Custom rifle cost going to the moon , when does it end ?

[TRyan]

If you have the money and it makes you happy, that's all that matters. It'll be a one of a kind, I've no doubt!

 

[Big Guy]

I just saw a new release of a highbred big game rifle from probably THE big boys in the industry . The cost including a 2500.00$ optic is 12500.00$ . I have done my fair share of buying things that I knew were a bit out of the ( practical or common sense range ) because I just wanted it but not to the tune of 12500.00 lol !! To be clear I'm sure it comes with 100 rounds of custom ( tuned ) Ammo for it and we all know the work that goes into that although the load development is the steepest on the first ( set up ) then after that it's probably a little more cookie cutter . I'll be the first to admit these are some of the baddest rifles to ever hit the planet and the detail and designs are AMAZING for sure! I feel a custom build with a premium barrel , stock , trigger , action and optic around 5-6 k is ( fair ) but I also have some factory rifles with a proper tuned load that shot at .250 or better . One in particular I have is a .093 5 shot group at 100 yard and it holds that moa pretty close to 800 so far , I knew they shot well but I'm still on cloud 9 with that one and I promise, that's not the norm for me on factory guns !!
I know these factory rifles most likely will walk significantly more threw a 20 shot string then these premium guns will of course but for most hunting rifles that's not necessarily going to be needed . I have set up several rifles for friends that just want a hunting gun with factory Ammo . I set one rem 700 up with a Leupold VX-3 4.5-14 and found THE factory Ammo that it liked ! On most of these projects I'm able to find Ammo that will shoot .500 or better all for 1800.00$ and it just about holds that all the way to 800. I'm not poking at custom builders ,it is a true art , I'm just asking what your feelings are towards these 10-12000.00$ guns and where the future is headed ( and I'm not talking about 50 bmg or 375 cheytac type guns) With all the modern machining practices, factory rifles have came a long way for sure ! I think we are going to see a swing in the market for gun builders to produce a gun that is a (budget) version . I think these are selling now because of the craze we are in now kinda like in 2008 when desil pickups were grocery getters during that craze that blew up , then desil hit 5.00$ gallon in Comifornia and they were dumped quick ! Is it just me or are these prices crazy ..... but soooo bad a** of a rifle !!

if you spend that kind of cash, it better be the finest American walnut, with lots of flame and color, the very best checkering anyone has seen, engraving, and gold. And in a caliber fit for that style, like 257 Roberts. That will get something started. No black gun can compeat with that....

 

[bigngreen]

if you spend that kind of cash, it better be the finest American walnut, with lots of flame and color, the very best checkering anyone has seen, engraving, and gold. And in a caliber fit for that style, like 257 Roberts. That will get something started. No black gun can compeat with that....

That kind of money won't touch what your talking, 30k + for what your talking.

 

[West Calamus]

As with all expensive items, prices will never drop until demand does.

We all know that unless you're dealing with fine wood and engraving a $2500 rifle will do as well as a far more expensive one.

Myself, I like blue and fine wood. Used guns of real quality from famous makers can be bought for what people are putting into machine made guns these days.

My latest foray has been "long range" shotguns, specifically single trap guns. The bargains are amazing, Latest example a "bespoke" gun from a very low output custom smith in the early 20th century. Cost no more than a Cooper rifle. The engraving alone would be many 1000s today.

So buy what you want and can afford and realize there are always guys with deeper pockets to whom a $12,000.00 rifle is "chump change".

View attachment 189638
View attachment 189639

nice.. what do you use for polish on the inlay? I have a double 16 gauge from early 1900's made in Italy and have trouble with the tarnish.. Gun was handed down to me.

 

[dougduey]

Our run of the mill turn key rifles are more like $8k, the rifle that started this discussion is a full-on fancy build-out with engraving, special stock materials, metal finishes, $3500 Swarovski scope, etc.

A couple of years ago we released a component action for $800 bucks. It's nice! It pushed every other manufacturer of actions to respond, now there are dozens of options for a similar price point. Don't beat us up as overpriced hype. Some stuff is expensive, and some is more budget. We try hard to control the price, but sometimes we just want to build it to the 9s!

