Custom Rifle

        Here's an unusual custom rifle that I built using the T/C Contender frame.   This heavy SSK suppressor can be awkward on most rifles, but it feels like it belongs on this Contender.   This particular rifle has a 16" stainless steel, match grade, Shilen barrel, and its balance with the suppressor is absolutely perfect.   I've found that the SSK suppressor is as quiet as they come, and it helps deliver a bit more accuracy than some other brands.   This rifle is chambered for the 300 Whisper.   I've spent a fair amount of trigger time on this rifle, and I enjoy making long shots with it.   I always like to hear how other shooters reload for this particular caliber.   So . . . . if you reload for the 300 Whisper and if you shoot it out to 300 yards, I'd like to compare notes about your handloads.

        Long before I completed this custom rifle, I found that every part of this project was going to be "expensive".   Even the chamber reamer and the reloading dies cost twice as much as most other calibers.   Much of the extra expense is because of this patented cartridge.   There's no way to even get dies for a reasonable price.   Suppressors are 100% legal to own with a special permit (it's merely another tax).   However, the $200. price of this tax hasn't gone up since 1929.   Due to the legal hassle and the high cost of getting a suppressor, it's a good idea to have one that can be used on different rifles.   I also have an AR-15 Carbine chambered for the 300 Whisper, and it uses the same suppressor.

        My Contender uses a laminated thumb hole stock and forearm made by Boyd's Gunstock Industries.   I reshaped the stock considerably, and I added a wide forearm with a very pronounced beavertail design.   The forearm also has a flat surface on the bottom for shooting off sandbags.   I use detachable sling swivels and a Harris bipod.   Most custom rifles are built for a special purpose.   The reward of owning a unique custom rifle like this is worth all of the expense and hard work that you put into it.

        This scope was built to my specifications by the Leupold Custom Shop, and it has a unique vertical target turret.   This rifle has an extreme arking trajectory; but with this scope and a base (that adds 20 MOA), you have plenty of sight adjustment for long range shooting.   The 300 Whisper is a spectacular caliber - especially when usng a scope like this.   The trajectory is no problem; as long as you use a laser range finder, and dial the correct setting.   New shooters soon discover that it's easy to shoot a suppressed rifle very well.

        Some shooters ask, "Why would you want a rifle like this - with a silencer?"   My reply is usually, "why not?   This rifle has MOA accuracy out to 300 yards, it's as quiet as a BB gun . . . . and at 100 yards hits as hard as a .44 magnum."   Just think of the possibilities.   To my way of thinking . . . . it's pretty neat.   I have several other custom rifles, but this one is really unusual.   Most of them are designed to excel at one particular type of shooting.   Believe me, it's pretty unlikely that you'll ever see a rifle like this at your local gunshop.   It's quite enjoyable (and peaceful) when you can shoot a high powered rifle without the noise or having to use ear protection.