As the Op of this thread, I'd like to thank all the CGN'ers for all the great suggestions. I have used my own experiences, as well as some very good advice in coming up with a rifle/scope package that fulfills everything that I could wish for.
More than a few comments were made regarding the price limits that I set for myself. I didn't really expect to spend the full 10k$ but didn't want to limit the suggestions either. There were multiple comments suggesting that I am foolish to spend that much and how I would be better served by using half the money...half of the 10k$ limit for a gun and the other half for a hunting trip. One person wrote something like "experiences, not gear, was what made life worth living". This advice was well heeded but unfortunately not what I was looking for. I live in a place (NE Alberta) where some of the best hunting experiences are right out my back door. Although I love to travel and hunt, I have the resources for that purpose. I was looking for advice on many of the custom or semi custom gun packages that are available. I am a short time away from retiring and have a bit of savings set aside for the "once in a lifetime gun". I am not rich. However, I have always wanted one "special" rifle that reminded me why I worked so hard for all these years.
By this thread, I wanted to understand what the custom gun makers could possibly offer me that I couldn't get with an "off the shelf" gun. Could I get better accuracy or lighter weight rigs by spending more? What does 10k$ buy that 5k$ or 3k$ doesn't? I wanted a hunting rifle in a non-magnum caliber that could take game found in the Western Provinces out to 5-600yds.
I was looking for a synthetic stocked rifle. This caused some discussion. I love the look and feel of wood but for this project I didn't want a wood stock rifle. I really struggled with this choice and in the end found a way around it. I chose synthetic because that's what I hunt with. I just do not like to hunt with a finely figured wood stock. I guess my hunting style (bush whacking) is just too rough on rifles. Worrying about putting scratches and dings in a fine wood stock takes away from the hunting experience for me. A couple of people commented that those dings and scratches are memories of the experience and are to be cherished. That is great for them, however for me, possible damage to a fine piece of furniture are detractors to the experience. I find myself thinking that "it was a great trip, except for the $500 ding I put in that nice Claro walnut stock!" I guess people are all different and that's why I like to get many opinions.
There were many people who suggested premium rifles such as Kimber Montana, Sako Finnlights, Blaser, Sauer. These were all looked at with interest. A few people suggested full custom guns like Gunworks. Early in someone suggested buying a Cooper and that turned out as the most commonly recommended gun manufacture. I have some experiences with Cooper Firearms and ultimately that is what I have decided to go with.
My gun "of a lifetime" is as follows:
Cooper Model 52 in 280AI. Stainless, fluted bolt and barrel. Regarding the stock... here's where I cheated and deviated from my original question. I solved my delemma with the stock type. I plan to order a Custom Classic as the primary gun but order a second Jackson Hunter synthetic stock. For hunting season the gun will wear the synthetic stock and for the rest of the year, the gun will be adorned with a fine wood stock. I will spend quite a bit of extra money doing this but what the hell, you can't take it with you! I will go with talley rings and bases.
For the scope I am still not 100% sure but I am considering the new Nightforce SVH 3-10x42.
The total package including some Nosler 280AI brass will run me about $7500-$8000. I expect Clay at Prophet River will be happy to make my wishes come true.
Thanks for everybody's help and advice. Special thanks to those who put some thought and effort into their responses. I think CGN user's are the best!
