Long Rifles Inc communication "must read"

LRI did some work for me in 2015. Great work, I might add.

I sent in some more work earlier this year and found the same surprise; the updated, time-stamped communication. I never saw it advertised and I was very impressed.

Thanks for reminding me about my great experience and informing others on their take on customer service.

I had a bolt flutted and cerakoted by them. Each process showed an email update with photos. It was nice knowing the progress of your build/parts. Highly recommend, as well.

Custom/er shop

Seeing how they do nucleus prefits im almost certainly going to have them do my next barrel.

Turned father in law onto LRI. Had a custom rifle being built and mentioned to him about them.

He decided to get a bolt fluted. He tried emailing, but I said they are busy making things happen. He decided to ship the bolt without talking to them. He had his bolt received, fluted, and shipped back with status tracking all along the way in less than week.

Needless to say he is looking to send all of his stuff there so they can trick it out and hot rod it.

I have been dealing Chad/LRI for years but was shocked when I got the auto updates this week. My project is done as well.

Some of my updates from this week

Wow. Truly impressive transparency for any industry.

Chad has once again set the bar on "regular" gunsmith work.

I had an action barreled by them and a buddy did as well. Both back in under a week and both are hammers. Chad is a no nonsense kind of guy and sometimes gets some heat for speaking his mind. I'd have no problems recommending LRI to anyone.

When I was helping a friend put together a 6 Creed hunting rifle, there was only one place I had the trust to send it and it was LRI. My friend was never going to have the patience to work with a traditional gunsmith's timeline of 3 months waiting to find out they hadn't touched it yet. Chad and the LRI crew kept him up to date with the progress the whole way through. He was stoked how well it turned out.

My Barreled Action shipped today.

I've never sent anything to LRI...yet. Going to have them do a tig and time to my 3 Remington rifles.

I've only had them flute and install bolt knobs on a few bolts but they are doing some impressive shit. I don't think they do Desert tech barrels anymore but I wish they did because of their turnaround times.

Bradu said:

I've only had them flute and install bolt knobs on a few bolts but they are doing some impressive shit. I don't think they do Desert tech barrels anymore but I wish they did because of their turnaround times.

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This is a problem due to be solved this summer. With the introduction of new machining centers we can now make the barrel extensions in house as well. This is a big deal for me to keep rates competitive. I learned a long time ago that relying on outside vendors is a dicey game. Getting shit under my roof has always been advantageous (for everyone) so it'll happen with this too.

It's coming. . . Let me get the stuff we already do completely lined out (5 axis, while super cool, is a bit more tedious when programming and getting things wired super tight).

Soon!

LongRifles Inc. said:

This is a problem due to be solved this summer. With the introduction of new machining centers we can now make the barrel extensions in house as well. This is a big deal for me to keep rates competitive. I learned a long time ago that relying on outside vendors is a dicey game. Getting shit under my roof has always been advantageous (for everyone) so it'll happen with this too.

It's coming. . . Let me get the stuff we already do completely lined out (5 axis, while super cool, is a bit more tedious when programming and getting things wired super tight).

Soon!

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That is awesome because I like how you have a reamer list and specs. After the one barrel I have, it is something that I want to know when buying a barrel from here on out. Please keep us updated when you are setup and doing these.

LongRifles Inc. said:

This is a problem due to be solved this summer. With the introduction of new machining centers we can now make the barrel extensions in house as well. This is a big deal for me to keep rates competitive. I learned a long time ago that relying on outside vendors is a dicey game. Getting shit under my roof has always been advantageous (for everyone) so it'll happen with this too.

It's coming. . . Let me get the stuff we already do completely lined out (5 axis, while super cool, is a bit more tedious when programming and getting things wired super tight).

Soon!

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Chad
What’s the turnaround time for a 700 Remington bolt flute and bolt knob. Dropped off at your shop. We’re local to you

rth1800 said:

I have been dealing Chad/LRI for years but was shocked when I got the auto updates this week. My project is done as well.

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Maybe when I get my action paid off Ill have you ship it direct to LRI.

Ill check with Chad regards his preference and whether he wants an action sitting around while I save to buy a stock and barrel.

Chad has done 4 rifles for me, and they are all great. Communication was great, and he was a straight shooter in all aspects.

