Re: First Precision Rifle...is this worth it..?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The thing is, a lot of folks will seek a custom build with the expectation that it will improve their shooting. In some ways it will, by producing fewer 'unexplained' flyers, and maybe tightening up their groups to the extent that tighter production specs can help somewhat.
But the ugly truth is that most group expansions and flyers are not induced by equipment, they are the fault of the shooter.</div></div>
While I agree that most group expansions and flyers are the shooter's problem, not the equipment, I believe that less experienced shooters are the biggest beneficiaries of good equipment... if there is a flyer, they know it is them and not the equipment. Put yourself in the position of an inexperienced shooter that is shooting well and is getting random, unexplained flyers, and now tries to do their best to correct these flyers by changing what is otherwise solid technique.
There is a time before that when the equipment is not getting in the way, but when does the shooter know the equipment is getting in the way? I think the rest of your post is a good follow up:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
At 50ft, with a .22LR, fire ten groups of ten rounds, each of which can be completely covered by a quarter. This is similar to the requirement for the Boy Scout Rifle Shooting Merit Badge. A truly accomplished shooter, with a truly accurate .22LR and good ammo, can accomplish this task off the bags at 50yd.
At 100yd, with the help of a friend who owns a suitably excellent custom rifle, prove that you can shoot significantly better with that rifle than with your present implement.
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I think that is one equipment acquisition philosophy. Then there is the buy once, cry once philosophy... basically, you get the best that you can afford and ultimately, you will be able to sell the equipment if you decide to get out of the game. Try getting your money back out of a substandard factory piece, and you will likely find yourself out as much money or more than going the high-end route.
Of course, for those without a lot of cash on hand, the stair-step method that you advocate is faster and more easily achievable. For those with money in hand, they might be better served with the "buy once cry once" philosophy because they will never have to worry about reaching the limits of their weapon and not knowing it... and they will never feel bad about a purchase.
Finally, I like this advice a lot:
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">...while doing this workup, understand that the ergonomic fit of most factory rifles is configured to a nominal average standard, and few people truly fit that standard. Take the time to adjust things like length of pull, scope eye relief, and cheek-rest height. Just do it. What you will find is that you have accomplished a few of the things that a custom rifle will deliver, making better shooting easier to do. This translates into a solid degree of confidence in your own abilities, and a quicker transition to the point where that custom rifle will deliver your real expectations. It gives real value to the expenditure.</div></div>
There are two part to the custom process: 1) having the money to buy something that is going to meet your needs and 2) knowing your needs. I think this is the best argument for the "stair-step" acquisition strategy. Unless you know what your practical needs are, it is tough to spec a custom rifle properly. As an example, I have a round face, which means that when I get a good cheek weld, my line of sight is pretty low, necessitating a high comb. Without enough trigger time to figure that out, I might end up spec'ing a custom out that does not meet my needs.
In this case, any kind of trigger time, even behind a totally inaccurate gun, will give a shooter a sense of what kind of ergonomics they require. This is aside from the accuracy argument, and, IMO, is sage advice and something pretty seldomly discussed here that matters a whole lot.
I knee-jerk disagreed with this post when I read it, but after reading it three or four times, I have to say that there is not a lot about it that I disagree with, I just think it is important for anyone considering a first custom purchase to think about the fact that there are a couple of different acquisition philosophies, each with their pros and cons.