GA Precision Rifles. Any first hand testimonies?

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - GA Precision Rifles. Any first hand testimonies?

Posted: 4/13/2017 10:23:48 AM EDT

Been thinking of putting down for an M40A5.

I don't know much about high end optics. I really like the look and feel
of the turrets of the Premier Reticles, but many of them are
discontinued. Been looking at the Schmidt and Bender SSDS (PMII). Any good words? Any bad?

Gimme goody advice.

http://www.gaprecision.net/mil-spec-rifles/m40a5.html

Posted: 4/13/2017 10:27:10 AM EDT

[#1]

They make great rifles and have been around a long time. Snipershide.com will have a lot of information for you to mull over. I had them build me a .260 in an A-5 stock and loved that setup. Easily a half minute rifle when I did my part.

Posted: 4/13/2017 10:28:01 AM EDT

[#2]

You wont be disappointed.

Posted: 4/13/2017 10:28:01 AM EDT

[#3]

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2017/04/04/precision-rifle-gunsmiths-the-pros-use/

Posted: 4/13/2017 10:28:23 AM EDT

[#4]

Snipers Hide is probably the best place to ask, but for a turn key precision bolt gun they are known to be among the best for a reason.

Don't budget for the rifle and forget the scope and suppressor though.

Posted: 4/13/2017 10:28:38 AM EDT

[#5]

Have you looked at accurate ordnance? Fantastic boomsticks and a great company.

Of the same level / price point as what you're looking at.

Posted: 4/13/2017 10:39:55 AM EDT

[#6]

Could I have GA Precision go ahead and put the rings on and mount/level the scope as well? I don't know anything about "lapping" or anything like that. Would rather have the pros torque it down properly.

Posted: 4/13/2017 10:48:39 AM EDT

[#7]

I have had a few and i think they're amazing rifles and good folks.

My mindset, at least, has changed in the last few years. Personally i don't think it's necessary any more to spend that kind of money to get enough performance out of the gun to meet my needs.

A lot of factory guns, with or without any massaging, shoot well enough for my needs. Shooting past 1k yards just isn't something that's handy in my area. Not that I'm sure it'd even be needed then.

I'm just saying that to ring steel targets toward the limits of a given cartridge's effective range that the slight improvement in accuracy between a 4500 dollar custom and a thousand dollar factory built gun seems wasteful to me.

I still love custom rifles though just because they're bad ass.

Posted: 4/13/2017 11:02:06 AM EDT

[#8]

GAP, AI, LRI, SAC, NWAW....lots of very high end smiths out there that make the best rifles money can buy.

Posted: 4/13/2017 11:03:46 AM EDT

[#9]

We have a precision rifle section with a lot of very good information and knowledgeable folks too.

Posted: 4/13/2017 12:29:39 PM EDT

[#10]

George and his boys do great work. My rifle sports some fine stuff from him. I have do doubt he will see it again in the future
Though his rifles are not the best, there are none better!
Great guy. Great work. I have heard that you have to watch him in the matches. He will cheat.
So i give him an A+ for effort!!!

Posted: 4/13/2017 12:37:01 PM EDT

[#11]

I've shot with George several times and at very large matches. I have never seen him cheat, not once. He will game a stage and use everything to his advantage, but he wouldn't cheat.

GA rifles are like Yeti. They are phenomenal and very well made. But you can get a rifle that will do the job for less money. So in true GD fashion, if you can't justify buying one, go be poor somewhere else...

Posted: 4/13/2017 12:42:06 PM EDT

[#12]

George is a GREAT guy even though my son shoots for AI
Many of the best shooters on the PRS circuit shoot his stuff

Posted: 4/13/2017 12:42:54 PM EDT

[#13]

Quote History

Quoted:
You wont be disappointed.

View Quote

Posted: 4/18/2017 6:39:18 AM EDT

[#14]

I know there's a Precision Rifle area, but GD gets more traction.

