User Panel
Posted: 10/18/2014 9:53:20 AM EDT
[Last Edit: Rob01]
Everyone feel free to post the contact info of your favorite smiths and speak of their work or work from any other smiths you have used but lets keep this first hand and not "I heard from a friend of a friend".
I'll start it out with my favorite gunsmith George Gardner and GA Precision. George and crew have built 2 rifles for me and are about to start the third. They do great work and the prices are reasonable and the delivery time is very good unless they have to wait on stocks from McMillan. You can get more info from the GA Precision website www.gaprecision.com |
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www.teamblaster.net
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I've had 5 rifles built by G.A. Precision.
Pro's: -They do great work, The rifle will most certainly shoot better than you. -Their turnaround is very reasonable compared to many others. -The pricing is pretty good when compared to other big-name smith's. -They frequently have many components (including McMillans) in stock. Con's: G.A. Precision has become quite popular over the past several years and can be very difficult to get a hold of. The best method in the past of getting a hold of George (the owner/head smith) was via PM on Snipershide, but he's spending less time there as of lately also. The last rifle I had built (summer of 07) was spec'd out entirely via PM on Snipershide-I never spoke to George once, but you better believe that I got a phonecall when it was time for payment. Since I've had other rifles built by them, I didn't let it bother me as I knew the quality of work would be exceptional and the biggest thing was that he had everything needed for the build in stock. With that said, I can see why people-especially first time buyers-would be pissed and look elsewhere. I've also had work done by Jered Joplin and Dave Walker at Patriot Arms. PRO's: -I think their attention to detail is better than what you'd get at GAP. -I've never had a problem getting a hold of Jered to talk with him about having work done. -The pricing is pretty good. -The turnaround isn't too terrible, but with 2 smith's working vs the 6 at GAP-it's slightly longer Con's: -You frequently have to supply most all parts as they don't keep a lot of things in stock. With Patriot Arms being so close to me (45min) as well as being easier to get a hold of, I've been using their services as of lately and feel priveleged to call Jered and Dave friends. |
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Alexander Arms.
Bill builds a mean Grendel. The GMDR is extremely accurate, and actually the cost if not bad for what you get. My friend got his a year after I got my hunter and modified it. It is everything I would have wanted. As others have mentioned GA/Badger, Marty has more knowledge of precision rifle building than most anyone around. |
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Randy @ R&D Precision (HateCA) built my first precision rifle.
I cant say enough good things about him and his work. I laid out what I wanted and what I had for a goal and he steered me away from some fluff I didnt really need, and Im glad I heeded his advice. Comms were great, he dropped me a line when most of the major steps were done to let me know how it was going. Only con was the wait, but that goes with the territory. He is not currently taking new work until the end of summer though. R&D Precision |
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think for yourself... question authority...
IA, USA
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RWS
Robert Snyder has been pretty darned good to me. He builds first class rigs and is very well rounded. Most smiths these days tend to be more specific on what they'll work on. I've had him work on many projects, all of which have been super in terms of fit, finish, and quality. He does great work, in a timely fashion, and manages to do it at competitive price levels. The truth is there are a ton of superior smiths out there and nearly all I've seen and interacted with I'd recommend. However, I'm a big fan of buying local, and I happen to know Robert personally. He's got my mark. Deal with no reservations! Keep up the good work! I wish good things for him and the others mentioned here on the thread! |
September 11, 2001
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Jered @ Patriot Arms Inc
www.PatriotArmsinc.com 706-367-8881 only smith ill use. his attention to detail is second to none. never seen anybody so anal about it, he will not let a rifle leave until it looks as perfect as it shoots. and the way his rifles shoot is another story all in its own. im not the greatest shooter by any means, but when i do my part (not often) i have no problem shooting 1/4-1/2MOA. IMO all of the top smiths build great, accurate weapons. but Jered just gives you a heartwarming feeling when he will actually call YOU up, and just shoot the shit for quite awhile. ALL while knocking out builds in a timely fashion. plus his crew bill, and dave are nice people aswell. |
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Jered over at Patriot built my rifle and it is a work of art in form and function. Can't go wrong with Patriot Arms.
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A thousand nations of the persian empire descend upon you. Our arrows will blot out the sun. Then we will fight in the shade.
