If you're shopping for a new rifle, then you have most likely contemplated factory vs custom rifles. With custom rifles causing an uproar in the precision rifle market, the decision between factory and custom rifles is a hard choice to make. Buying a rifle straight from the factory is a convenient, low-cost way to start shooting, but opting for a custom rifle can unlock a whole new world of precision and reliability.
Unsure if an XLR chassis is the right move for your factory action? Give our experts a call at 970-241-1807 or reach out to us online here.
What Are Factory Rifles?
Factory rifles are mass-produced to a standard size and shape. This kind of production line assembly offers some clear benefits:
- Price: Factory rifles are relatively inexpensive to make compared to custom rifles.
- Availability: The assembly line model allows manufacturers to make a large number of rifles to a set design, which makes them readily available with plenty of information on those chamber dimensions.
- Reliable quality: Mass-produced rifles typically have specifications that are widely tested. This results in rifles that are very reliable in the field.
However, there are some downsides. Factory rifles are made to a set dimension, so customization options are typically lacking. Buyers will have to take the rifle to a gunsmith to make alterations to the factory stock. Some factory rifles can be dropped into a precision rifle chassis, which will improve the performance tremendously.
What Is a Custom Rifle?
In contrast to factory rifles, custom rifles are made to order. Customers can choose which components they would like to use and take advantage of the increased accuracy of a custom rifle. These custom components and build specifications can include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Stock or Chassis: There are numerous options available on the market, allowing you to choose the right tool for the job.
- Barrel: Different lengths, contours, materials, and rifling profiles allow you to tailor the most crucial component to accuracy appropriately for your application.
- Action: Also called the receiver, it can have specific designs that may be superior for certain applications.
Higher-Quality Components
Because buyers can choose their components, they can opt for higher-quality parts than factory rifles, ensuring increased accuracy, ease of reloading, more comfortable shooting and better precision.
Designed for Serious Shooters
Every aspect of these rifles, including the caliber, scope, action, twist rate, muzzle brake, and ergonomics, can be tailored to the buyer in a way that's impossible with a factory product. Shooters can even take advantage of new advancements in technology and build a switch-barreled rifle so they have multiple different barrels/cartridges for one rifle.
Superior Accuracy
The attention to detail and quality when making high-end custom rifles, including the barrel length, muzzle brake and twist rate, is far more accurate than even the most accurate rifles made in a factory.
However, this comes at a price. A chambered Bartlein barrel can cost more than an entire factory rifle. Components also have an extensive lead time so custom rifles can take multiple months before they are finished.
ATOM Chassis
ATOM Compact
Element 4.0 Magnesium
Envy Pro Competition
Element Carbon Altitude
Comparative Analysis: Factory Rifle vs. Custom Rifle
It's hard to make a true comparison of factory vs. custom rifles, especially because so many customization options are available for factory rifles. Shooters shouldn’t only consider accuracy but custom rifles can also be more compact, or even easier to shoot. A 16” 6.5 Creedmoor could shoot very well, weigh very little, and be very easy to shoot with the correct custom rifle components.
It's not uncommon for custom rifles to cost $8,000 or more, and that's for a midrange model from a quality builder. Barrels, stocks and grips all cost money, and the gunsmith will charge labor costs too, but every single penny goes toward making the rifle tailored to your specs.
A factory rifle is far less expensive and can still be customized to make it a more precise product.
Although the level of customization options may not be as high with a factory rifle, you can make some upgrades so the rifle is fit for your needs without the heavy price tag.
Are Custom Rifles Right for You?
If you're considering a custom rifle to take your shooting to the next level, consider the following:
Use
Will you use the rifle for competition, target shooting at the range or as a hunting rifle? Every one of these uses will require specific rifle specifications to optimize the size and weight of the rifle.
If you're looking for an ultra-light hunting rifle, a Savage chassis system for a factory rifle could be a good option.
Budget
A custom rifle will cost far more than a factory rifle, and even if a custom rifle is in your budget, it's worth considering whether the money might be better spent elsewhere, such as on a new barrel, scope or tripod you can use when shooting rifles you already own.
Experience
A novice shooter may try several different rifles until they find one they want to use all the time. Experimenting with various actions, stock or chassis designs, and materials could help you better understand your preferences while sticking to a budget.
Priorities
Do you require extreme accuracy, something easy to carry or something with a more rounded performance? A custom precision rifle can be tailored to your shooting preferences.
If you're looking for something versatile on a budget, however, high-end factory rifles paired with a Tikka chassis system or Remington chassis can cover those shooting needs while also opening up the rifle to numerous different accessories.
Final Thoughts
Factory rifles and custom rifles each fill a spot in the marketplace, as do semi-custom products. Which variety suits your needs depends on your goals and budget.
A high-quality rifle made in a factory can be a good purchase for beginners and even serious marksmen, although it's hard to beat the comfort and precision of a custom product.
A factory rifle built to your specification with quality optics and quality ammo makes a great investment for an enthusiast who wants an accurate and dependable rifle on a budget.
Unlock Your Best Shooting Potential with XLR Industries
If you're looking to get the most out of your rifle with premium customization options, maximum accuracy, and ergonomics, choose XLR Industries. We have a longstanding reputation as a high-quality manufacturer of rifle chassis systems and components for your factory, custom, or semi-custom rifle, helping you get the most out of your setup.
Call us today at 970-241-1807, or fill out our contact form to discuss how we can help you get a better shooting experience today.