Are Custom-Built Precision Rifles Truly Worth Their High Prices?

Gun enthusiasts and shooters often debate the value and accuracy of custom-built precision rifles. Are these high-end rifles really justifying their exorbitant prices or are the functionalities worth the investment? This article explores the accuracy potential, the justification behind the high cost, and the practicality of these rifles for different purposes.

Understanding Gun Accuracy

Not all rifles are created equal when it comes to accuracy. In a sea of thousands of rifles, whether new or used, only a small fraction might not be as accurate as the shooter using them. This is a fact highlighted by the experience shared by a writer who owned an NEF Buffalo Classic with a 32-inch barrel in .45-70 caliber. Despite its modest price and the shooter's careful handloads, a son was still able to achieve impressive accuracy while competing and shooting for long-range targets.

Custom-Built Rifles for High-End Accuracy

For those who are serious about precision shooting, custom-built rifles are indeed worth their high prices, especially when compared to the labor-intensive processes involved in creating them. Custom rifles often include special bedding processes and precision tuning that can significantly enhance performance.

Long-Range Bench Rest Rifles

A prime example of these expensive rifles are the specialized 1000-yard bench rest rifles. These pricey rifles can cost up to $30,000. However, such investments pay off for competitive shooters who can win matches that capitalize on their superior accuracy and performance at long distances.

Accuracy for Hunting and Target Shooting

The debate on the necessity of custom-built precision rifles for hunting and regular target shooting is complex. For most recreational shooters, a decent rifle combined with a quality scope is sufficient to meet their needs. The difference in accuracy between a premium custom-built rifle and a factory-made rifle can be negligible for the average shooter, and the cost does not justify the marginal benefits.

However, competitive shooters often require the most accurate rifles available to minimize shot deviations and enhance their performance in matches. The improvement in accuracy can make a significant difference in competitive outcomes. Therefore, the high prices of custom-built rifles can be justified for those dedicated individuals who seek to maximize their shooting performance.

Key Considerations for Most Shooters

The vast majority of shooters should focus on refining their shooting skills rather than investing in expensive hardware. Practicing and developing marksmanship skills will yield far greater benefits than a high-end rifle. This includes not only shooting practice but also exposure to various shooting positions and conditions to reinforce basic marksmanship fundamentals.

Modern Rifle Technology

Thanks to modern manufacturing techniques, it's now possible to buy factory rifles that are good enough for nearly any shooter. Companies such as Sako, Tikka, and Accuracy International, among others, can produce extremely accurate rifles. Achieving a rifle capable of sub-MOA (Minute of Angle) accuracy is feasible with current technology. Historically, truly accurate firearms demanded custom work and bespoke designs, which were time-consuming and costly.

Final Thoughts

While custom-built precision rifles offer indisputable accuracy advantages, these benefits are more pertinent to competitive shooters. For the average firearm enthusiast, the investment in a custom-built rifle is not justified by the marginal improvement in accuracy. Instead, the best investment is in honing one's skills and understanding the fundamentals of marksmanship.

Whether you are a casual shooter or a serious competitor, the key to success depends largely on your dedication to practice and skill development. A premium rifle may provide a slight edge, but it is not the silver bullet solution for achieving excellence in shooting.