I personally feel that the key word that sums up this whole post is VALUE. What does that word mean to you? It's different for everyone. Like it has been said before, some people's time is very valuable, and they do not have the time to research, build, load develop and test shoot a rifle, so a Gunwerks rifle that is ready to go is very valuable. There's one thing that not a single one of us can create more of, and that is TIME. What's your time worth? What is Aaron's time, as well as his whole teams time, worth? They gave that a value with their products. Some will gladly pay that amount, and others will scoff at it. That's fine. It's your choice. Here's an analogy. I'm a dentist and I deal with what people value every day. Some value their teeth, others not so much. To take care of a bad tooth issue, it's either $200 for the extraction or $2,000 for the root canal and crown. To some, it's no big deal to lose a tooth, while others are mortified at the thought. Like I tell those on the fence, I'll do whatever you want but if I take it out....you're losing a body part that won't grow back.
So, I can't fault Aaron and Gunwerks on their costs. So much goes into what it costs to get to the final product. Gunwerks is not Savage or Remington. They are still small (albeit growing) and don't have the luxuries that huge manufacturing companies possess. We should thank Aaron for what he and Gunwerks has done to the industry. Long range hunting is a common word now, and he was on the forefront of it. They have pushed the all the big players to up their games to keep up, thus, the consumer has benefited from a much better product. I'm jealous as hell of Aaron.........he's an engineer that took a hobby, created an almost cult following, and turned it into a career and thriving business. I'd much rather be shooting guns and loading ammo than fixing teeth. Oh, you can hammer me about this post as being a "Gunwerks lover", but I do NOT own one of their rifles. I just appreciate what they do, what they continue to do for the industry, and drive further innovation. I'm a fan, that's all. And, honestly, if I could only have one bad a** rifle, I'd probably own one of theirs. If I ever go to Africa on a dangerous game hunt, I will buy their new Skuhl rifle............that rifle is nothing other than beautiful.
My problem, like most of you here, is I'm a gun-aholic. I always want just one more. I love to do load development. I think Aaron is correct on the trend becoming the build at home rifle. I'm already there. Just built a 280 AI on a Rem 700 with a Criterion remage barrel and a Grayboe stock. It's extremely accurate and was so much fun to build myself. With all the prefit barrel options out there, I see myself doing this more often in the future
Just my 2 cents

 

[Doug Herold]

I just saw a new release of a highbred big game rifle from probably THE big boys in the industry . The cost including a 2500.00$ optic is 12500.00$ . I have done my fair share of buying things that I knew were a bit out of the ( practical or common sense range ) because I just wanted it but not to the tune of 12500.00 lol !! To be clear I'm sure it comes with 100 rounds of custom ( tuned ) Ammo for it and we all know the work that goes into that although the load development is the steepest on the first ( set up ) then after that it's probably a little more cookie cutter . I'll be the first to admit these are some of the baddest rifles to ever hit the planet and the detail and designs are AMAZING for sure! I feel a custom build with a premium barrel , stock , trigger , action and optic around 5-6 k is ( fair ) but I also have some factory rifles with a proper tuned load that shot at .250 or better . One in particular I have is a .093 5 shot group at 100 yard and it holds that moa pretty close to 800 so far , I knew they shot well but I'm still on cloud 9 with that one and I promise, that's not the norm for me on factory guns !!
I know these factory rifles most likely will walk significantly more threw a 20 shot string then these premium guns will of course but for most hunting rifles that's not necessarily going to be needed . I have set up several rifles for friends that just want a hunting gun with factory Ammo . I set one rem 700 up with a Leupold VX-3 4.5-14 and found THE factory Ammo that it liked ! On most of these projects I'm able to find Ammo that will shoot .500 or better all for 1800.00$ and it just about holds that all the way to 800. I'm not poking at custom builders ,it is a true art , I'm just asking what your feelings are towards these 10-12000.00$ guns and where the future is headed ( and I'm not talking about 50 bmg or 375 cheytac type guns) With all the modern machining practices, factory rifles have came a long way for sure ! I think we are going to see a swing in the market for gun builders to produce a gun that is a (budget) version . I think these are selling now because of the craze we are in now kinda like in 2008 when desil pickups were grocery getters during that craze that blew up , then desil hit 5.00$ gallon in Comifornia and they were dumped quick ! Is it just me or are these prices crazy ..... but soooo bad a** of a rifle !!