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I will give Randy @ R&D Precision my endorsement
He made the process painless, spent countless time with me discussiong pros and cons of pretty much option available, did all of the work for a very fair price and did bang up work |
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كافر
Mors ultima linea rerum est - Death is everything's final limit Vir sapit qui pauca loquitur - It is a wise man who speaks little |
Had AR10 done by George from GAPrecision. Love it. Very quick turn around. TBA www.texasbrigadearmory.com built one rifle for me and rebarreled my previous rifle. Both shoot better than me. Problem some of people have with TBA is the turn around time. TBA rifles can take up to 1 yr. or sometimes longer. I like to deal with him because his shop is 1 hr away. |
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ETH: "Hey, Mojoooooo. What's cha doing, boy!!!"
War of Religion: The Mother of All Wars. <font color=blue>Adaptability is the key to survival.< |
I too will start with talking about GAP. George and the guys there are great and really make kick ass guns! We have quite a few of them here at the shop and they truely are second to none.
Another maker that does great work is Patriot Arms, we also have more than a few of their rifles and they too build awesome guns. Just like GAP the guys at Patriot arms are all great guys and are a pleasure to deal with. Trevor |
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Another good word for GAP here. My .308 was built by them and while I didn't deal with them directly, I have e-mailed George regarding the rifle I purchased and he was always quick to respond. (I found the rifle at a local gun store, in brand new condition, never been fired, except by GAP)
I've also had a rifle built by Shawn Carlock of Defensive Edge. He did the accuracy work on a 300wm that I bought from a friend. When I needed a new barrel, we talked about the 338 EDGE cartridge. Instead of rebarreling for 300wm, I had him build up the 338 EDGE (338/300 RUM) for me. I couldn't be happier! This rifle is my most favorite of any that I've ever owned. I had him paint it in what he calls "desert snakeskin". I get more comments on how good looking that rifle is, than any other. Shawn also has an excellent video out that's a "How to" on long range hunting. It is extremely good and would be an excellent resource for anyone in long range type shooting. It covers everything from reading the wind to range determination. He's been a SWAT/Narcotics officer and has won many shooting competitions in USPSA, IDPA, and was the 2006 USPSA Precision Rifle National Champion. Shawn can be reached by the following: Shawn Carlock 15670 N Ranch Valley Rd Rathdrum, ID 83858 208-687-2659 [email protected] |
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I have had 14 or 15 rifles built from George. What can I say GTG. I got one being built now as we speak. I will probably send a couple more this year but Im running out of things to be built. GA is the best there is. Do not hesitate.
Rich |
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I was wondering if anyone knew a company that will custom inlet a McMillan A-4 stock. I have the original stock that the McMillan will to be inletted like.
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What do you want it inletted for? |
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It's for a custom made rifle.
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He meant for what action. What action/receiver is it inletted for now and what do you want to change it to?
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www.teamblaster.net
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Thanks Rob-I thought that was obvious, lol. |
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it's for an airsoft gun based off a Remington M700. So thats why I need it hand inletted.
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McCullough Rifle Co., Inc.
Jim McCullough 494 Seymore Road Selma, Al. 36701 (334) 875-6443 I have two sweet shooting customs built by this man. 7mm STW & .257 STW, both trued R700 actions, Douglas barrels, HSP stocks, trigger job, teflon on one. Pro's - price, price, price. Both guns built late '90's. Spent less than $3K for both combined!! Plus the fact he's an hours drive for me. Con's - this is a one man show. Be ready to wait. |
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GA Precicion has my vote. One phone call and a couple of e-mails and I had a Rem 700/Schneider .308 barreled action to my local gunshop within 30 days. Fit and finish is first rate, accuracy is outstanding and the price was very reasonable for the quality delivered.
I have a lot of experience in amateur gunsmithing and like to do as much of my own work as possible--for good or bad sometimes--so the need for lots of back and forth communication wasn't so paramount. I know what I want and I place an order and get it. GAP is a busy place--but so is any business that delivers top quality. |
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"A Pistol is Only Good For Fighting Your Way Back to the Rifle That You Shouldn't Have Left In the First Place." --Paraphrasing Clint Smith
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I have had GAP build at least 5 rifles for me over the years. GAP is the bomb.
