I've recently freed up enough money to pull the trigger on a custom built rifle and wanted some feedback. Which action do you prefer between Defiance or Bighorn? Should I go with a Proof Research CF barrel or Bartlein/Kreiger steel barrel? And finally, can't decide between 6.5 CM, 6.5 PRC, 308, or 300 wsm. Rifle will be shoot a max of probably 1,000 yds unless I can find somewhere longer and I'd also like to be able to hunt with it. I have a Seekins Havak in 6.5 Creedmoor already so that's complicating my decision a little lol.
Thoughts on Direction of Custom Build
- Thread starter Scottielp0714
- Start date
What does the seekins Havak not do that you want this rifle to do? What conditions will the rifle be typically used? Rain, ice, snow, blowing dust and dirt, manicured range only, etc. what kind of hunting? What game? Range? Box blind? Wilderness pack in pack out?
Beyond both being centerfire rifles, I tend to think of hunting rifles and comp/target rifles as very different beasts. If you want a comp rifle, build a comp rifle. If you’re want a hunting rifle, build that. A rifle that is shot a lot and carried only a little is not ideal for hunting. The obverse is also true.
Beyond both being centerfire rifles, I tend to think of hunting rifles and comp/target rifles as very different beasts. If you want a comp rifle, build a comp rifle. If you’re want a hunting rifle, build that. A rifle that is shot a lot and carried only a little is not ideal for hunting. The obverse is also true.
I mentioned the Havak since I was tossing around the idea of hunting whitetail with it. The more I think about it, I'll probably shoot this rifle mostly at the range and won't worry about the weight as much.
Heres what i would do... Instead of spending all that money on another rifle, I'd get another stock you think you'd like to use in matches, send off the Havak and have a 6cm barrel fitted to it, go buy a barrel vise and Havak action wrench so you can switch barrels at home, then invest the rest of the money into some really dang good glass (Schmidt, TT, Kahles, etc.). No need to have 2 rifles when the Havak is a perfectly capable action. You can practice with your 6.5 and hunt with it in the stock Havak configuration to keep it light. Then switch barrels and stocks for matches. Wouldn't take more than 5 minutes to do all that. Lastly, go with a quality steel barrel over the CF stuff.
I'm kinda in the same situation as OP, I have a carbon barreled custom Surgeon 591 but don't really want to shoot the barrel out in matches. I kept thinking I wanted a new rifle but this post actually makes a lot of sense and would save a ton of money.
Or buy a Barrett MRAD, skip all the bullshit, and have the calibers you want all in the same gun?
Another vote for AI.
MC if you absolutely need long action.
AT or AX for just short action.
Barrel changes in minutes or less.
MC if you absolutely need long action.
AT or AX for just short action.
Barrel changes in minutes or less.
All great actions and all great barrel manufactures. Build yourself a 223 or 308 if you're worry about barrel life.
