Ok....so, I'm looking to get my first custom rifle build going. I want to be able to take almost anything in North America with it, and be able to reach out to 600 yards, effectively (I will put in the time...comfortable at 300 yards right now). I love the versatility of my 30-06 for that reason, but I'm looking for a whole new set up. Would entertain a new caliber, perhaps. Open to suggestions.

Goals: fairly light weight, Great glass (and up to 24x zoom), and under $4-5k for the total set up.

Shoot me some ideas on your thoughts for a good set up. And any recommendations on who to work with...or what set up I can put together on my own...doesn't have to be a "custom" rifle, but I'm ready to invest in a lifelong rifle that will have lights out accuracy.

By far not the custom rifle aficionado. I do believe there are several factory built rifles that will do what you are asking for. Light weight elk gun comes with either a lot of recoil, a muzzle break, or a smaller caliber for the task. Pick which one you want to deal with first and then select a caliber would be my thought. Not saying it would be the best but I think your 30-06 would be serviceable.

Beyond 500 yards will require turrets. With your 30 Government, the turrets will get it done. Look at the military use of the 308. How can you argue with that? I have seen 308's swing a heavy steel plate at 1800 yards.

Send me a PM, if you'd like.

Not custom, but my new Browning X-Bolt Hell's Canyon is super light (actually much lighter than I wanted)

Just put a heavy scope on it

Barrett Fieldcraft

Bergara Ridgeline

A guy I guided on an axis hunt last summer had a Christianson Arms 300 win mag. I cant remember if it was the Ridgeline or the Classic series, but that was a nice, light weight, slick shooting gun.

Christensen Chassis rifle in .300 win mag is SO COOL, lightweight and VERY accurate.

ONLY Chassis stock I would actually buy

Call GA Precision

https://www.gaprecision.net

Fierce, with your budget, you can get some of the best optics out there

Well you can do damn near anything you want with that budget. As far as caliber goes, I'm a big fan of the 7mag. Bergara has an awesome platform that will leave plenty of room in your budget for optics

Since you have a 30-06 I would probably go with a 300 Win Mag for more range. If you really want to reach out and thump them and reload or don't mind the expensive ammo go with a 30-378 Weatherby Mag, very nice in a Sako with a brake...and a really good scope.

+1 on the 7mm rem mag. I like it for its very flat trajectory. I have a savage 111 trophy hunter package, with the factory Nikon bdc on it. I change the rings that came with it to some solid luepold rings and that's it. furthest kill was 454yds in Montana, and steel at 800. And that's with a rifle I have $550 into, with your budget the sky is the limit. But id argue for the 7mm rem mag.

https://aprifles.com/

Check these guys out while you're at it. My 30-06 is a tack driver

Most Factory guns should meet your requirements.

IMHO optics,form and knowledge probably limit more guys range than the rifle.

Engraving their name on the side is $1000.

Absolutely......after all I am positive that is why they are a well established precision builder.

Some some things I would go through mentally..

Let’s stick with 30-06 (very capable round)

You can buy a high end production gun for 1-2k depending on bells and whistles
Browning x bolt, Remington senders (think it’s 300m), etc

You can spend 2-3k and get a semi custom. This would be something built of an action you provided. Good barrel specific to your application. You can buy these from reputable dealer or find a smith and bring the prices togheter. (I did this on a 300wm. Had horizon firearms doing barrel work. I bought a manners and sent it to them and they put it together)

You can also get a high end production gun from a gunsmith for 2-3k. This would be from higher caliber gun makers

In the 2500-4K you can get a full custom. This would be a custom receiver and barrel.

Me personally... I would find a stock you like and have some one spin a barrel up for you and assemble. You will have ample money left over for optics and accessories


Good luck. If you can get to dsc in Dallas tomorrow do the safari show. All of the options will be there

Untrue and those with a clue understand that.

OP, you asked for some ideas so here goes:

Decide on a cartridge. Lots of good legacy cartridges and some cool newer stuff will do what you've asked it to do.
I'd go vanilla 300WM.

Get with a gunsmith with solid references and discuss your goals. That will yield the best fruit.

With a 4-5k budget all in, I'm buying a Barrett Fieldcraft, having a gunsmith bed it. Spend the rest on the best scope and rings that you can afford.

Otherwise, a Seekins Havak Pro Hunter PH1, plus the best scope and rings that you can afford.

I'd go 6.5 creed, without question.

If you want full custom, with optics to match that level of gun, you'll need to budget more than 4-5k.

Not every one is chambered the same...

How many GAPs have you owned?

I've shot side by side of thousands of other rifles, some GAP. One of the Police Sniper teams that train at my place have several GAP-10's.

I have a clue.

Don't think the OP was talking about an AR platform. Your point on the GAP10 may have some validity and I cannot speak to that as I have not owned one.
On a bolt gun, not so much, especially in a typical hunting configuration.
Until you have had GAP build a rifle to your spec as I have, twice, you have no clue as to your ignorant $1000 claim.

What the hell I will wade in...

Gap makes a fine rifle. They cost more because it costs money to ensure a brand as big as there’s meets quality. And because people will buy them at the current prices.

There are many people that make great barrels/rifles but there is a difference when it’s an individual/smaller business as opposed to a major name. If I said bob smith made it, that carries different value then gap. Could be the same quality though