What type of glass though? I don't like NightForce, not a big Leupold fan, S&B is expensive as fuck, but Vortex is really moving up in the serious shooter's world from everything I've been reading. How's the reticles? Which optics company has the best reticle, and which of the best uses the Horus reticle?

Posted: 4/18/2017 7:50:38 AM EDT

[#15]

Quote History

Quoted:
I know there's a Precision Rifle area, but GD gets more traction.

What type of glass though? I don't like NightForce, not a big Leupold fan, S&B is expensive as fuck, but Vortex is really moving up in the serious shooter's world from everything I've been reading. How's the reticles? Which optics company has the best reticle, and which of the best uses the Horus reticle?

View Quote

I'm curious why you don't like nightforce. I have a NF 4-16 ATACR F1 and love it.

I'm giving vortex serious consideration for my next scope purchase. The razor HD gen II 4.5-27 FFP looks like it's a helluva scope.

But the NF 5-25 ATACR is in the running as well.

You might give this blog a once-over:

http://precisionrifleblog.com/2017/03/03/long-range-scopes-pros-use/

Posted: 4/18/2017 8:38:34 AM EDT

[#16]

GA Precision is among the top precision rifle builders in the country, no questions asked. You will have a waiting period, but if you're patient, you won't be more happy anywhere else. Well, unless you look at Tac Ops...haha!!

There are many excellent smiths around the country. The precision rifle shooting sports are just exploding in popularity, and thus, many of the more popular smiths are getting super busy. This is an excellent time to be involved in this sport.

ETA - S&B has recently dropped some of their prices (the market has come to bare, imagine that). You can go grab a 5-25 PMII with a P4F for 2400.00 right meow.

Posted: 4/18/2017 8:42:52 AM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:
Could I have GA Precision go ahead and put the rings on and mount/level the scope as well? I don't know anything about "lapping" or anything like that. Would rather have the pros torque it down properly.

View Quote

I don't mean this in a bad way, but if you are buying a GAP gun and presumably plan to shoot it, don't you think it's about time to learn how to mount a scope? It's not hard and even if you go hog wild on lapping kits and alignment tools it's a drop in the bucket, and reusable equipment at that.

I doubt most people even lap high quality rings nowadays, if I thought my expensive ARC rings or whatever needed that I would be a little upset. There's also the option of one piece mounts like spuhr if you feel like it.

I have a Razor gen II 3.5-27 in ARC rings and didn't lap them.

Posted: 4/18/2017 8:48:55 AM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
I know there's a Precision Rifle area, but GD gets more traction.

What type of glass though? I don't like NightForce, not a big Leupold fan, S&B is expensive as fuck, but Vortex is really moving up in the serious shooter's world from everything I've been reading. How's the reticles? Which optics company has the best reticle, and which of the best uses the Horus reticle?

View Quote

I was using Razors and have switched the the Kahles 624i's. On top tier glass it just becomes what has the mix of features that you want.

Posted: 4/18/2017 8:57:26 AM EDT

[#19]

If I was going to build/buy a high end precision bolt gun today it would use Spuhr gear to mount the optic.

Posted: 4/18/2017 9:13:09 AM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
I know there's a Precision Rifle area, but GD gets more traction.

What type of glass though? I don't like NightForce, not a big Leupold fan, S&B is expensive as fuck, but Vortex is really moving up in the serious shooter's world from everything I've been reading. How's the reticles? Which optics company has the best reticle, and which of the best uses the Horus reticle?

View Quote

Thought you said you liked Premier Reticles, those aren't cheap. I have their successor Tangent Theta, probably the best overall scope on the market right now. Can't afford it? Then get a Vortex for 2k or some of the S&B scopes 5-25s are starting at 2.5k now.

I have a Vortex G2 also, very nice scope but not as nice as the TT. Also I expect the zvortrx to fail at some point whereas I never expect the TT to fail.

Gap rifles may be expensive but they really aren't much different then other big custom shops.

Posted: 4/18/2017 9:21:24 AM EDT

[#21]

Sometimes you get what you pay for.

I have one that was purchased on one of the original group buys out of Sniper Country. It's still a great rifle at about 15 years old now.