Almondgrower,
If the price of custom rifles stuns you, don't even THINK about looking at setting up a quality thermal imaging rig (complete with scanner, scope, rifle, suppressor, tripod, and Fox Pro) to hunt coyotes.

 

[Kimber7man]

I've paid for a GAP built rifle and love it. Haven't held or shot a Gunwerks so can't compare.

To Aaron, I say congratulations on building a firearms company that employs 63 people in the industry that we all love. That takes smarts, devotion to employees and clients, lots of long nights, debt, and elbow grease. I may not purchase one of your rifles, but I will support your right to build rifles and long range systems, and charge what your customers deem to be fair value. Best wishes in continuing to build your brand and our long range hunting sport!

 

[zog]

For me, its not as much about the setup as it is my money mentality. I can't bring myself to blow $8k in one package, so what do I do? - Buy the components, spread out the expenditure over many paychecks, tricking my mind into thinking it's less irresponsible. It's stupid, I know, but I confess. Sure, its fun to build, but it's going down a rabbit hole.

If anyone ever wanted to torture me for some reason, all they would need to do is clamp my eyes open and force me to read an itemized list of what I've spent on my (still not finished) custom setup, including changes, selling components at a loss to upgrade, etc. . . . "N-o-o-o-o - I'll tell you anything - just don't show me the total!!! A-h-h-h!!

 

[adam32]

I wonder if ol Almondgrower knows how much almonds are marked up compared to a Gunwerks rifle?

If you wanna talk about overcharging...lets talk about a can of Blue Diamond Almonds!!!!

I've done a few seasons of frost protection with helicopters on almonds, I know there's a lot of money that goes into producing a can of almonds...…

 

[JAYgs8163]

I wonder if ol Almondgrower knows how much almonds are marked up compared to a Gunwerks rifle?

If you wanna talk about overcharging...lets talk about a can of Blue Diamond Almonds!!!!

I've done a few seasons of frost protection with helicopters on almonds, I know there's a lot of money that goes into producing a can of almonds...…

Yeah the can is expensive and the label that goes on it.

 

[zog]

The other part of this "where does it end" question for me is . . . caliber!

If I finally broke down, sell all my rifles, stop with the customs, to get my "just one" champagne rifle - how would I ever pick a cartridge? Too big, too small, too hard to find, too expensive to practice with, only good in handloads, not proven, boring tried-and-true calibers unworthy of a $10K setup, new sexy cartridges outdated by the time the gun shows up.

At least with a $20K shotgun, I wouldn't drive myself crazy deciding on 12 ga.

 

[adam32]

The other part of this "where does it end" question for me is . . . caliber!

If I finally broke down, sell all my rifles, stop with the customs, to get my "just one" champagne rifle - how would I ever pick a cartridge? Too big, too small, too hard to find, too expensive to practice with, only good in handloads, boring tried-and-true calibers unworthy of a $10K setup, new sexy cartridges outdated by the time the gun shows up.

At least with a $20K shotgun, I wouldn't drive myself crazy deciding on 12 ga.

Somebody needs to come out with an 11.5 gauge Creedmoor.

 

[Eddie in Va]

I agree with the fun of watching those folks pull out their $5,000-$10,000 "systems". We used to shoot a little 500 yrd. rifle side match following IPSC matches at a range here in VA. I took a Rem 700PS, that had a reputable (in the 90's, not so much any more) barrel installed by their shop with a Leup VX-3 with Kenton turrets. I loved listening to the guys with those kits talking while I was shooting, (electronic ears were still new in the rifle arena and they had no idea I could hear them while I was shooting) They talked trash about my "cheap" rifle, but I took their money home. It was fun.

 

[zog]

Somebody needs to come out with an 11.5 gauge Creedmoor.

N-o-o-o-o-o!!!