I've been thinking of building a full custom 6.5x47 and I have narrowed it down to 2 builders (Robert Gradous and GA Precision). Between these two reputable builders, whom would you go with?
Gunsmithing Gradous Vs. GAP
- Thread starter TrueShooter
- Start date
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
GAP did the finish work/assembly of my build, I can not argue with the results....pretty stellar IMO.
But, Mr. Gradous is highly regarded and you could maybe watch it being built.....if he is up to it.
Such a position to be in!! cheers
GAP did the finish work/assembly of my build, I can not argue with the results....pretty stellar IMO.
But, Mr. Gradous is highly regarded and you could maybe watch it being built.....if he is up to it.
Such a position to be in!! cheers
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
I'm confident they will both do top tier work. You might want to call them both and get an idea of time to completion, if that's important to you. Some shops stay so busy that wait times can get long.
I'm confident they will both do top tier work. You might want to call them both and get an idea of time to completion, if that's important to you. Some shops stay so busy that wait times can get long.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
For my money I have selected Robert Gradous. I have owned several GAP rifles of different calibers in the past & prefer the rifles that Mr. Gradous has built for me. I don't ever remember hearing about anybody that was unhappy with a rifle that Mr. Gradous built.
A couple of weekends ago a guy from Southern Georgia showed up at a Benchrest Match at the Elberton, Ga Gun Club with a Robert Gradous built hunting rifle. He shot in the Custom class & won 1st Place.
Semper Fi
For my money I have selected Robert Gradous. I have owned several GAP rifles of different calibers in the past & prefer the rifles that Mr. Gradous has built for me. I don't ever remember hearing about anybody that was unhappy with a rifle that Mr. Gradous built.
A couple of weekends ago a guy from Southern Georgia showed up at a Benchrest Match at the Elberton, Ga Gun Club with a Robert Gradous built hunting rifle. He shot in the Custom class & won 1st Place.
Semper Fi
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
having seen work by both as well as from several other guys here I wouldent hesitate with either , OR William Roscoe , Mark Gordan , Chad Dixon , Russle Dean or any of a few other guys here
look at what you want and what time you're willing wait.
if I couldent plumb it up myself I'd likely have Roscoe do it
having seen work by both as well as from several other guys here I wouldent hesitate with either , OR William Roscoe , Mark Gordan , Chad Dixon , Russle Dean or any of a few other guys here
look at what you want and what time you're willing wait.
if I couldent plumb it up myself I'd likely have Roscoe do it
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
I shot my 6.5x47L built by Gradous the other day. Averaged in the low .2's with 123 scenars. You will not be disappointed. FYI. This is Robert's favorite 6.5.
I shot my 6.5x47L built by Gradous the other day. Averaged in the low .2's with 123 scenars. You will not be disappointed. FYI. This is Robert's favorite 6.5.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
Both shops put out top notch products that perform. Both are there to help you before and after the sale with excellent customer service.
Robert is a small shop. He is a little more selective in the projects he takes on and the experience is a little more personal because Robert is the guy who walks you through the build before it starts, does all the work, delivers the product and then follows up to make sure all is well. The project just has a different feel. Does that make sense?
Either way you go you'll end up with a product you'll be proud to own.
Mark
Both shops put out top notch products that perform. Both are there to help you before and after the sale with excellent customer service.
Robert is a small shop. He is a little more selective in the projects he takes on and the experience is a little more personal because Robert is the guy who walks you through the build before it starts, does all the work, delivers the product and then follows up to make sure all is well. The project just has a different feel. Does that make sense?
Either way you go you'll end up with a product you'll be proud to own.
Mark
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
One difference to add here, is that Mr. Gradous did have a program where you could build your own rifle under his tutelage. I believe that his program ran for about a week.
Not sure if he is still doing it though. Either way, you won't lose. Nor with so many other builders on this site.
One difference to add here, is that Mr. Gradous did have a program where you could build your own rifle under his tutelage. I believe that his program ran for about a week.
Not sure if he is still doing it though. Either way, you won't lose. Nor with so many other builders on this site.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
Wow, that's terrible, you couldn't even hit paper with two of those three shots! =)
Wow, that's terrible, you couldn't even hit paper with two of those three shots! =)
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
if you want crazy accuracy then you could give MikeR at TacOps a call. He guarantees sub-.25MOA.
if you want crazy accuracy then you could give MikeR at TacOps a call. He guarantees sub-.25MOA.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: i_rep</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is the bbl length and load for those 123's?
</div></div>
37.4 grs RE15
26" Krieger bought from bugholes (Southern Precision)
Robert is also good people.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: i_rep</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What is the bbl length and load for those 123's?
</div></div>
37.4 grs RE15
26" Krieger bought from bugholes (Southern Precision)
Robert is also good people.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EventHorizon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if you want crazy accuracy then you could give MikeR at TacOps a call. He guarantees sub-.25MOA. </div></div>
Mike builds some very nice guns.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EventHorizon</div><div class="ubbcode-body">if you want crazy accuracy then you could give MikeR at TacOps a call. He guarantees sub-.25MOA. </div></div>
Mike builds some very nice guns.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lennyo3034</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow, that's terrible, you couldn't even hit paper with two of those three shots! =) </div></div>
Yeah, that's real bad...might as well give it to one of us.
Seriously, either shop builds a great rifle.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: lennyo3034</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow, that's terrible, you couldn't even hit paper with two of those three shots! =) </div></div>
Yeah, that's real bad...might as well give it to one of us.