Posted: 4/18/2017 9:47:36 AM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
I've shot with George several times and at very large matches. I have never seen him cheat, not once. He will game a stage and use everything to his advantage, but he wouldn't cheat.

GA rifles are like Yeti. They are phenomenal and very well made. But you can get a rifle that will do the job for less money. So in true GD fashion, if you can't justify buying one, go be poor somewhere else...

View Quote

I used bold on the truest statement in the whole discussion. GAP makes an excellent rifle, but so do so many other less known smiths. GAP is just been in the game from the start, and is extremely well known. You will get just as well built of a rifle for less money from many a quality smith. And at a much shorter wait time at that. I've had rifles built by Short Action Customs, West Texas Ordinance, Bullworx, and Scout Supply. I've shot many other customs, including a few GA Precision rifles. They all shot amazing, and I couldn't say any one shot particularly better than the rest. I will say my easiest to shoot is my WTO built rifle, but I'll give that edge to the caliber. Going 4/5 at 1178 with a steady 18-20 mph wind that's gusting 25-30 is saying something.

As for glass NF, Vortex Gen II, Kahles, Schmidt, Premier (TT), or even Bushnell will all serve you well. My top 3 choices would be a NF F1 ATACR w H-59, Kahles 6-24 w SKMR3, or Gen II w EBR2C.

Posted: 4/18/2017 5:56:15 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:

Thought you said you liked Premier Reticles, those aren't cheap. I have their successor Tangent Theta, probably the best overall scope on the market right now. Can't afford it? Then get a Vortex for 2k or some of the S&B scopes 5-25s are starting at 2.5k now.

I have a Vortex G2 also, very nice scope but not as nice as the TT. Also I expect the zvortrx to fail at some point whereas I never expect the TT to fail.

Gap rifles may be expensive but they really aren't much different then other big custom shops.

View Quote

@dinmax82

Where are you seeing those prices on the PMII?

Posted: 4/18/2017 6:00:00 PM EDT

[#24]

Quote History

Quoted:
I know there's a Precision Rifle area, but GD gets more traction.

What type of glass though? I don't like NightForce, not a big Leupold fan, S&B is expensive as fuck, but Vortex is really moving up in the serious shooter's world from everything I've been reading. How's the reticles? Which optics company has the best reticle, and which of the best uses the Horus reticle?

View Quote

GA Precision makes top notch stuff. My Crusader is as fine a shooter as I could want. You can't go wrong with a GA George stick.

Just curious...what is it about NightForce you don't like?

Posted: 4/18/2017 6:16:19 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:

@dinmax82

Where are you seeing those prices on the PMII?

View Quote

Look at mile high. S&B has been getting hammered on market share.

Posted: 4/18/2017 6:22:47 PM EDT

[#26]

I have 2 GAP builds, waiting on a stock from McMillan for a 3rd build.

Attached File

Posted: 4/18/2017 6:25:35 PM EDT

[#27]

Quote History

Quoted:
Have you looked at accurate ordnance? Fantastic boomsticks and a great company.

Of the same level / price point as what you're looking at.

View Quote

I will 2nd this.

I was just there a week ago.
Dropped off a Rem700 for barrel threading on my lunchbreak.
By 3pm they called to say it was done. I picked it up the same day.
Threads are beautiful and they even finished them to match the barrel. All for $100.

They also had a bunch of very sweet turn-key rifles hanging on the wall ready to go.

I would not hesitate to deal with them on any level.
I highly recommend them.

Posted: 4/18/2017 6:29:27 PM EDT

[#28]

These are some starting groups I got just seeing where I was at initially with H4831 and 139gr Scenar.

Did I mention it's a gas gun? .260 Remington, 22" Bartlein, built on DPMS receivers and BCG, before they intro'd the GAP-10.

Posted: 4/18/2017 6:46:27 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:
If I was going to build/buy a high end precision bolt gun today it would use Spuhr gear to mount the optic.