Terry Cross at http://www.kmwlrs.com/ builds a great rig. I traded for one his sticks and it shot lights out. Jared at Patriot Arms is top notch. I have owned two of his guns, they were some of the best guns I have owned. I would recommend all three. |
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better to be a has been than a never was
I am in the Dallas/Fort Worth area |
Terry Cross @ KMW - Long Range Solutions
http://www.kmwlrs.com/ I dont have his number info handy, I will update when I get it or if someone else has it thow it up here. He is out of Forest Hill, Louisiana. Terry does incredible work and he makes an awesome bolt mod for rifles. |
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I found a smith in Lansing, MI he was recommended by Tim North the Owner of Broughton barrels.
The smith is John Pierce of Pierce Engineering 517-321-5051. One hell of a smith and nice guy to to boot. He redid a remmy for in a short time work is excellent, he makes his own actions and is about to introduce a new one soon. |
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Frank White at:
www.compasslake.com/ Compass Lake Engineering is owned and operated by Frank and Theresa White. Frank answered all of my questions via phone and email himself or through his wife Theresa. I had plenty since I was spending 1K on an upper alone. My extensive literary research regarding the best smith to purchase this product from concluded none other than Frank White (I hate to say it but I never heard of him or his business until I started my research and read "Black Magic" by John Feamster). I bought a complete 5.56 upper, Krieger SS 20" heavy barrel, 1 in 8 twist, floating aluminum handguard. Right now it's the most accurate rifle I own. I'll buy another if I ever wear this one out. Customer service is second to none. Frank and Theresa called me the day it was ready to ship and even went out of their way (while heading out of town for a trip) to find a FedEx service center to ship it overnight to me on a Friday afternoon so I would have it in my hands to shoot on Saturday. I got it on Saturday as they promised and went through the break in process. Here's what it's capable of: www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=6&f=5&t=180607&page=9 No, Frank didn't pay me to post this. Sheckie |
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GUERRILLA MACHINIST Have tools will travel
NH, USA
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you fail |
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And the road becomes my bride........ ΜΟΛ'ΩΝ ΛΑΒ'Ε Percussa Resurgo <IMG SRC=/images/smilies/anim_snoopy.gif border=0 align=middle> Proud Member of "Ranstad's Militia"</ |
That's pretty harsh. But I thought the same thing. A McMillian on an airsoft? out of I am afraid we may have run off FMS. |
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Can anyone PM me a good email address for the guys over at Patriot Arms? I've been trying to get in touch with them via email and everythings getting shot back to me. I'd call, but seeing as I'm currently deployed to Africa, that's sort of tough :(
-Thanks! Benson |
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Well if he's willing to send a cashiers check to George Garner at GAP I'm sure something could be worked out but that' a definately pay up front proposition. |
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you guys are all gay. maybe he lives in new york city or something. anyway, back to the good gunsmiths: Greg Tannel is a very good gunsmith. and a nice guy, he's worked with me one several guns and solved problems because of my slowness. gtr tooling he's done a lot more precision and varmint guns, but also hunting and coyote guns. he can pretty much do any style. |
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Be polite, be professional and have a plan to kill everyone you meet.
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What about Tactical Operations. www.tacticaloperations.com
They have a huge wealth of knowledge as well as high end precision machines to manufacture guns with better than 1/4 MOA at 100 yds. most guns from them attain .100-.200" moa at 100 yrds and have had guns come out of the factory with as little as .025" moa. or even better. If in doubt check out their website and look at snipercentral.com to see the positive testimonial statements.he the only con is the price guns go for 3500 to 4500 in price but once you see how accurate you are shooting the price seems well worth it. |
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Mike is a stand-up guy. I personally do not own a Tac-Ops (I do however have a fund set aside:)), but have received first hand plenty of techincal assistance and customer service help from them (particularly Mike), and the guy is more than willing to answer ANY questions. Another person I've had any personal experince with is Mark Lammers at Losok Custom Arms. HE too has been awesome at answering any questions, and getting me any parts I need. The guy is a pro at anything from the Mauser, Garand, Savage, and AR. And if you're just looking for something simple, basic, inexpensive, or quick, get ahold of John Biggs at JBWeaponry (has a website). He works on 1911s, ARs, Savages, and tinkers with a few other products. He also just desinged and release his own custom bolt knob for the Savage. I've talked to him on a couple of occasions, and he's a helluva guy. I can't comment on GAP, Robar, etc, as I haven't dealt with any of them myself, but they all seem to get good reviews. |
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Jim See at Center Shot Rifles. He is one of the most meticulous gunsmith/machinist that i have seen. He is a stand up guy and he is not to hard to get a hold of. You can call him at the shop at 715-884-2128 or centershotrifles.com. He is one of the few guys out there that treats a customer the way they should be treated. He is located in Pittsville,WI for any of you who happen to live in state.
