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Give me some advice on good bolt action rifle builders.

Cold_Bore_88

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jul 13, 2013
707
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The Woodlands, TX
I am looking at buying a new bolt action in .300 Win Mag. Note: I am not a competition shooter, but I do make it out to the 1000 range every now and again.

I want something custom but I do not want to spend $4000+ on a rifle that shoots just a well as any other 1/2 MOA guaranteed rifle. I love GAP and Surgeon but I feel like you can get something equitable for a lower cost. (I am sure many will disagree with me).

Give some advice on good and reputable rifle builders that won't break the bank.
 
Check out the group buy for Long Rifles inc. in the group buy section.

http://www.snipershide.com/shooting...2013-remington-m700-accurizing-group-buy.html

I have used Chad Dixon recently, and am very happy with the work. David Tooley, Robert Gradius and John Beanland all have great reputations for their sticks for good reason as well.

The first question that should be asked is are you planning on starting ground up (custom action built up), or do you have a gun in mind to start from? There is a pretty wild shift depending on which way you approach it from. There are a few (including SAC and APA) that do great work on Tikka actions as well. There are numerous ways to get to your ultimate destination. Maybe you should start with the type of action and stock you like, and work back. I had a long conversation last week with another person who said rifle gunsmith's can work on any gun. This is true for some, but not all. Just like cars, certain smith's specialize in certain actions.
 
I have used GAP, Marc Soulie @ Spartan Rifles, Surgeon, Mark Gordon @ SAC, and Robert Gradous. Zero complaints.

Jered at American Precision Arms and Jon Beanland do fantastic work as well.

Figure out what you need/want and set a budget and acceptable wait time. Make some calls and see what you think.

There are plenty of great smiths out there that build laser beams!