Semi-Custom rifles ?

[Guy Miner]

Seems to me that there are more and more makers of "semi-custom" rifles anymore. Help me name and list them?

Experiences with them?

Nosler of course! :grin: http://www.nosler.com/Rifles.aspx

Montana Rifle Co: http://montanarifleco.com/

Cooper Rifles: http://cooperfirearms.com/our-rifles

Kimber rifles: http://www.kimberamerica.com/rifles

A hunter/shooter can get pretty much whatever he wants from these makers. Although each likely produces a lemon now and again, I've heard mostly positive reports about each of those makers.

Who else makes what we might at least consider a "semi-custom" rifle?

Guy

 

[.300winmag]

McMillan rifles could possibly go on that list.

 

[JD338]

HS Precision, they build off the 700 action. There is also Christenson Arms.

JD338

 

[Anonymous]

I'd also put some of Weatherby's rifles in that class.

I'll add my long running experience with the Nosler 48 is outstanding.

 

[Guest]

When you start talking semi-custom, I also think of what I'd call "production custom" rifles, like the NULA rifles from Melvin Forbes, or Ed Brown's bolt guns, or maybe even the Dakotas, although those are far fewer in terms of production. But they are produced for the rack at fine gunshops, so they qualify for me as production custom. All this stuff is probably too rich for my blood, once you get past the Kimbers, and many of them are outside my comfort zone.

 

[usmc 89]

McMillan rifles could possibly go on that list.[/quo
I would put the McMillan on a full custom list myself, top tier equipment there.

 

[wildgene]

...Hill Country, pretty much "built-up" M700's...

 

[Oldtrader3]

Another one would be Kilimanjaro Rifles.

 

[Kodiak]

Has anyone had a MRC rifle? And will you review it for us?

Thanks,

 

[SJB358]

Has anyone had a MRC rifle? And will you review it for us?

Thanks,

I know one fellow on here that ordered one, but it took a few months longer than advertised to get it, so he dropped the order and bought a M70.. I was looking forward to seeing the MRC though. They look very nice.

 

[Kodiak]

And just as a comparison, how does the current Win. 70 Super Grade rifle stack-up against any of the above mentioned rifles? The prices are sure to be different, though :roll: .

 

[SJB358]

And just as a comparison, how does the current Win. 70 Super Grade rifle stack-up against any of the above mentioned rifles? The prices are sure to be different, though :roll: .

I can't say how they stack up Jim, but man, the new Super Grades being turned out look really nice to me and those I have shot have been fantastic on the range. Deep dark blueing, very well fit together and from nice to EXCELLENT wood on them.

I still have a place in my safe for the right M70 Super Grade... Just not sure which cartridge I would want at this point! :lol:

What are you thinking Jim? 270WSM Supergrade inbound? :twisted:

 

[Kodiak]

A view from your crystal ball possibly, Scotty? :lol:

 

[SJB358]

A view from your crystal ball possibly, Scotty? :lol:

I am like an elephant buddy.. I never forget... Don't tell my wife though!

That would be a super rifle though. I haven't jumped into a Super Grade, but there are some I wished I could have had. They are the nicest made factory rifles out there in my eyes right now. Winchester did it right with all I have seen.

 

[Woodycreek]

Has anyone had a MRC rifle? And will you review it for us?

Thanks,

I know one fellow on here that ordered one, but it took a few months longer than advertised to get it, so he dropped the order and bought a M70.. I was looking forward to seeing the MRC though. They look very nice.

I would be the one that Scotty mentioned. Heard nothing but good things about the rifles. Just a problem of getting the rifle. They promised me it would be built and delivered in two months. 7 months later my local gun store gets the call that it was ready!

 

[Oldtrader3]

I wish that Browning/Winchester would make some more .300 H&H Super Grades. That would my rifle of rifles!

 

[Kodiak]

I wish that Browning/Winchester would make some more .300 H&H Super Grades. That would my rifle of rifles!

OT, fine suggestion. You can add my order to the list :grin: .

 

[Thankful Otter]

Has anyone had a MRC rifle? And will you review it for us?

Thanks,

Sir

Our experience with Montana is three fold. We also ordered one and was disappointed it its late delivery, and cancelled the order several months before it was finished. If we had been told the delivery would have been 8 or even 12 months out and we still ordered it, then we would have had no complaint. We were disturbed by being told two months and then taking eight.

We have used their actions for builds and they are very strong and reliable actions, the only complaint being that they are heavy and we assume that is because they are a cast action and need to be thicker, but I am not sure of that. For a cheap build, they are a very reliable, rugged and a well build action. Personally we prefer the Dakota action or a Mauser action, but here again they are more money. They include some of the best features of a pre 64 model 70 only with the gas being redirected ( like a Mauser ) and as we all know the pre 64 model 70 are the favorite of many custom rifle builders.

Aleena gave us a Montana 338 rum, which we did not like and have since given it away. It was not a bad rifle, but neither my grandfather or my husband cared for it and so it went on down the line. However, it should be noted the rifle functioned well and shot well.

My grandfather recently considered using one of their actions for a 505 Gibbs build, but has since decided to move in a different direction. The rifle builders in Canada are holding his interest at this time on that project.

We can recommend their action for a build but not their rifle.

And before I get a flood of pm s telling me --this or that, like I did about my opinions regarding the Wolf. THIS IS JUST MY OPINION AND MY OPINION AND A QUARTER WILL BUY YOU ABSOLUTELY NOTHING THESE DAYS.

In regards to the 300 H & H Super Grades ---count me in!

 

[257 Ackley]

Yh -
There shouldn't be anyone that flames you over your response and first-hand experience with MRC or their action. I have shot rifles built on their actions. As you said, they seem well built, but heavy. There are several action builders out there that turn out a quality product without it costing you your first born child. My latest was built on a Defiance action, (Reminton clone) and have nothing but positive results with it so far. This was a full custom build, so it doesn't fall into the semi-custom category though. I think we all have different features that "trip our triggers" when it comes to our choices in life. We all share the joys of hunting, shooting and the great outdoors, but what works for my hunting/shooting needs might not work for yours.

Redhawk Rifles in Colorado builds semi-custom rifles on 700 actions that are still affordable. You can order them in almost any caliber you want, but are limited to choices of components. I have one of theirs in a 300 WSM that will shoot well under MOA and is a nice light carry rifle. It's not for everyone, but it fills my needs for elk hunting in the western states.

BTW...I was in a Scheels store in Sioux Falls, SD this past week and saw a super grade in a .264 that had me twitching for a brief moment...glad I didn't have some of the enablers on this website near me. :lol: :wink:

Cheers,
Joel

 

[DrMike]

I was in a Scheels store in Sioux Falls, SD this past week and saw a super grade in a .264 that had me twitching for a brief moment...glad I didn't have some of the enablers on this website near me. :lol: :wink:

Forgive me, Joel. I feel as though I've let you down.