The most accurate rifle I own is a 700 fully accurized and built by LRI. I have multiple defiance and Stiller actions too

Average guy said:

Chad
What’s the turnaround time for a 700 Remington bolt flute and bolt knob. Dropped off at your shop. We’re local to you

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Maybe 20 minutes. Seriously. Just give us a call a couple hours ahead and we should be able to run you though.

Easy stuff.

1moaoff said:

Chad, hint hint... when are you going to offer a stock spec rifle without options. You are the only one that could keep up with orders!!!

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The "vision" (sounds gay, but whatever) I've always had for my little fiasco more emulates a "race shop". A guy shows up with his truck load of stuff and were the dirtbags that go over it and hopefully turn it into something that "runs the number."

I have historically stayed away from building "canned guns" that are just the same shit everyone else is doing. Insisting my name is on an action (made by someone else) that is just like a competitors down the street just seems silly to me. The industry is saturated with them now. 15-20 years ago, a "custom" action was rare, coveted, and expensive. In today's market it's been a steady race to the bottom for the last 10 years. Great from the consumer standpoint, but it's a loser on the business side of things.

If I ever did something like this we'd prolly honeymoon for a year and then it'd tank. The overhead required to make an action properly is another 7 figures. With the margins being so razor thin you have to play the long game. A decade might do it if your on the ball 24/7. Its an ROI that just takes a very long time to recover from.

Besides, then I would be competing directly with American Rifle Company. Ted and I have become very close over the years, both professionally, and in our personal friendship. Loyalty means something to both of us and the last thing either of us want is a burning bridge.

I enjoy the level we play at. It allows us to focus on the "little things" that have been overlooked far too long in this trade.

LongRifles Inc. said:

The "vision" (sounds gay, but whatever) I've always had for my little fiasco more emulates a "race shop". A guy shows up with his truck load of stuff and were the dirtbags that go over it and hopefully turn it into something that "runs the number."

I have historically stayed away from building "canned guns" that are just the same shit everyone else is doing. Insisting my name is on an action (made by someone else) that is just like a competitors down the street just seems silly to me. The industry is saturated with them now. 15-20 years ago, a "custom" action was rare, coveted, and expensive. In today's market it's been a steady race to the bottom for the last 10 years. Great from the consumer standpoint, but it's a loser on the business side of things.

If I ever did something like this we'd prolly honeymoon for a year and then it'd tank. The overhead required to make an action properly is another 7 figures. With the margins being so razor thin you have to play the long game. A decade might do it if your on the ball 24/7. Its an ROI that just takes a very long time to recover from.

Besides, then I would be competing directly with American Rifle Company. Ted and I have become very close over the years, both professionally, and in our personal friendship. Loyalty means something to both of us and the last thing either of us want is a burning bridge.

I enjoy the level we play at. It allows us to focus on the "little things" that have been overlooked far too long in this trade.

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This I agree with. The precision rifle market is quickly turning into the AR market where everyone is making something and quality is turning to shit. Take DD for example. There is no reason for them to try and dive into the bolt gun world. Stay in your wheelhouse.

Chad keep doing what you are doing because it’s working and it’s quality and service is something that will outlast the latest and greatest.

Chad really is a breath of fresh air in this business, my next gun will be built by LRI.

I had a bolt worked over a few years ago, before these updates went live. Communication was still good with extremely fast service. I'd love to have LRI piece together a build sometime. Customer service and quality of work are fantastic.

I'll add another plus one for Chad. He build me a winnie/proof hunting rifle for last deer season.

I sent it all in 3 weeks before the season started and had it back a week before hunting season. Updates all along the way. I was worried about developing a load, but the first factory ammo I tried was around 1/2moa.

LongRifles Inc. said:

Maybe 20 minutes. Seriously. Just give us a call a couple hours ahead and we should be able to run you though.

Easy stuff.

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Sounds great will be in contact

Chad cut the threads on my barrel so nice that when I put the brake on for the first time, dry, it had a singing noise due to the metal on metal resonating. The locite later did away with that but it's a testament to how well they follow spec.

One thing I need to make very clear here.

Chad, Chad, Chad, Chad....

It's not me folks. I started it and I own it, sure. However, Frank Galli will be the first to tell you that a decade ago I was a razor's edge away from being one of the most chastised bone heads in this game. I listened to him and with the tremendous help of a great staff, we've been able to evolve away from those times.

Startups just suck. You think you know what you're doing. I found out real quick 10+ years ago I didn't have a clue. I'm only marginally smarter now. My only point here is this company is a stand-alone business. Kalli and I own it, but its become a living, breathing entity truly capable of sustaining itself.