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gaprecision built my h2 harbinger.
they are also in the process of building an accurized ar10 for me. IF armalite ever ships out any lowers |
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PREDATOR Custom Shop
3550 Papermill Drive Knoxville, TN 37909 Phone: (865) 521 - 0625 Fax: (865) 521 - 0624 [email protected] Shop Hours: Wednesday - Saturday, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm They have done a lot of work for me and I have never had a single complaint. Their "can do" attitude will keep me coming back. They care about their customers and their products, doing whatever it takes to make the customer happy. Another thing is their prices are what I consider reasonable for the work they have done for me. Nothing leaves their shop unless it is perfect. Dolomite |
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Another GAP lover here, Friendly bunch of guys and only 15 miles from my house.
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If your in the camp Lejeune, NC area and are in need of some smith work
Miller's Gun Shop 935 Haws Run Rd. Jacksonville, NC 28540 910-347-5499 Rick Miller-Owner Rob Walker- Assistant [email protected] Reblueing, Rebarreling, Custom Stocks, Gun Repair... Tue. - Sat. 1000 - 1900 Good turn around time and fair prices. have had minor work done and wouldn't hesitate to take my buisness back to them. |
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LCPL Thaxton-USMC 2111 2nd LAR, 2nd MARDIV, Camp Lejeune, N.C.
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i will be having RWS assemble my new stick here in a month or so. Great reviews, and very nice to talk to on the phone.
http://www.rwsnydergunsmithing.com/secure-rwsnydergunsmithing/Scripts/prodList.asp?idCategory=19 |
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Any deeper, and this man could lend his talents to ExxonMobil and help us achieve energy independence. I'm certain he missed his calling. --subnet
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For Tactical Rifles I have GAP, Patriot Arms , and have a Newman on the way.
There are a lot of good rifle builders out there. Mike @ CSGW www.csgunworks.com [email protected] |
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It’s all about customer service!<img src=/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif border=0 align=middle>
1-877-288-4137 / 1-916-670-1103 to my desk |
Originally Posted By GMZ:
+1 Randy "HateCA" Cain is 100% TOP NOTCH from CS to his Custom Builds.
Randy @ R&D Precision (HateCA) built my first precision rifle. I cant say enough good things about him and his work. I laid out what I wanted and what I had for a goal and he steered me away from some fluff I didnt really need, and Im glad I heeded his advice. Comms were great, he dropped me a line when most of the major steps were done to let me know how it was going. Only con was the wait, but that goes with the territory. He is not currently taking new work until the end of summer though. R&D Precision |
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Geoff Corn
Match Armorers Shop Oakland City, IN 47660 812-749-6416 Geoff has build me 12 rifles. All have been outstanding. Good guy, great to deal with. |
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Originally Posted By cruze5:
Post deleted A deposit is a deposit. It is sort of like insurance that since you have money down that you will follow through with your side of the contract. If you choose to default on your side of the contract (change your mind), there should be no expectation of recovering that deposit...it should be considered the price of your default. I am truly surprised that you got 90% of your deposit back. In most business transactions you would be entitled to nothing. |
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Originally Posted By buggsb:
A deposit is a deposit. It is sort of like insurance that since you have money down that you will follow through with your side of the contract. If you choose to default on your side of the contract (change your mind), there should be no expectation of recovering that deposit...it should be considered the price of your default. I am truly surprised that you got 90% of your deposit back. In most business transactions you would be entitled to nothing. +1 |
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Live free, or die trying to
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Anyone know a good M1A/M14 smith?
