna save any money and it's gonna take 10 times as long to reach my door? </div></div>

No, not at all. I think we might be getting confused. You would come out cheaper by building then buying from Surgeon, but Surgeons are bad ass, so either way you go your in a win win situation

 

[Johnny Sasaki]

Re: Build my own A5 from parts, or buy pre made?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Pusher591</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Johnny Sasaki</div><div class="ubbcode-body">So bottom line is, I'm not gonna save any money and it's gonna take 10 times as long to reach my door? </div></div>

No, not at all. I think we might be getting confused. You would come out cheaper by building then buying from Surgeon, but Surgeons are bad ass, so either way you go your in a win win situation

</div></div>

Yea, the more I add up all the smithing and cerakoting, and all the stuff I forgot to think of that will end up costing more money, the more I think I might just pull the trigger (yes of course pun intended) on one of their pre-built ones.

Then I'll just throw one of those new 5-25 S&B's and call it a day.

Boom, 8-9 grand down the drain.

My wallet already hurts...