Please, lose my name and just refer to the shop as a whole. It's a smack on the mouth to the staff if I even appear to try and gobble the spotlight.

This has been my long term goal from the business perspective:

For many, a small business just becomes a "job". Unfortunately, jobs come and go. For a business to truly be a business, it's gotta become "self-aware" with the capacity to sustain itself well past the conception/gestation period fostered by the folks who "jumped in the sack" to start it up.

Appreciate the kind words but they really don't belong to me.

C.

LongRifles Inc. said:

One thing I need to make very clear here.

Chad, Chad, Chad, Chad....

Its not me folks. I started it and I own it, sure. However, Frank Galli will be the first to tell you that a decade ago I was a razors edge away from being one of the most chastised bone heads in this game. I listened to him and with the tremendous help of a great staff, we've been able to evolve away from those times.

Startups just suck. You think you know what your doing. I found out real quick 10+ years ago I didn't have a clue. I'm only marginally smarter now.

My only point here is this company is a stand alone business. Kalli and I own it, but its become a living, breathing entity truly capable of sustaining itself.

Please, lose my name and just refer to the shop as a whole. It's a smack on the mouth to the staff if I even appear to try and gobble the spotlight.

This has been my long term goal from the business perspective:

For many, a small business just becomes a "job". Unfortunately jobs come and go. For a business to truly be a business, its gotta become "self aware" with the capacity to sustain itself well past the conception/gestation period fostered by the folks who "jumped in the sack" to start it up.

Appreciate the kind words but they really don't belong to me.

C.

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Goes without saying but duly noted.

LongRifles Inc. said:

One thing I need to make very clear here.

Chad, Chad, Chad, Chad....

Its not me folks. I started it and I own it, sure. However, Frank Galli will be the first to tell you that a decade ago I was a razors edge away from being one of the most chastised bone heads in this game. I listened to him and with the tremendous help of a great staff, we've been able to evolve away from those times.

Startups just suck. You think you know what your doing. I found out real quick 10+ years ago I didn't have a clue. I'm only marginally smarter now.

My only point here is this company is a stand alone business. Kalli and I own it, but its become a living, breathing entity truly capable of sustaining itself.

Please, lose my name and just refer to the shop as a whole. It's a smack on the mouth to the staff if I even appear to try and gobble the spotlight.

This has been my long term goal from the business perspective:

For many, a small business just becomes a "job". Unfortunately jobs come and go. For a business to truly be a business, its gotta become "self aware" with the capacity to sustain itself well past the conception/gestation period fostered by the folks who "jumped in the sack" to start it up.

Appreciate the kind words but they really don't belong to me.

C.

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It is nice when the boss recognizes employees the way you always do, I think it means a lot, and instills a sense of pride in everyone involved.

I will say that all the folks I have had contact with at LRI have been great. That is several over the years. Not sure how many, but uniformly excellent! No business thrives without quality folks in all the roster spots.

LongRifles Inc. said:

One thing I need to make very clear here.

Chad, Chad, Chad, Chad....

Its not me folks. I started it and I own it, sure. However, Frank Galli will be the first to tell you that a decade ago I was a razors edge away from being one of the most chastised bone heads in this game. I listened to him and with the tremendous help of a great staff, we've been able to evolve away from those times.

Startups just suck. You think you know what your doing. I found out real quick 10+ years ago I didn't have a clue. I'm only marginally smarter now.

My only point here is this company is a stand alone business. Kalli and I own it, but its become a living, breathing entity truly capable of sustaining itself.

Please, lose my name and just refer to the shop as a whole. It's a smack on the mouth to the staff if I even appear to try and gobble the spotlight.

This has been my long term goal from the business perspective:

For many, a small business just becomes a "job". Unfortunately jobs come and go. For a business to truly be a business, its gotta become "self aware" with the capacity to sustain itself well past the conception/gestation period fostered by the folks who "jumped in the sack" to start it up.

Appreciate the kind words but they really don't belong to me.

C.

Click to expand...

My stepfather ran a business with close to 200 employees.

Construction, very sensitive to the economy.

Union too so the perception is people were "interchangeable".

I worked in the estimating shop and when things got tight it wasnt "We need to get jobs to increase Company profit" it was we need to get work to keep "Paul", "John" or "Jack" working and realizing his goals.

It really sharpened the bidding skills knowing the businesss was about the people working in it not the business itself.

