Custom vs. Manufacture Rifle

[Baerman]

I'm seriously considering picking up a new custom rifle. Accuracy is the primary reason I'm considering picking up a custom over something I can go pick up in any store. Seems like most custom builds will gaurantee 1/2" moa where manufactured rifles seem to gaurantee 1" moa.

My question is with a manufactured rifle and custom loads can you typically achieve 1/2" moa?

 

[buglum]

My question is with a manufactured rifle and custom loads can you typically achieve 1/2" moa?

Absolutely. Granted, factory rifles can be a bit harder to "dial in" and find their sweet spot but I have found with some simple modifications (epoxy bedding) many of them are capable of 1/2moa. Their is also a big difference in reloading components you use and quality of them. I want a custom rifle myself but when almost all of my Savages shoot 1/2moa, I can't really justify the extra expenditure for a little/no gain in accuracy. This picture is of a Savage lapua, shots #7-9 out of the brand new gun. The only modification was epoxie bedding. The load was arbitrary that I made up just to shoot it. This is not an exceptional group for the rifle, but one that I can count on everyday.

I think that most rifles are capable of 1/2 moa, but most people forget its not the horse, its the indian. You have to learn solid fundamentals of breathing control, heart rate, positions, and atmospheric conditions before you can expect any gun to shoot 1/2 minute.

 

[sbhooper]

Absolutely you can. Even if one inch is all you can get, I cannot see the extra cost of a custom gun just so that I can MAYBE shoot a little tighter groups. Custom guns are nice, but do it because you just want a custom and not because you think they are so superior. They really are not more accurate than a factory rifle that has been bedded and the trigger tuned for the most part.

 

[canvsbk]

There's a reason that lead times for the best barrels and rifle builds are many months if you're lucky. Spend some time researching and you'll see....

 

[Topgun 30-06]

All five centerfire rifles that I consider my "go to" ones will shoot under 1 MOA if I do my part and none have had anything done to them other than trigger work. A good example is the best day I've ever had at the bench and it was with this .243 Sako. That target (actual size in the photo) is 9 shots with the top one the first fouling shot and all can be covered with a nickle. It's the best shooter I have and hasn't even had a trigger job. My 25-06 and 3 30-06s are't quite that good, but I don't shoot competition and for hunting they will do the job every time if I do mine.

 

[jryoung]

Many factory rifles can get to the half inch range with a combination of bedding, trigger work and load development. It can be a frustrating but very rewarding process. If it does get there after that you can rebarrel it and still come in for less than the cost of a full custom.

 

[noharleyyet]

Sako & load development.

 

[cowboy]

My question is with a manufactured rifle and custom loads can you typically achieve 1/2" moa?

You've gotten some good answers/suggetions - keep in mind it is very difficult to go out and BUY accuracy. The nut behind the bolt is the driver.

He's my definition of accuracy. Shoot ONE round at target and go to the house, next day or whenever the same same thing at the same target same distance, etc for as many days as you think is necessary. Then measure your group - that's how accurate your rifle and you are if your intent is to use it as a hunting rifle.

One shot cold bore accuracy in my opinion is the best way to determine my hunting rifle and my personal ability. If everyone did this there would be a lot of used guns for sale - but with time the ones that didn't get sold would be well worth keeping.

 

[BuzzH]

You've gotten some good answers/suggetions - keep in mind it is very difficult to go out and BUY accuracy. One shot cold bore accuracy in my opinion is the best way to determine my hunting rifle and my personal ability.

From what I hear in the woods each fall...probably more important to see how well they shoot when you can light a cigar off the barrel.

Just sayin'...:W:

 

[L. I. Yankee]

I shoot a 300 WSM and with a little work I have achieved less than a 1" MOA. I put a custom trigger in it, had it epoxy bedded and the barrel floated and I could never expext anything more from a rifle. A lot has to do with your ability as well and how often you practice. Im not super thrilled with shooting to begin with so for the ammount I practice I an very happy with my rifle. Id rather shoot my bow every day from March to December....but thats just me.....

