Thread: So I was perusing/window shopping for a "lightweight" .243 when.... (Grail gun?)

TLDR: What's your grail gun and why?

I came across this (not literally but there was a stirring in the ruggers!) Some people attest there is no such thing as love at first sight....nihilists the lot of them!



Now price wise it's getting up there (from my perspective) at the fat end of $7k and that got me thinking, could I get a custom build for that kind of money? I'm not average in any of the "measurements" and every rifle I've picked up the LOP has been waaaaaaay to short, comb to low hence the Franchi having a comb riser and a buttpad so it "fits" me, the more I get into hunting and guns...I find the more it has to offer and so my final question, the Sako 90 Quest COULD be my grail gun...what's yours and why?

Whats the meaning of grail?

My perfect gun, I own. But it wasn't so much I loved the look, I didn't even know it existed until after I made a list of what I wanted in a gun, then went searching and because it was probably one of the last available anywhere, purchased it sight unseen.

Its a Barret Feildcraft in 270 win.

But if I had money to burn and wanted something just because I like the look, it would be the Sauer 505.

again if I suddenly came into fistfuls of spending money a Shultz and Larsen Victory in .270 or a Winchester Super grade in .270 - why the S and L build quality and accuracy - to me Sako are now way overpriced for what they really are and now some question marks around stock quality on some models - and whanahuia those sauer 505 are very nice - and a Styre Zephyr for a .22

I think you "could" get a holy grail gun for you if you're willing to spend the cash but then it seems like 99% of all the custom builds out there inevitably get sold somewhere along the line also (usually at a massive loss)
I think finding a balance between what you want and what you're prepared to compromise on is generally a reasonable approach.

Sako 85 Finnlights, carbonlites and 90 Peaks

Originally Posted by Zedrex

TLDR: What's your grail gun and why?

I came across this (not literally but there was a stirring in the ruggers!) Some people attest there is no such thing as love at first sight....nihilists the lot of them!

Attachment 278544

Now price wise it's getting up there (from my perspective) at the fat end of $7k and that got me thinking, could I get a custom build for that kind of money? I'm not average in any of the "measurements" and every rifle I've picked up the LOP has been waaaaaaay to short, comb to low hence the Franchi having a comb riser and a buttpad so it "fits" me, the more I get into hunting and guns...I find the more it has to offer and so my final question, the Sako 90 Quest COULD be my grail gun...what's yours and why?

You could buy a tikka 243 with 1 in 8 twist (so you have the option to use modern bullets like the 103 eld x etc. And put it in a precision platforms stock and use the stock spacers to suit. Its would run you around 3k all in and you have a more functional twist rate and will likely lose less on resale as there's very little market for an 7.5 sako (heaps for a 5k sako).

People who build customs usually think the want something until they have it then they realise it's not that great and they would prefer the money back out. Hence why all the customs sell on here for a huge discount VS new. As much as I think Tikkas are dumb. What does a custom action give you a tikka doesn't except a short action?

Grail in this context is the gun you'd wish to own above all others, price and availability are irrelevant, as an analogy my mate loves loves watches, he's got a few nice ones but his grail watch is a Patek Philippe Grand Complication Chronograph in platinum...it's not likely he'll own one as they start at north of NZ$500k...but...dreams are free
Just did a quick read up on the fieldcraft, seems there's a lot to like

The Sauer looks mint, what's your stock and calibre of choice?

I wish I had brought a field craft to be fair. I'd buy the new version by NULA if they weren't so spendy. The 223 mini action looks nice.

have a look at the new Wetherby models could give Sako and Tikka a run for the money the titanium models are expensive but if you want light and Fierce look the business

Originally Posted by Stocky

You could buy a tikka 243 with 1 in 8 twist (so you have the option to use modern bullets like the 103 eld x etc. And put it in a precision platforms stock and use the stock spacers to suit. Its would run you around 3k all in and you have a more functional twist rate and will likely lose less on resale as there's very little market for an 7.5 sako (heaps for a 5k sako).

People who build customs usually think the want something until they have it then they realise it's not that great and they would prefer the money back out. Hence why all the customs sell on here for a huge discount VS new. As much as I think Tikkas are dumb. What does a custom action give you a tikka doesn't except a short action?

Thats a fair suggestion tbf BUT precision platforms LOP with BOTH spacers is half an inch short........hmmm

Originally Posted by 7mmsaum

Sako 85 Finnlights, carbonlites and 90 Peaks

Yano, ya can go off a person real quick! lol You're a fortunate man to have those in your safe

What 243 would you like? i have been looking for a 243 lately, online, in store and second hand. Many options, what way are you leaning? The Howa 1500 has a good platform and cheap enough, good enough quality? Probably for most. T3x seems to be the go to.
What's your 243 you'd like? Im looking at options.

Originally Posted by Ryan_Songhurst

I think you "could" get a holy grail gun for you if you're willing to spend the cash but then it seems like 99% of all the custom builds out there inevitably get sold somewhere along the line also (usually at a massive loss)
I think finding a balance between what you want and what you're prepared to compromise on is generally a reasonable approach.

VERY reasonable why do you think so many bespoke builds get sold? Is it because the honeymoon doesn't last or because what people THINK they want v's what they NEED can be quite different in reality? Or do they get the spec wrong right from the get go?

Originally Posted by Zedrex

Grail in this context is the gun you'd wish to own above all others, price and availability are irrelevant, as an analogy my mate loves loves watches, he's got a few nice ones but his grail watch is a Patek Philippe Grand Complication Chronograph in platinum...it's not likely he'll own one as they start at north of NZ$500k...but...dreams are free
Just did a quick read up on the fieldcraft, seems there's a lot to like

The Sauer looks mint, what's your stock and calibre of choice?

It would have to be wood. Maybe in 223, but just as likely in 9.3x62 or 300win mag

For me it's easy.side by side double rifle ...always thought 45/70 but the 30/06 option would do just as well. Decide which is more accurate barrel and sight scope in for that...Leupold 1x5 and work a lighter recoiling load for other barrel or heavier etc till get both usable at 50 yards. But now I like suppressed so not so practical ,BlR in .270win has to be pretty close to ideal in every way for me.