View Quote

The last time I priced them out, I couldn't see what they were charging extra for. They were five times more expensive than the rings I use now. And the rings I use now has help held a scope in place sliding off three fences and a short tumble from a tailgate onto dirt.

I am all for fail proof but I think spuhr is at the top end of diminishing returns

Posted: 4/18/2017 6:49:18 PM EDT

[#30]

It's worth the time to check snipers hide for a used one. Precision rifles have shitty resale.

Posted: 4/18/2017 6:57:11 PM EDT

[#31]

The only issue I've seen with a GAP rifle was one that arrived with a pretty crappy looking manners stock; the "flush cups" had rust on them, and the stock finish was pretty bad for a ~$5k rifle.

That said, GAP worked with Manners to get it fixed, but it took some time. IIRC manners was having issues with the carbon fiber finished stocks, and they'd quit producing them/altered the process as a result.

Edit: Once the rifle came back with a new stock, it shot lights out. GAP has a very solid reputation for turning out shooters.

Posted: 4/18/2017 7:01:18 PM EDT

[#32]

If you want a Mil clone rifle, they are a good option.

If you just want a true precision rifle...it pains me to say this as I have friends that are on that list of smiths used in PRS...but, save your money until you can afford an AI.

Long term, the AI just makes sense. Every part is solid...no fiddling with the trigger, no bolt handles breaking off, no scope mounts that have to be pinned on or fitted, no issues with dirt/water causing parts to fail...and you can change barrels/calibers with an allen wrench. No waiting 6 months on a gunsmith to spin up a barrel.

YMMV...but AI costs what it costs for a reason and once you go fully through a 700, you spend almost as much.

Posted: 4/18/2017 7:17:29 PM EDT

[#33]

You won't go wrong with ga precision. Very reputable company. Bought one over a decade ago. Came with a 3/8 moa guarantee. With quality ammo and practice it was closer to 1/4 moa. This was real accuracy, not i shot one group like that during the day.

I would shoot 50 rounds into 10, 5 round groups at 100 yards. The largest group would be a half inch or less. I also tried to get a cold bore shot everytime i went out. I could never find a consistent cold bore difference. The cold bore was always within the deviation of a normal group.

Some suggestions. If you are going to spend that kind of money I would try some precision rifles first. They are like high end 1911s. Tons of different features that are dependent on your preferences. Unless you just love a military clone I would go for a rifle that is built exactly how you want. I would also highly suggest a rifle in one of the 6mm calibers. It has some big advantages over .308.

Posted: 4/18/2017 7:25:10 PM EDT

[#34]

It's worth noting that if you're wanting an M40A5 specifically, George employs former Quantico 2112s who build them exactly the same way and exactly to spec.

Posted: 4/18/2017 7:29:36 PM EDT

[#35]

GA Precision is one of the top builders, buying from them your going to get a solid rifle, period.

A couple of things to note on the charts shown in this thread:

Top Gunsmiths of PRS series - most of those listed have teams they support shooting in PRS series. They build their own rifles and you support them by buying from them. This begs the question: do they build the same quality in what they use vs what the consumers get? Kinda makes one think...I would hope so.

Top Scopes of PRS series - again scope manufacturers support some of the teams, hence they supply many of the scopes listed. All are top of the line scopes, you just have to pick the one you like to shoot with. I have always been a Leupold scope shooter, but have added NF scopes to my simple collection. Kahles scopes may be next.

Do your research and buy what you want and what you want it for. You only have to please yourself in the long run.

Posted: 4/18/2017 8:17:46 PM EDT

[#36]

I shot my first ever sub MOA group with my buddy's GA Gladius. He's about 5'9" and I'm about 6'4". As you can imagine it was very difficult for me to get behind the rifle without changing a bunch of stuff around. But I was able to do it. They make a damn good rifle, and I can't wait until I own one.

Attached File

Attached File

ETA: Choose the scope/reticle combo you like. Vortex, Bushnell, Leupold, Nightforce all make quality scopes with warranty's to back them up if they ever fail.

