rgv said:
say you started with a $1200 Model 70 Express, Brno 602/550, or a Whitworth 375, how would you spend the rest of the $4k ?
thanks
In my case with a 602 I bought second hand -
- new stainless 21" stainless Smith barrel chambered for the .375 Ultra
- custom quarter rib inletted for Talley rings
- trigger and bolt work
- custom stock (McMillan) properly bedded and cross bolts installed
- front sling attachment moved to the radius of the forend tip
- Galco Safari Ching Sling
- a filler built and installed behind the trigger guard
- Talley ghost ring and Ruger front barrel band with a square post sight
- 2 sets of Talley QD rings - taking 2 scopes to Tanzania
When I bought the rifle the factory barrel was badly pitted so I replaced it. I had no intention of replacing the stock, but I asked my first gunsmith to bed it and put cross bolts in - the cross bolts were left out and the stock failed. You must choose a gunsmith who is knowledgeable about powerful rifles! The front sling if located on the forend must be moved forward to reduce the chances of a cut hand. Many choose to put the front attachment on the barrel, and this has the added advantage of carrying the rifle lower when slung. I shoot with the sling when possible, so I chose to keep it attached to the stock. I've found the Galco sling very useful as both a carrying sling and a shooting sling. I had the filler installed behind the trigger guard to prevent my knuckle from getting bumped when the piece recoiled. In rapid fire drills I tended to grip the stock too high which resulted in a painful bump. A set of high quality metallic sights in my opinion are a must on a serious rifle - some prefer express sights and beads, but each to their own - I can do very well to 200 yards with a ghost ring and post. Add to the price the gunsmithing shop time and I'll be close to the $4K in total.
I did not choose that number arbitrarily, but went by the price of a new A-Square Rifle using a M-17 action. Parts cost what they cost, shop time cost what it costs...the A-Square rifles are not fancy to look at, but they appear to be well thought out, and well built without having to pay for useless embellishments. The point is that you can go out and buy a new Hannibal for about $4K or you can - over time - have a rifle built. I've been working on mine for about 5 years and it's almost ready.