LongRifles Inc. said:

The "vision" (sounds gay, but whatever) I've always had for my little fiasco more emulates a "race shop". A guy shows up with his truck load of stuff and were the dirtbags that go over it and hopefully turn it into something that "runs the number."

I have historically stayed away from building "canned guns" that are just the same shit everyone else is doing. Insisting my name is on an action (made by someone else) that is just like a competitors down the street just seems silly to me. The industry is saturated with them now. 15-20 years ago, a "custom" action was rare, coveted, and expensive. In today's market it's been a steady race to the bottom for the last 10 years. Great from the consumer standpoint, but it's a loser on the business side of things.

If I ever did something like this we'd prolly honeymoon for a year and then it'd tank. The overhead required to make an action properly is another 7 figures. With the margins being so razor thin you have to play the long game. A decade might do it if your on the ball 24/7. Its an ROI that just takes a very long time to recover from.

Besides, then I would be competing directly with American Rifle Company. Ted and I have become very close over the years, both professionally, and in our personal friendship. Loyalty means something to both of us and the last thing either of us want is a burning bridge.

I enjoy the level we play at. It allows us to focus on the "little things" that have been overlooked far too long in this trade.

Click to expand...

This right here is why I am sending my 700 action to LRI to do the M40A3/A5 scope base slotting and bolt knob time & tig for my "Doomsday" build!!!!!

A company that not only has a great reputation, but also truly values it's staff while turning out quality work in unimaginable time frames is rare these days for any industry.

I don't have expendable amounts of money, but I contacted LRI and they helped me figure out a good baseline to start with on my budget for what I wanted done. I can assure you, once my current barrel is shot out, the action will be sent right back to them for full blueprinting and a new barrel. Looking forward to working with them throughout my entire build and any builds after this.

Dvando20 said:

This right here is why I am sending my 700 action to LRI to do the M40A3/A5 scope base slotting and bolt knob time & tig for my "Doomsday" build!!!!!

A company that not only has a great reputation, but also truly values it's staff while turning out quality work in unimaginable time frames is rare these days for any industry.

I don't have expendable amounts of money, but I contacted LRI and they helped me figure out a good baseline to start with on my budget for what I wanted done. I can assure you, once my current barrel is shot out, the action will be sent right back to them for full blueprinting and a new barrel. Looking forward to working with them throughout my entire build and any builds after this.

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Let us know how it goes.

They tig welded a bolt handle on for me done it the day after they received it they send up dates with pics 1st class

I had two Remington actions trued by Chad on 6/23/2011 -invoice #388 and one barrel LRI supplied and fitted to one of the actions. The action bolts were fluted (an early new group buy project by LRI). The work was superb. LRI has grown into a top tier company. Chad's competence is well known. Other things that have always impressed me is Chad's character, ethics and willingness to mentor others. This says it all to me:
"Besides, then I would be competing directly with American Rifle Company. Ted and I have become very close over the years, both professionally, and in our personal friendship. Loyalty means something to both of us and the last thing either of us want is a burning bridge."

ShtrRdy said:

Let us know how it goes.

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I actually "quoted" the wrong text on this thread. I wanted to quote the part where he talks about his staff. But still all the same.

1moaoff said:

Just a shout out and info to guys that complain about smiths.

LRI is fast!!!! And you get automatic updates!!!! If you continue to complain about no communication or understanding where your rifle is at in process there are alternatives...

shipped action on Monday. Got notified when the checked it in Wednesday

today " thursday" notification and pics of barrels spun up and ready for muzzle fitting.

Just food for thought kids!

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2023 this is not the same company any more. very slow and no information provider. i received 1 update 2 months ago my receiver mounting holes have been drilled then silence.

Did you log in to the website with the provided auth code to track the status?

Their queue is longer, but there's been zero degradation in service in my experience.

I've used them on average once ever 3-6 months for the last couple years now.

I expect 3-6 weeks but it's always worth the wait, just gotta keep realistic expectations.

old-man said:

2023 this is not the same company any more. very slow and no information provider. i received 1 update 2 months ago my receiver mounting holes have been drilled then silence.

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Disagree 100%
I dropped off a rifle that had been fucked by a gunsmith/carbon fiber barrel wrapper in Lewiston, ID. 3 DAYS later I got a phone call that repairs had already been completed.
You should phone or email.

Is there anyone other than LRI that does stock inletting?