Opinions: Do buyers prefer a new custom rifle to be shot with demonstrated accuracy, or an unfired rifle?

[Kimber7man]

Thanks for the input, everybody!
I had not considered selling it as a barreled action.
Long Rifles, Inc did all of the work, truing the action etc. Their bedding work was prohibitively expensive for this project, unfortunately.

If you had LRI do all the gunsmithing and also do their bedding process, you may want to consider selling it over on snipers hide. They're much more familiar with Chad and his quality. And his quality is top notch.

 

[Muddyboots]

As stated, I prefer some "proof" of performance but after following recent thread on CA Ridgeline, I wonder if a photo of the brass case head would be nice addition to show primer and case head condition? No swipes, primer not flattened etc.

I also agree with @FEENIX establishing relationship with a smith within reasonable drive is worth the effort. I am fortunate to have really good one at 2 hours so I can drop off etc. He has given me many pointers on improving my basic rifle assemblies as well. LOL, he was the smith that was able to break my barrel free from action that stumped me for the .270TH build. He even said WOW at the amount of pressure he had to use to break it loose. These smiths are so nice to know and use. Of course, he is busy building but he seems to be able to break some time for me. I just need to be patient for that window he gives me. Might be a week or a month depending on his calendar.

 

[Willys]

I'm paying a Smith for his time using his unique tools and talents to build a rifle. I don't need to pay him for load development. If its a rifle that he specialises in he has a load that will likely shoot well but if not he could have more money in time and materials finding a 1/2 moa load than his labor chambering it. He doesn't want to show you a 1 moa target or spend the time and money finding a 1/2 moa load in your virgin barrel.

 

[Beluebow]

I pay my gunsmith to gunsmith, not to shoot my rifle. If you need confirmation the gun will shoot you need a new gunsmith or shooting lessons.

 

[lancetkenyon]

For me, a fired rifle is a used rifle. Reduction in price would be expected.

Give me an unfired rifle with a list of components and a reputable smith who put it together, and I would be more interested in paying a bit higher price.

 

[Muddyboots]

So does anyone expect a smith to test fire the rifle?

 

[FEENIX]

So does anyone expect a smith to test fire the rifle?

Yes!

 

[BillLarson]

Hello,

I am considering selling a custom rifle I had built, which I have not yet fired. This is a case of the build taking much longer than intended, and having moved on to the next shiny thing.

The barrel and extensive action work was done by a top gunsmith, while no bedding work has been done on the stock. All components are top shelf, and I have a complete package of top notch reloading components and dies, all new and for this rifle.

My question is, do buyers value a new rifle more if it has not been shot at all (other than by the gunsmith), or a rifle which has been fired a limited amount? And would you rather have bedding work done, or a fresh stock to be bedded, if necessary, according to your preferred method?

Thank you for your thoughts!

I would have to believe the guy who built it test fired it....

 

[gdc23]

I would have to believe the guy who built it test fired it....

I could be mistaken but I believe the rifle was delivered as a barreled action only with the owner adding the stock and bottom metal himself.

 

[Beluebow]

So does anyone expect a smith to test fire the rifle?

Nope.

 

[Kimber7man]

So does anyone expect a smith to test fire the rifle?

Yes, one shot at least. plus check feeding with magazine provided.

 

[BillLarson]

I could be mistaken but I believe the rifle was delivered as a barreled action only with the owner adding the stock and bottom metal himself.

I still test fire....

 

[cornshank]

Yes, one shot at least. plus check feeding with magazine provided.

For me , Absolutely, and delivered on a silver plater , with load work up complete and a couple boxes of custom ammo.
Some people get a kick out of ,sight in , load developing,
Scope fussin , bullet changing, brass changing , powder testing , and some people don't.

 

[cornshank]

I'm paying a Smith for his time using his unique tools and talents to build a rifle. I don't need to pay him for load development. If its a rifle that he specialises in he has a load that will likely shoot well but if not he could have more money in time and materials finding a 1/2 moa load than his labor chambering it. He doesn't want to show you a 1 moa target or spend the time and money finding a 1/2 moa load in your virgin barrel.

Depends on what you want to pay, and depends on the particular smith , some do load development.