building a custom rifle

[spotswood]

I have read many of the postings here and had some questions.
I see here that many shooters like the Surgeon built but many also like the company GAP. Is GAP basically improving the build of a Sugeon?
I see GAP offers a bolt called a Templar which is built by the guy who used to make Nesika bolts which ten years ago were considered very good along with BAT's. Why do I not see too many of you shooters using GAP's Templar bolt?
When building with GAP do you have the choice of barrels such as Kreiger or Hart?
I am debating between a 308 and 338 Lapua
Thanks
Gary

 

[OFIS]

Re: building a custom rifle

i might not be totally in the know, but i thought the templar action was for the in house customs offered by GAP, like the crusaders. surgeon is kind of the standard to which others are measured when it comes to bomb proof custom tactical actions, i wouldn't say theyre improving the surgeon... just putting it to good use.

as far as barrels, i think GAP would work with anything under the sun, as long as its what you want, and it works. im positive they would recommend the best for your application.

 

[mattj]

Re: building a custom rifle

Surgeon makes actions -- they will also build rifles around those actions.

GAP builds rifles, and will use whatever action you want to build the rifle around, including Surgeon actions.

In terms of building rifles, I'm sure Surgeon builds great complete rifles (quite probably on par with GAP) -- but GAP is cream of the crop in terms of their reputation and the rifles they consistently put out, and will have excellent resale value.

The "Templar" isn't just a bolt, it is an entire action (like the Surgeon action).

In terms of "features" and cost, the Surgeon action with its integral machined scope rail, etc is probably one "step up" from the Templar action -- but likely you'll never be able to tell the difference on paper.

One thing to consider: custom actions, depending on the exact one you get, can have very tight tolerances. This can be good for precision, but bad for reliability if they are exposed to dirt, etc out in the real world (some grime can cease up or gall your action)... something to consider.

GAP will have several brands of barrels that they can build you a rifle on -- if there's a brand of barrel that you want that they can't get, you can send it to them to build your rifle with.

If this is your first precision rifle, get a .308 and really learn to shoot it. Individual .308 rounds are MUCH cheaper than .338 Lapua, and a .308 barrel will last something like 10 times longer (ie, barrel life becomes a real consideration).

Leave room in your budget for a good scope.

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: building a custom rifle

.338 needs a place to stretch out and really work....1000yd is just a chip shot

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: building a custom rifle

I would also say to stick with .308 if this your first gun. Unless you have the ability to shoot 1500 or need that ability then the .308 will serve you well. It's much cheaper equipment and ammo wise. Gap is top notch but I would also like to have a complete Surgeon stick.

 

[pc3]

Re: building a custom rifle

Would it also be wise to throw in the 6.5x47L as a caliber worthy of consideration for this persosn first build ? It may be slightly more expensive to shoot than .308 but you get decent barrel life low recoil and 6.5 ballistics.

 

[Lburt]

Re: building a custom rifle

Anything Glen Harrison (Nesika,Phoenix Machine) builds is first class. The Surgeon 591 may be a little beefier and have an integrated base, but probably not built any better. Stiller and Lawton also make very solid actions that are a little less costly than the other 2 mentioned. The good news is you are talking about a custom action instead of a Remington. Remingtons are great actions on which many of the custom actions are based, however, unless you already own one that you could have blueprinted go custom. You will also find that even though you may have a Remington action Blueprinted; at the end of the day, for resale value, it is still a Remington action.

There are a bunch of really good riflesmiths out there and several of them regularly give great advice on this site. They will give you the straight scoop on what direction you might go and then they will build to your specs.

 

[The Animal]

Re: building a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: LarryB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Anything Glen Harrison (Nesika,Phoenix Machine) builds is first class. The Surgeon 591 may be a little beefier and have an integrated base, but probably not built any better. Stiller and Lawton also make very solid actions that are a little less costly than the other 2 mentioned. The good news is you are talking about a custom action instead of a Remington. Remingtons are great actions on which many of the custom actions are based, however, unless you already own one that you could have blueprinted go custom. You will also find that even though you may have a Remington action Blueprinted; at the end of the day, for resale value, it is still a Remington action.

There are a bunch of really good riflesmiths out there and several of them regularly give great advice on this site. They will give you the straight scoop on what direction you might go and then they will build to your specs. </div></div>

+1 For the Stiller actions. Save your money and get a custom action rather than go with a Remmy. There is no comparison when trying to draw differences between the aforementioned actions on this post compared to a mass produced factory action. You'll never see tools or kits on Brownells, Midway or PT&G for truing up a custom action (with the exception of a wolff spring or lightened firing pin...which most custom actions, like Stiller and others already have installed as standard). Spend the few extra hundred dollars and you won't be disappointed.

 

[spotswood]

Re: building a custom rifle

Thanks guys. I think I understand how the companies are working with each other.
I get the impression that I can order my new gun directly with GAP and have them use the Surgeon action and specify the barrel, make, length and twist.
I plan to contact GAP and iron out the details and get on the list I guess using the Surgeon action as I like the rail as being an integral part of the action. I do plan on putting a S&B 5x25x56 on it.
I am going to start with a 308 as I agree I will shoot it more than a 338 lapua, especially with the ranges I have nearby.
I do like the 6.5 ballistics but I do not reload anymore and do not want to as I don't have the time to shoot and reload, so the 308 is ideal for me for every weekend shooting. I plan to shoot 168 grain BTHP in it.

Thanks for the input and any extra advice is greatly appreciated. All you shooters and this board are a wealth or information that I enjoy learning from.

Gary