Is there an advantage

[rifleman25]

I am thinking about purchasing a custom or semi custom rifle. This will be put together by J.W Carlson of Crofton Neb. I am wondering wjat is the advantage of a custom gun like this and a production rifle? What is the difference in the actions like brand to brand (remington, sako, mauser. winchester). What I'm getting at does one preform better than another are there certain characteristics that make one better than another?

[AJ]

Re: Is there an advantage

The actions are typically Rem 700, Win 70, or Mauser actions. The most popular is the Remington 700 followed by the Mauser 98, and then the Win 70. The MRC 1999, Sako, and others are also done, but they are not as common. Mostly, they are just plain jane commercial actions but can be blueprinted (trued) by the gunsmith. This means they (should) at least machine the threads of the action parallel to the bolt line, lap the lugs for maximum engagement, and face the bolt and receiver ring perpendicular to the bolt line. This makes everything nice and square or parallel to the bolt. If its square, it will be pushing forward equally on both sides. If the bolt lugs or receiver face are not square, it can induce vibration or flexing as the gun goes off. This is for maximun accuracy. Some gunsmiths will also sleeve the bolt so it rides in the action more consistantly. On a hunting gun and definately a big game gun, this is not necessary as the benefit is minimal.

Usually the gunsmith will install an aftermarket trigger that is better than original. The Jewell is top of the line and second to none.

The recoil lug on a Rem 700 should be surface ground so it is square. Its best to use aftermarket if you are having the action blueprinted.

The barrels are either going to have button rifling or cut rifling. Both can make extremely accurate barrels. The bores should be hand lapped prior to chambering and cutting to length. The gunsmith will cut the chamber to minimum dimensions.

The stock should be at minimum of glass bedded and preferably pillar bedded with a floating barrel.

I expect sub 3/4 MOA or better from a semi custom gun depending on the chambering. Usually they will be in the 1/2" group area. When I can do my part.