So you want to customize an ELR rifle. This is not like any precision rifle. Spec’ing out an ELR rifle entails every consideration that would go into a precision rifle and then some. Consider this: you can spec out a precision rifle in .22LR. That’s not going to fly with an ELR rifle.
That being said, in the event you find yourself using a custom rifle builder to customize your platform, here are some of the main things you should be looking for.
Caliber
Naturally, something like .50 BMG is going to be an option here. But remember, .50 BMG is an anti-materiel round that, while it performs well at extreme ranges, drops quickly and is intended to carry energy, not necessarily to be pinpoint accurate. Plus, the ammo is going to be insanely expensive, especially if all you’ll be doing is shooting targets.
Other cartridges, like .338 Lapua, .300 Norma Magnum, and .375 and .408 CheyTac may make better options, especially in the latter two cases. These rounds are made with “Balanced Flight Projectiles” that exhibit extraordinary stability and accuracy, even at extreme ranges.
Platform, Action, Attachment Points, and Other Features
Some rifles, like the McMillan TAC-338, CheyTac M200 Intervention, Cadex Defense CDX-40 SHDW and CDX-50 TREMOR, and Victrix Armaments Sceptre, make excellent ELR rifles. Others not so much.
But when you’re looking at the rifle, consider the strength of the action along with other things such as whether or not the stock folds. If the rifle is suppressor or muzzle break-ready, that is another selling point.
Also, attachment points, which can be instrumental in adding shooting accessories like bipods or tripods (or other attachments) also offer value here.
Optics
Iron sights are useless for ELR shooting. That relegates optics to high-powered scopes. Most custom rifle builders will give you the flexibility to add on an optic with the rifle before you even buy.
Bipods, Tripods, or Similar
In ELR shooting, stability is a must and if you don’t have a shooting bench, you will need a stable platform. Many custom rifle builders will offer you the option to include a bipod, tripod or something else similar with the purchase so you can hit the ground running once you have your rifle.
Add-Ons
If the custom rifle builder allows, you should also consider what else you can add on. Some will let you bundle in ammo, rangefinders, and other similar useful ELR shooting accessories so you don’t have to get them separately.
Price (Financing)
Lastly, be smart about where you buy an ELR rifle from, or what custom rifle builder you use to build it. Some sellers offer financing, and even among them some like B&B Firearms may offer interest-free financing that will help make these platforms more accessible. This is something nice to look for considering the fact that many of the best ELR rifle platforms in the industry carry a sticker price in excess of $10,000.
Explore the ELR Custom Rifle Builder Online at B&B Firearms (and Don’t Overlook Their Private Rifle Experience)
If you’re ready to get started looking for a custom rifle builder to help you build out an extreme long-range rifle (or even a precision rifle) that’s personalized to your intended uses, check out the options online at B&B Firearms.
Not only does their custom rifle builder offer you the flexibility of everything covered in here, but they also offer private rifle experiences so you can get your rifle set up and get shooting more confidently, more quickly. Visit their website or get in touch with them directly for more details.