Posted: 4/18/2017 8:25:52 PM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:

@dinmax82

Where are you seeing those prices on the PMII?

View Quote

@utex86

Try mile high, but thebother big names like Euro Optic will price match. Limited reticle selection at that price though.

Posted: 4/18/2017 8:37:42 PM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:

@utex86

Try mile high, but thebother big names like Euro Optic will price match. Limited reticle selection at that price though.

View Quote

Thanks!

Posted: 4/18/2017 9:15:08 PM EDT

[#39]

The one thing I would change on my GA Precision is the Badger bottom metal. I know folks who love them, but I like the Surgeon bottom metal so much more.

Posted: 4/18/2017 9:27:05 PM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:
If you want a Mil clone rifle, they are a good option.

If you just want a true precision rifle...it pains me to say this as I have friends that are on that list of smiths used in PRS...but, save your money until you can afford an AI.

Long term, the AI just makes sense. Every part is solid...no fiddling with the trigger, no bolt handles breaking off, no scope mounts that have to be pinned on or fitted, no issues with dirt/water causing parts to fail...and you can change barrels/calibers with an allen wrench. No waiting 6 months on a gunsmith to spin up a barrel.

YMMV...but AI costs what it costs for a reason and once you go fully through a 700, you spend almost as much.

View Quote

This.

Posted: 4/18/2017 9:34:46 PM EDT

[#41]

YOU DON'T NEED TO LAP MODERN PRECISION CUT RINGS!

Rings like those from Seekins, ADM, Larue, etc. don't need to be lapped and you would likely damage them in doing so instead.

Quote History

Quoted:
GA Precision is among the top precision rifle builders in the country, no questions asked. You will have a waiting period, but if you're patient, you won't be more happy anywhere else. Well, unless you look at Tac Ops...haha!!

View Quote

This x87 including Tac Ops.

Posted: 4/18/2017 9:48:55 PM EDT

[#42]

Quoted:
Been thinking of putting down for an M40A5.

View Quote

if u want one for a "historic" reason, fine... if not, get a better action.....

http://www.gaprecision.net/ga-precision-tempest-action.html

or get a AI

Posted: 4/18/2017 9:51:22 PM EDT

[#43]

Hard to go wrong with a GAP, although after having been down the custom vs AI road a couple times now I won't buy anything but an AI.

Do you want an M40A5 clone or an M40A5 style rifle? The answer will determine your optics choices.

Once you are into that price bracket ($2500+) the quantifiable differences start becoming less noticeable and details like turret design and reticle selection come into play.

One brand might be a bit brighter, another might have better contrast, and yet another might resolve a bit better at distance. The layman is unlikely to notice, much less in field conditions.

Since you are .mil don't forget some of the optics companies have really great discounts. Vortex, NF, Leupold all have their dedicated military sales divisions.

I would stay away from any Premier Reticles scope, there are several threads on the Hide about the warranty coverage by TT or lack thereof. No thanks.

Posted: 4/19/2017 3:11:09 AM EDT

[#44]

Quote History

Quoted:
Sometimes you get what you pay for.

I have one that was purchased on one of the original group buys out of Sniper Country. It's still a great rifle at about 15 years old now.

View Quote

@338winmag

its a small world

and yes it is a great rifle

Posted: 4/19/2017 5:15:56 AM EDT

[#45]

Quote History

Quoted:
GA Precision is one of the top builders, buying from them your going to get a solid rifle, period.

A couple of things to note on the charts shown in this thread:

Top Gunsmiths of PRS series - most of those listed have teams they support shooting in PRS series. They build their own rifles and you support them by buying from them. This begs the question: do they build the same quality in what they use vs what the consumers get? Kinda makes one think...I would hope so.

Top Scopes of PRS series - again scope manufacturers support some of the teams, hence they supply many of the scopes listed. All are top of the line scopes, you just have to pick the one you like to shoot with. I have always been a Leupold scope shooter, but have added NF scopes to my simple collection. Kahles scopes may be next.

