I have a Ruger #1V 223 and Browning 1885 7mmRM that are better than me. Stock from the factory, just put a big scope on them.
I have hundreds of rifles.
Those rifles are part of the few exceptions.
But with a new Shilen select match barrel I am almost certain to build a rifle that is better than me.
Expensive barrels reduce the risk of inaccuracy.
The late gunsmith Randy Ketchum said he can build an accurate rifle for you with a Lilja barrel or you can buy a factory rifle, test it, and sell if it is not accurate. He said you only have to buy an average of 3 or 4 Rem 700 or Sako rifles before you will find a good one. He admitted either method costs about the same and winds up in the same place.
