I'm building a 6.5 x284 custom tactical rifle. McGowen barrel, Choate tactical stock, Nightforce 5.5x22x50 NXS. I expect this rifle to shoot better than I can for sure. I'm quite impressed with the 111 Long Range Hunter I bought in 6.5x284 a few months ago. Using Lapua brass and Berger bullets, SMK's as well. Pretty accurate, sub MOA but not half MOA consistently, still working on the "perfect" load. It could be me, probably is me.

My question/observation is, when I tell guys at the range what I'm building I can immediately see that they aren't impressed with the fact that I'm using a Savage as the platform. These are usually the same guys with $1000 actions though. Why does the Savage custom build get looked down upon? Have I made a mistake going this route instead of from a Remington 700? How would you guys compare a custom "home" built rifle with a, let's say, a Borden action with a Brux barrel?

Thanks,

P.S. Money is a factor for me.