Best Custom Bolt Action Gunsmiths

[Timberwolf]

I have two .308s that constantly bide for my attention. But alas one is a backup, a lowly safe queen . . . that is awaiting a rebarrel with another Rock barrel as her present barrel is reaching its limit . . . this time in .243! And of course Randy will perform the magic.

[Mute]

AI does not make custom rifles. Here are the guys I'd pick for a tactical style rifle:

• GAP (George Gardner)
• R&D (Randy Cain)
• KMW (Terry Cross)
• Norcal Precision (Jerry Rice)

This is not to say there aren't others who are worthy to be included on this list, but I have shot or owned rifles from these guys and know that their rifles are top notch.

I wouldn't worry about having two .308s. When you feel the need to get better long distance performance it's fairly easy to convert one to any number of other calibers, assuming you're willing to spend time at the reloading bench to maximize your rifle's potential.

[1911 gone wild]

What kind of groups, or MOA, are you guys seeing, from R&D built, worked on, rifles? Lets say, useing off the self, Federal Gold Medal Match 308 ammo.

[califcowboy]

Randy's work is usually good for consistent 1/2 MOA. But a lot of that depends on the shooter and range conditions. The limiting factor will be the shooter, not the rifle. Not many shooters can get 1/2 MOA consistently no matter what rifle they have.

[PistolPete75]

I have two .308s that constantly bide for my attention. But alas one is a backup, a lowly safe queen . . . that is awaiting a rebarrel with another Rock barrel as her present barrel is reaching its limit . . . this time in .243! And of course Randy will perform the magic.

are you referring to Rock Creek Barrels? (5R)

if so, i've been thinking the same company for my .308 build. what barrel do you think is best shooting 175 smk?

M24/M40? Is this the barrel to get? What will happen if i decide to shoot 168gr out of it? poor performance with a 168gr?

[Timberwolf]

Yes Rock Creek - Mike Rock's barrels.

Savannah has a Rock 5R 1:10 on her and she shoots bug holes with everything frm 155s to 190s. Her barrel is the AMU contour which is a hair thicker that the M24.

FOr shooting 175s get either the 1:11.25 or 1:10. The 1:11.25 was designed for the 175s.

My M40A1's barrel is a Hart 1:12. It too eats up 155, 168 and 175 . . . not so hot with 190s. It's the one I'll be soon replacing.

[Mute]

My Rock 5R has a 1:11.25 twist in #7 contour and it seems to do equally well with 168 and 175 SMKs. I haven't had a chance to test 155 or 190 gr rounds yet.

[randy]

http://www.snipercentral.com/tango51.htm

They have a good rep and are what the LASD SBE team use.

I have no personal knowledge just passing on a link and a bit of info

[PistolPete75]

http://www.snipercentral.com/tango51.htm

They have a good rep and are what the LASD SBE team use.

I have no personal knowledge just passing on a link and a bit of info

are you Randy from R&D?

[PistolPete75]

Yes Rock Creek - Mike Rock's barrels.

Savannah has a Rock 5R 1:10 on her and she shoots bug holes with everything frm 155s to 190s. Her barrel is the AMU contour which is a hair thicker that the M24.

FOr shooting 175s get either the 1:11.25 or 1:10. The 1:11.25 was designed for the 175s.

My M40A1's barrel is a Hart 1:12. It too eats up 155, 168 and 175 . . . not so hot with 190s. It's the one I'll be soon replacing.

is there a huge advantage of shooting 190gr over the 175gr at the 800yard mark?

might change directions and go with that amu contour if the 190gr can really perform well.

oh one more thing, should i get the barrel fluted?

[45user]

Here's one from R&D

Randy built three of my rifles and am very happy with mine. Here's my wife's semi custom .223
Here's the famous pool porn.

[Bob Hostetter]

You might also want to talk to Don at Kodiak Precision............

[Mute]

is there a huge advantage of shooting 190gr over the 175gr at the 800yard mark?

might change directions and go with that amu contour if the 190gr can really perform well.

oh one more thing, should i get the barrel fluted?

IMHO 175 gr. performs better than 190 gr at the longer distances. However, 190 might be an advantage for hunting depending on the bullet you use. I've heard that the 155 Scenar might have the best BC overall for the .308 right now.

[Timberwolf]

190s supposidly beat the wind better but I haven't seen it. I've heard lots of good stuff about the 155s and have some that I may load up to try at the meet.

[ar15barrels]

are you Randy from R&D?

I'm thinking that the "Randy" that posted above is a 3 gun shooter that shoots at Palm Springs as I have seen other posts by him referring to PSGC...

Most likely NOT "Randy" of R&D.