Dave Bruno Custom Built Conundrum

[Jig Stick]

Hello guys. Ive been reading over the forums for some time now learning what I can from previous posts. Im in the process of picking components for a custom gun im having built by Dave Bruno in PA (my buddy actually hunts with dave routinely). I was set on a 300winmag primarily because thats what my buddy and dave use when hunting game in PA. I was going to buy a Sako action, McMillan stock, and Broughton barrel to name a few components. The turn around time for a build right now is a few months which was ok with me. Well my buddy just called me and let me know that Dave just finished a gun for himself that he wouldnt mind parting with. Its a little different than what I was looking for, primarily in cartridge and action. So here it is:

I can buy, right now, a complete custom built rifle in 7mm, Bat action, McMillan stock, Broughton barrel, free floated, pillar bedded, with a brake. Dave built the gun for himself but is willing to do my buddy a favor and sell it to me so I can go hunt with him this fall.

I hear that the 7mm has a better BC and trajectory compared to the 300winmag when you get out past 400yrds or so. What would you guys do? Wait and have the 300winmag built, or jump all over this 7mm? Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Every Day Gun Guy]

Re: Dave Bruno Custom Built Conundrum

Know what you want and Get what you want. Don't settle.

 

[jasonk]

Re: Dave Bruno Custom Built Conundrum

I was going to say it didn't really matter, but I changed my mind to agree with Nightmel.

A custom rifle is exactly that, custom! Get what you want, it'll be worth the wait in the end.

Or, see if Bruno will screw on a 300 win mag tube for you and keep the rest of the rifle the same.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Dave Bruno Custom Built Conundrum

I dont have any real ties to the 300winmag, besides buy buddy having a TON of brass for it that he reloads and shares all the time. I plan on hunting mostly the PA, and occasionally midwest. I plan on shooting this gun frequently at my local 1000yrd range to. I wouldnt mind the improved distance performance from the 7mm. I wish I knew why I have 300winmag stuck in my head. Ive always wanted one, but for no particular reason. I am definitely a more performance oriented person.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Dave Bruno Custom Built Conundrum

The other issue is cost. The 7mm has about $1700 into the action / trigger alone. The Sako in 300winmag I planned on building would end up costing more than what Dave will sell me the 7mm for. I think he just wants to sell it for cost of parts, but would charge me for the 300winmag build. Hope that makes sense.

 

[5Redman8]

Re: Dave Bruno Custom Built Conundrum

Buy it and if it is not what you want get it rebarreled or sell it.

 

[cdopson]

Re: Dave Bruno Custom Built Conundrum

I had the same dilema. I picked up the seven and really liked it. Won't give it up or alter it but I'm still going to have the 300 I started out to build in the first place. I'm just not in any big hurry now. One piece at a time. What ever you do, make sure it is what YOU want. Opinions are great but at the end of the day yours is the only one that matters.