Building a rifle??

[bakerb]

So forgive me for the stupid questions. I’ve never been one to build a rifle or have work done. I usually shop around for something I want and scope it. And for many years I’ve been almost entirely bow only in the US, so I don’t have a ton of rifle knowledge. Especially what I want here.

I’ve been to Africa 4 times. Have #5 booked.

And I want to build or buy a legacy rifle. Something to hunt with a lot, and hand down. The dream is a double square bridge Mauser with a martini style slim stock. Pretty wood, etc. problem is I can’t afford it. . I’d be perfectly content and happy with a Heym express. But I do like some of the things you only see on customs—for example, the thumb cutout. It just screams old Africa to me. Retro Buehler has one on his page right now that I would love.

Anyways. Does it make any sense to buy parts and have the work done over time? Or better off to buy a Heym or other used rifle?

For example, I could save up a couple months and buy a GMA action. Few more months I could probably get it barreled. Etc.

So what makes more sense from a cost standpoint?

 

[Hunter-Habib]

The fact that you like Granite Mountain Arms actions tells me that you’re definitely a gent of good taste.

I would highly recommend a custom piece from either:
Joe Smithson
Ryan Breeding
John Bolliger
Reto Buehller
Todd Ramirez

A Heym Martini Express would also be excellent.

 

[Jefferry404]

i think buying parts over time, then when all are gather, send to your gunsmith. This is what i did, ended up with 8 GMA actioned, wood stock rifles.
GMA lead time around 1 year, and during that time, can find a nice piece of wood, maybe a barrel with integral quarter rib, trapdoor gripcap, etc. It is fun doing the searching, particularly the wood.
Steve

 

[Muskox]

I have caviar taste and a McDonalds budget as well.

I wouldn't lose my soul for credit card debt on a custom rifle like that, if I couldn't pay it off.

Are we talking about a plains game rifle or a big game rifle?

There are several GMA actioned rifles on GunINternaitonal right now.

A Ryan Breeding 300 Ultra
Griffen and Howe has a 416 for $8000 without sights on when you can afford it.

 

[bakerb]

Yeah it would be a DG rifle. Most likely a 404 or 416 Rigby

 

[Muskox]

I would scoop that $8000 GMA in 416 if you can work it in. You couldn't build that gun for $12,000 and then put sights on it later.

 

[Muskox]

Couple Factory Magnum Mauser new production rifles on Guns Int as well from Champlins.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...e-mauser-in-458-win-mag-.cfm?gun_id=103023116. I have one of these in 9.3x64. I don't know if I could keep my hand away from that tang safety in a 458 though. Needs a new stock get away from that German stock designed for a 7x57.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

Buy one already build and save 25% to 50%.

My left hand 450 Dakota had 1 safari on it and I saved about 60% including a lot of extra ammo and brass. It was a 98% rifle bought from Champlin firearms.

There were many more choices in a right hand DG rifle.

 

[NIGHTHAWK]

I too looked in to having one build, but I’m glad I waited and went the route I did…

 

[Muskox]

https://www.champlinarms.com/Default.aspx?tabid=30&ctl=GunsDetails&mid=409&StyleID=2&GunID=3845. I am really hung up on this Mauser 98 Magnum factory 416. These are about $6000 here in Germany if you can catch one when they go for sale.

Hard to be this Wiebe for $7000 https://www.champlinarms.com/Default.aspx?tabid=30&ctl=GunsDetails&mid=409&StyleID=2&GunID=3653

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I built this 404J on a military Brno vz.24 standard 98 Mauser action. Altogether I have about $2500 into it. Standard actions are much easier to find (and MUCH cheaper). 404 lends itself well to standard length action. Mine will eject loaded cartridges without trimming any metal from the locking ring. Standard action provides a shorter bolt stroke which may (or may not) be helpful to avoiding short stroking. I used 416 Remington bottom metal and it worked without modification. Bought used like new Winchester Safari Express iron sights from eBay. Both stocks bought from online auction sites. New Model 70 style 3-position safety and shroud also from eBay for ~$200. Barrel and installation cost $1K. I paid a local machinist $75 to open the bolt face. A moose outfitter in New Brunswick blued the barrel/action, bottom metal, and safety for $125 (the bolt and extractor are polished steel). I did the rest of the work. Modifying the feeding rails, follower, and loading ramp was the most challenging aspect.

Build started April 1, 2023 and finished before fourth safari end of August 2023.

Second stock and new scope, spring 2024.

 

[RLL]

I like building rifles. I like buying nice rifles from factory or custom. No wrong way to go about what you consider your legacy rifle…

I’ve built a few over time. Working on a 458 Lott at the moment that has been piece mealed from what I wanted. 2 years on…custom stock work and wood above all will be the biggest expense.

 

[Nevada Mike]

I think that you are on the right track. I had Reto build a left hand 404J on a GM SB Small Ring action a couple years ago. Superb rifle, but expensive. There are others who do good work and will charge less. I have been happy with the work that Aaron Little has done for me tha past couple of years, you might check him out.