I have "custom" rifles in the $3000-4000 range. And I have true top of the line customs in the $4000-5000 range. Those prices do NOT include optics or mounting solutions.
I have a few built on trued R700 actions. They shoot extremely well.
R700 barreled action from a pawn shop $300 (you get action, bolt, bottom metal to use)
True action $350
Barrel $350 (or $460 fluted)
Chamber/cut/time/thread $250-350
Muzzle brake $100-150
Cut/thread/crown/time brake $150-200
Stock (from B&C Medalist to Manners EH series non-adjustable) $250-750
Bed stock (if needed) $150
Trigger $0-300
Cerakote $250-350
Range of $2200-3350 This is a no frills workhorse. You could add bolts or bolt work like M16 extractor, fluted bolt, tac bolt knob, alloy shroud, side bolt release, firing pin and spring upgrades. Also other work like bedding bottom metal, or add component upgrades, recoil lug, Wyatt's box and bolt stop mods, etc.
True full custom w. High end parts
Action $900-1600 (which normally won't need as much of any work)
Higher end custom barrel or Proof barrel $350-$800
Chamber/cut/time/thread $250-350
High end CF stock $600-1500+
Bed stock $150 (if needed)
Brake w. Install $250-350
DBM M5 bottom metal w. A couple mags or custom BDL $300-450
Trigger $150-400
Cerakote $250-350
Range $3400-4000+.
You can still add costs to these too like Wyatt's box but some actions come cut for them already.
You also need.to add optics w. a mounting solution. I like Picatinny rails on all my rifles, high quality rings, and excellent glass. So you can add anywhere from $300 to $5000+ into your rifle build w. optics costs depending on tastes and quality.
Don't forget accessories like a bipod, sling, scope covers, levels, shooting angle, throw lever, cleaning kits, rifle case, etc.
Then we start on ammo and/or reloading components.......anywhere from $100 (cheap factory ammo) to $1000+ for your first 100 loaded rounds of custom tailored ammo if you need to add a new set of dies to your reloading desk.
Don't forget to add the cost of gas, targets, range time, etc. to your price list for a new rifle.
A true custom rifle might not shoot much better than a trued factory action with top end components. But the feel and cycling is usually much better, tolerances are tighter, all the bells and whistles are usually included, and you get exactly what you want. You can make it as "one of a kind" as you want.
All in all, I think the SHOOTER is what makes any rifle as accurate as it can be. And when you get a rifle set.up exactly for you, it makes shooting it more comfortable and accurate. And you want to shoot it more, so you get more practice.