Seriously, either shop builds a great rifle.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
Thank you for all the input guys, I really like what I see about Robert Gradous and I am going to have him build my rifle.
Thank you for all the input guys, I really like what I see about Robert Gradous and I am going to have him build my rifle.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TrueShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you for all the input guys, I really like what I see about Robert Gradous and I am going to have him build my rifle. </div></div>
Out of all the gun related shit I buy and decisions I have made, the rifle that Robert built for me has been the best one.
You will be pleased, it's just that simple. I hold Robert in the highest regard. He is just down right good people and the best you will find.
Big +1 on an above post. We have all heard stories about something from some company or smith not shooting. But I've never heard an unsatisfactory Gradous story. Most are floored by the product he produces...including myself.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TrueShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thank you for all the input guys, I really like what I see about Robert Gradous and I am going to have him build my rifle. </div></div>
Out of all the gun related shit I buy and decisions I have made, the rifle that Robert built for me has been the best one.
You will be pleased, it's just that simple. I hold Robert in the highest regard. He is just down right good people and the best you will find.
Big +1 on an above post. We have all heard stories about something from some company or smith not shooting. But I've never heard an unsatisfactory Gradous story. Most are floored by the product he produces...including myself.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
I had a really bad experience with a well regarded smith who lived in BFE. No communication available for the last year of a nearly two year build (6 week estimate) Attorney was drafting papers when he mailed the rifle back to an address I hadn't lived at for 10 months (I was trying to update my address, but no return phone calls, emails, or snail mail).
For this reason, I try very hard to use local smiths. I moved to Kansas City for med school. GAP is my local gunsmith. I've visited the shop several times. Nice crew. Nice shop. Nice work.
I really like being able to shake the man's hand and buy a beer for my builder.
There are numerous smiths I believe do fine work, but I'm with GAP for my stent in Kansas City.
I had a really bad experience with a well regarded smith who lived in BFE. No communication available for the last year of a nearly two year build (6 week estimate) Attorney was drafting papers when he mailed the rifle back to an address I hadn't lived at for 10 months (I was trying to update my address, but no return phone calls, emails, or snail mail).
For this reason, I try very hard to use local smiths. I moved to Kansas City for med school. GAP is my local gunsmith. I've visited the shop several times. Nice crew. Nice shop. Nice work.
I really like being able to shake the man's hand and buy a beer for my builder.
There are numerous smiths I believe do fine work, but I'm with GAP for my stent in Kansas City.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
Not to hit at Mr. Gradous, but I have a GAP that has put 4 shots into a group like m14er's above. Hard to go wrong either way.
Not to hit at Mr. Gradous, but I have a GAP that has put 4 shots into a group like m14er's above. Hard to go wrong either way.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
If I had the money, I would go with Robert as I have dealt with him in the past on my R700 with fantastic results. Top notch smith, service, and all around great guy. Of course it doesn't hurt that his shop is less than an hour away...
If I had the money, I would go with Robert as I have dealt with him in the past on my R700 with fantastic results. Top notch smith, service, and all around great guy. Of course it doesn't hurt that his shop is less than an hour away...
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
Gradous chambered 3 barrels for me so far. A 6br, 308, and 260.His attention to detail and effort , along with his knowledge, makes myself and many others our first choice. I watched M14er shot his 6.5. He loaded some rounds for chrono work, to get a speed baseline, no accuracy workup, and it shoots knots . Not a bad start M14er . Can't wait to see what it will do with a little load work .
Gradous chambered 3 barrels for me so far. A 6br, 308, and 260.His attention to detail and effort , along with his knowledge, makes myself and many others our first choice. I watched M14er shot his 6.5. He loaded some rounds for chrono work, to get a speed baseline, no accuracy workup, and it shoots knots . Not a bad start M14er . Can't wait to see what it will do with a little load work .
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
I'd say Roberts work speaks for itself.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3196485#Post3196485
I'd say Roberts work speaks for itself.
http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3196485#Post3196485
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
Obviously both put out great rifles. I would go with whomever can turn it around quickest.
Obviously both put out great rifles. I would go with whomever can turn it around quickest.
Re: Gradous Vs. GAP
One thing I will say is that owning a Gradous rifle is a small club. If you want to own something he builds, you're going to have to order it. Since I've been on the Hide, I can only remember one Gradous rifle coming up for sale. I think that says a lot. I did his gunsmithing class and it is perhaps the best firearms experience I've ever had. The rifle he and I built together will be one I'll hand down to my children.
Both shops build excellent rifles though. I've got a GAP-10 on the way and I've no doubt it will be the stellar rifle I expect and will outshoot me. The big issue will be lead times, and the differences in ordering from a big shop vs. a small shop. Last time I talked to Robert (that was November or so), the lead time was about 2-3 months.
One thing I will say is that owning a Gradous rifle is a small club. If you want to own something he builds, you're going to have to order it. Since I've been on the Hide, I can only remember one Gradous rifle coming up for sale. I think that says a lot. I did his gunsmithing class and it is perhaps the best firearms experience I've ever had. The rifle he and I built together will be one I'll hand down to my children.
Both shops build excellent rifles though. I've got a GAP-10 on the way and I've no doubt it will be the stellar rifle I expect and will outshoot me. The big issue will be lead times, and the differences in ordering from a big shop vs. a small shop. Last time I talked to Robert (that was November or so), the lead time was about 2-3 months.
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