Re: Getting started on first custom build
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 19Scout77</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bob L. Swagger</div><div class="ubbcode-body">+ 1 on Robert Gradous - I am currently in line for him to build me (2) rifles, a .300 WM and .308 win. </div></div>
Just curious...how many of his rifles have you ACTUALLY handled? Shot?
So your referral is based upon what, exactly?? </div></div>
Sorry OP, maybe this will help you make a decision also.... Where do I begin..
I didn't just pick the first smith that I popped into my head, I actually put a lot of thought and research into it. Being that I live in NJ and there aren't many smiths in the area, I had to rely on the power of the internet and the telephone to expand my search. In fact, I took the word of others who have procured the services of these fine smiths, as many of us do. That is what makes this forum such a great resource.
I would have loved to travel to each and every shop on my list but unfortunately, my schedule doesn't allow me to fly off to Missouri, California, Iowa, Georgia, South Dakota, and Louisiana in order to go handle a rifle to make a decision on a build.
Once the potential list of smiths was a bit shorter due to the recommendations by fellow members and eliminations due to negative input, I began to e-mail the the remaining builders with the questions I had. At this point, I called each of the smiths, check their lead times and made my decision.
As far as your question "So your referral is based upon what, exactly??"
1. Gradous is top notch in the gunsmithing field.
2. Gradous is highly recommended, not only but the members of this froum and other forums, he is recommended by the other TOP GUNSMITHS.
3. Gradous is a pleasure to deal with, he is a top notch gentleman.
4. Gradous pays extremely close attention to detail.
5. He builds all of the rifles himself and he only builds 50 rifles a year. He doesn't rush his builds just to get them out the door, he takes his time and does it right.
6. From what I heard and what I see in pictures and videos, his shop is immaculate, everything is in its place and squared away. This is a sign of a perfectionist and this is the man that I would like to make my first 2 custom rifles.
7. You don't see ANY GRADOUS built rifles for sale. This is due to the fact that people KEEP THEM if they have them. If by some slim chance you see one for sale, it sells almost immediately for top dollar.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-xLtkJCsAm8 I'm done.
