280 / 280ai rifle build

[Torque]

I was referred to this site by a friend. I have been contemplating buying a Cooper hunter or excalibur (1250-1500ish), but he told me that there are smiths on this site who can build a custom 280 or 280 ai for the same price with better quality. Can anyone refer me to a quality smith that might fit this billing?

On a previous build, I used a Remington 700 SS action, Lothar-Walther 26" SS magnum contoured barrel, and a McSwirly stock. After the gunsmithing bill, bedding, etc, it was quite a bit more than the above mentioned Coopers. So, is my friend smoking crack or was he on the money referring me here?

 

[Torque]

After posting, I should probably add some details that I would like.

24"-26" LW barrel. I have been extremely impressed with LW, but would consider others in SS.
A CRF action (because I've always wanted to try one).
McMillan or comparable stock.
Action Truing
Glass Bedding
Trigger work ( I prefer 1.5-2lbs)

 

[blipelt]

I paid $1750 for my 280 52 classic. Recieved it in under 3months which was a good surprise. I have built many full custom rifles. In my experience you can't build a full custom for $1750. But it all depends on the components. I have expensive taste.
Things you want to consider however is what do you plan on doing with the rifle. If your plans are strictly long range hunting. I would go full custom. If your plans are to carry on walks and be capable of shots out to 800yds like myself. The cooper and alot of other modified factory rifles will do fine.
I built alot of rifles to find the one that fits my hunting style. All depends on your style of hunting you plan on doing with the rifle.
I think you are getting alot of rifle for the $1750. My customs lately have been running in the $3000-3500 range with rings and bases.

Brent

 

[marksman66]

Barrel is $300. Action is $400-500. Stock is $400. Trigger is minimum $100. metal finish is anywhere from $50 to 200. Labor would guess at $300 minimum for a properly bedded stock with a barrel install.... Easy $1500, closer to $1700...

M

 

[Edd]

There are a lot of different definitions of custom rifles. The latest one I priced was barrel $350, action $1300, stock $500, trigger $225, bottom metal $350, labor $1200.

 

[Hired Gun]

$1200 for labor sounds a bit high to me. Starting with a custom action should have reduced your labor bill a bit. Did you get a breakdown of the labor charges that you could share with us?

 

[Edd]

$1200 for labor sounds a bit high to me. Starting with a custom action should have reduced your labor bill a bit. Did you get a breakdown of the labor charges that you could share with us?

That isn't an actual quote from someone. Those are prices I estimated from various discussions and websites. I think $1200 is a conservative estimate. Here is an example.....
Thread chamber and crown barrel .............. $300
Inlet stock .................. $150
Epoxy bed action with pillars ............ $300
Inlet and fit bottom metal, magazine, flush cups, and swivels ......... $300
Sand and paint stock ............. $150

Then if you want a muzzle brake and a couple of dies you can add another $300 and that doesn't count the brake and the die blank.


Install muzzle brake and make thread protector .......... $150
Ream die blank with resize reamer to make FL size die .............. $75
Ream barrel stub with chamber reamer to make case gauge .............. $75

Now you are up to $1500 and your metal is still naked. I'll let you fill in that blank. You can probably add something else if you have a stock with an adjustable cheek. On top of all that, I've probably left out something.