Do your research and buy what you want and what you want it for. You only have to please yourself in the long run.

View Quote

To even think these guys lower quality for consumers is absurd. Building an accurate rifle isn't rocket science. It comes down to using good components and good machine work. The top smiths got where they are by doing good work and doing it everytime for every one. Guys are making money getting sponsored and in most cases are still paying for most of what they are using.

Posted: 4/19/2017 10:00:04 AM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
Hard to go wrong with a GAP, although after having been down the custom vs AI road a couple times now I won't buy anything but an AI.

Do you want an M40A5 clone or an M40A5 style rifle? The answer will determine your optics choices.

Once you are into that price bracket ($2500+) the quantifiable differences start becoming less noticeable and details like turret design and reticle selection come into play.

One brand might be a bit brighter, another might have better contrast, and yet another might resolve a bit better at distance. The layman is unlikely to notice, much less in field conditions.

Since you are .mil don't forget some of the optics companies have really great discounts. Vortex, NF, Leupold all have their dedicated military sales divisions.

I would stay away from any Premier Reticles scope, there are several threads on the Hide about the warranty coverage by TT or lack thereof. No thanks.

View Quote

Either a clone or just an M40A5 style. Price bracket is flexible for optics. I just haven't had any formal designated marksman or sniper training and haven't been behind most of the higher end glass out there so I don't really know what I would prefer or like.

I know I want a thick/wide turret in mills with crisp dials. I've looked at the horus and horus style reticles and I suck huge knob at judging wind, so I figured something with that kind of hold pattern would be better for me.

Posted: 4/19/2017 10:17:13 AM EDT

[#47]

This isn't firsthand accounting, but one of my former coworkers shot a 2 3/4" 3rd group at 700yds with a GA bolt gun in 308 a few years ago.

The owner is an attorney in town who prefers ridiculously accurate rifles.

Posted: 4/19/2017 10:31:08 AM EDT

[#48]

accuracy these days in off the shelf rifles has improved alot and is not like it was 10-15 years ago requiring alot of smith work.

GA makes some excellent rifles, along with AI. LRI makes great barrels, but there are other options without having to drop 5k on a rifle.
Unless you are caught up in a name.

Ammo is where you can really shrink group sizes. If you dont reload and want to get in the precision rifle game - start reloading.

I took a bone stock off the shelf savage 10FCP-HS (aluminum bedded from the facotry) used a chamber guage to measure where the lands were and started working up some hand loads.

I got this group during load development at 100 yards shooting off a sandbag on a picnic table.

Same rifle shot this group with Federal GMM
The lower group was before adjusting the scope

People like to frown at savage because they are generally lower end guns, maybe I got lucky. But this one is a shooter.

Posted: 4/19/2017 12:04:39 PM EDT

[#49]

Quote History

Quoted:
GA Precision is one of the top builders, buying from them your going to get a solid rifle, period.

A couple of things to note on the charts shown in this thread:

Top Gunsmiths of PRS series - most of those listed have teams they support shooting in PRS series. They build their own rifles and you support them by buying from them. This begs the question: do they build the same quality in what they use vs what the consumers get? Kinda makes one think...I would hope so.

Top Scopes of PRS series - again scope manufacturers support some of the teams, hence they supply many of the scopes listed. All are top of the line scopes, you just have to pick the one you like to shoot with. I have always been a Leupold scope shooter, but have added NF scopes to my simple collection. Kahles scopes may be next.

Do your research and buy what you want and what you want it for. You only have to please yourself in the long run.

View Quote

I HIGHLY doubt you could find a smith that would do a better job on a team rifle than a customer rifle. Team rifles make no money, get done before other work, and are usually sent in for work far more often than customer guns. I'm on my 3rd team and have been at the gunsmith's shop while most of my guns have been built. Machining is machining (either its right or it isn't), but the fit and finish just isn't as much of a concern when I and the gunbuilder know the gun is just going to be abused and thrown around like a broomstick.

[ARCHIVED THREAD] - GA Precision Rifles. Any first hand testimonies?

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