 

[WyOpitz]

I am also looking at a new rifle, but will probably go with either a Sako or a "semi-custom" cooper (only a few hundred $ more). I am a Savage fan and own a few tack-drivers but want to get a NICE rifle. Just get what you like! If you don't like the Sako or Cooper, they hold there value very well and can be used for good trading power...but that is very hypothetical! haha

 

[deer_shooter]

I have a safe full of factory rifles with nothing but trigger work and good scopes and all shoot 1 MOA or better. I reload for all of them which helps so I haven't been able to justify the expense of a custom. I'd rather spend the cash on tags! Out to at least 400 yds or so, whatever you are shooting at will never know if the rifle is a 1/2 or 1 MOA shooter

 

[upper deck]

I had the same thoughts about a year ago and ended up having GA Precision build me a gun, basically their Non-Typical on a 700 action with a McMillan edge stock. I started adding up the rifle, stock, ect and it was only a little more to have it built to the specs I wanted. Very happy with it and the fit and finish is second to none.

I also had Copper Creek work up a load for it and was very happy with that as well. It came back shooting just a touch over an inch group at just shy of 350 yards, well under 1/2 MOA with a hunting setup.

 

[1_pointer]

First off, there is no 1" MOA... There's inches and MOA, but they do not go to gether.

If accuracy is you're only concern, it may be cheaper to play roulette with factory rifles. If it doesn't shoot to expectations sell it and try again.

For me there are many different attributes other than accuracy that would lead me to a custom/semi-custom. Similarly, if the rifle is just for hunting big game to what most people considering reasonable ranges, say to 400yds, any problems with cleaning killing game won't be solved by a 1/2 MOA rifle over a 1 MOA rifle.

 

[MtnWest]

Great answers above. My answer- yes they can shoot 1/2" (but many guys can't every day, myself included). If you want a custom then go for it, life is short. To shoot 1/2-3/4" consistent 5 shot 100yd groups going diy is fun.

Factory rifle with crisp trigger, good bed job to start. Dialing in a load for that rifle is imo where the accuracy comes from, assuming shooter is capable. If wanting to shoot long distance (400+) a chrono for measuring velocity spread is necessary (I think one is for working up loads). Out to 300yd hunting situations no, but good groups at distance are tough with a 125fps spread.

Cowboy is bang on. Cold first shot grouping is where it's at, I even do it with my bow. Though Buzz may be on to something!

 

[emrah1028]

Can I ask what the purpose of the rifle is for? If it's just hunting, do you really need that much accuracy? And yes, before someone butts in with "you can't have a rifle that's TOO accurate", how far do you (honestly) shoot. I'm not goading you, I'm asking a genuine question. Even if most factory rifles shoot 1 MOA, you're pretty damn good out to a very long way on an animal.

If it's for benchrest shooting and shooting for the sake of shooting or competition, then it may pay off. Plus, I'm sure it's nice to have a custom gun "just 'cuz".

Emrah

 

[canvsbk]

The op asked for 1/2 moa. For some reason the definition of accuracy on this thread has become 1 moa. There are varying degrees of accuracy but untold different things affect it but as has been said, the person pulling the trigger is the main component to accuracy.
I've spent a lot of time and money to see to it that my rifles won't shoot to 1 moa. I've enjoyed every minute of it.
Current builds in progress :
Dan Glover is doing a Sendero type 7rm, 26" 9 twist Brux, HS Precision no palm swell on a rem700 action.
Hart has a Ruger that I won as a door prize, 25-06ai, 26" fluted, Houge overmold.
When you want the best, use the best and hope for the best.

 

[BuzzH]

IME, consistent 1/2 moa is a tough nut to crack with factory wares...

 

[canvsbk]

Yup it is.

 

[Ben Lamb]

IME, consistent 1/2 moa is a tough nut to crack with factory wares...

It's tough to crack with full custom too.