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Originally Posted By DarkKermit:
Anyone know a good M1A/M14 smith? Jon Tank is one of the very best, especially his steel bedding block for the McMillan stocks. http://www.tanksrifleshop.com/index.htm |
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Originally Posted By buggsb:
A deposit is a deposit. It is sort of like insurance that since you have money down that you will follow through with your side of the contract. If you choose to default on your side of the contract (change your mind), there should be no expectation of recovering that deposit...it should be considered the price of your default. I am truly surprised that you got 90% of your deposit back. In most business transactions you would be entitled to nothing. Not really. Nothing about a deposit implies that it is wholly non-refundable. The person performing the services can claim quantum meruit which means they should be compensated for what they have done thus far, which sounds like what happened here. It's not reasonable to expect to get all of your money back if they have already begun work, but it's also not reasonable to expect not to get anything back if there is no rifle delivered. Of course all of those assumptions are overruled by any written policy, which you would think any company taking deposits for work would have. Side note: Can anyone recommend someone to do a GAP three color camo pattern with Cerakote on a rifle stock? I was going to have Larson Tactical do it but I can't get ahold of them and heard they have had some problems lately. I contacted GAP but I haven't heard back (just emailed today) and I'm not sure if they just refinish stocks. |
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i need a good gun smith in nw arkansas any out there
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Hey Guys, I figured I would introduce myself. My name is Mark Gordon and I have a custom rifle shop up in Norther Ohio. Short Action Customs specializes in Precision Bolt Rifle and AR-15 work. I do lots of Tactical bolt knob conversions. I believe I do the best bolt knob conversions out there, especially the Winchester and FN bolts. My turn around is very fast and I will work with your rifle where you need it to be.
You can check out a few links of mine below. Please check out MY WEBSITE as well. Its under construction but still works fine. Tactical Bolt Knob Conversions Custom Rifle Builds Custom AR-15 Work Custom Bolt Knob Conversions http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=7&f=143&t=618260 |
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Michael Ware, Controlled Chaos Arms (aka septic-tank13)
this guy gets 12 out of 10. Sent my 700 short action to him to have a new .308 tube spun on, threaded 5/8x24, side bolt release installed, and DD ross bolt knob, and he finished it in a REALLY nice flat black. wait time was less than half that of most other smiths for this type of work, as well. Definitely give Michael a consideration when planning a build. He's VERY easy to work with, an impeccable machinist, and really knows WTF he's doing. Plus he's got some spiffy stuff in the works over the next couple years that should cause quite a few people to shit a chicken. |
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www.guncreations.com
James Mills 7018 82nd St. Suite #7 Lubbock, TX 79424 806 792-3700 This guy is an old Seal Sniper and form San Antonio police officer. I've had a custom 2lb trigger job done with him as well as a machine tactical bolt knob. I'm also getting a heavy recoil lug put in my 700P, the action rebedded and barrel changed when i shoot the stock one out. He guarantees his work. He does custom bullet loads, custom bullet designs (actual cartridge and round designs), custom rifles. He also has a military contract currently building precision rifles. He's remarkably easy to work with and doesn't go through random things just to make money off of you. He's the most reasonably priced smith with the fastest turn around time i've seen in a long time. My trigger job plus having my bolt knob machined and threaded and put on took 6 days. I'm a lubbock resident, and I've been to his shop and seen his work and work in progresses. He's very easy to work with and builds your rifle to your specs or to you if u want him to see how to build a rifle "to you." He does custom AR from 223 all the way 300 RUM. He builds rifles from ground up if u want custom everything.... Does his barreling and machining straight in his shop and can even design a custom round for your rifle or a custom load. Pretty much, you name he does it. If u are in the Lubbock area, I suggest swinging by his shop and talk to the man. If you want to be convinced he sometimes has some finished products or work in progresses in the shop that u can look at. I've gone through 6 gunsmiths and this is the first one i'm willing to recommend to other people. He gives u a ranged turn around time that isn't something like 6-8 weeks for typical job... mine was 6-8 days. Most of the other smiths i've talked to in the area and in dallas couldn't guarantee within a month. |
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