Wanted to share a my last weekend with Robert Gradous of Gradous Rifles.
This was my second build I have done with Robert and the second time I got to spend a weekend in his shop.
This started over a year ago with a phone call to Robert about a new light weight Hunting rig I wanted to build. Robert graciously helped me with the selection and contacts for all my parts (even item #s). He said once I get everything together then give him a call and we would schedule a build time. I got all my parts fairly quick and called to schedule the build.
He is a very busy man especially right now, his place was really screwed up by the Ice storm they had two weeks ago, if any of you have been to his shop all the big pines are now gone. I just kept in touch and finally we got our times in sync.
Just like the first build Robert let me stand over his should asking questions and taking pics, he always takes the time to explain every aspect of the how and why. The final outcome was nothing less than amazing! Ill let the pics speak for themselves.
The only issue we had was I didn't tell him I had the Stock Cerakoted. No big deal he just likes to give me a hard time!!
Guys I just want to say Roberts quality of workmanship, attention to detail, knowledge of what makes a rifle accurate and kindness is staggering, the craftsmanship he turns out is second to none and work ethic is impeccable. In my opinion he doesn't charge enough.
If you want the most accurate rifle money can buy you owe it to yourself to give him a call.
Build Specs: 300 Win Mag
Stiller Predator
Bartlein #3 Contour, 5R, 1-10
Jewel Trigger
Remington Box Spring BTM
McMillian Hunter Edge
Vias Break
Robert Threading, Counter Bore and cutting Chamber
Vias Break Install
Inletting the stock, what a royal pain. Hunter Edge with #3 Contour not an easy task, spent 3-4 hours doing this.
You can see his attention to detail, after he mills out the bedding, the stock is painted on the inside!
Finished after FDE Cerakote and assembly. Left the bolt as Stiller shipped it, the fit was very tight but very smooth. Sorry I was in such a hurry to shot it I forgot to take a good final pic.
Very first shots after one spoiler, 76g of H1000, 208 A Max and 215 primers. Robert was not happy with the above group and I ran out of time, He made me leave the rifle with him so he could get it right by his standards.
The next day he called me very happy and said he was going to send me a pic and the below pic is what he sent.
Keep in mind this is a light barrel hunting rifle. Never put it on a scale but its under 8 lbs.
He said he never touched the seating depth he just ladder tested and came up with 75.5g of H1000, so with a little more tweaking I think I can get this to one hole. Thats a half dime!
Yea I will never let anyone else build my rifles.
Now I just got to get back over to Augusta and pick it up!
This was my second build I have done with Robert and the second time I got to spend a weekend in his shop.
This started over a year ago with a phone call to Robert about a new light weight Hunting rig I wanted to build. Robert graciously helped me with the selection and contacts for all my parts (even item #s). He said once I get everything together then give him a call and we would schedule a build time. I got all my parts fairly quick and called to schedule the build.
He is a very busy man especially right now, his place was really screwed up by the Ice storm they had two weeks ago, if any of you have been to his shop all the big pines are now gone. I just kept in touch and finally we got our times in sync.
Just like the first build Robert let me stand over his should asking questions and taking pics, he always takes the time to explain every aspect of the how and why. The final outcome was nothing less than amazing! Ill let the pics speak for themselves.
The only issue we had was I didn't tell him I had the Stock Cerakoted. No big deal he just likes to give me a hard time!!
Guys I just want to say Roberts quality of workmanship, attention to detail, knowledge of what makes a rifle accurate and kindness is staggering, the craftsmanship he turns out is second to none and work ethic is impeccable. In my opinion he doesn't charge enough.
If you want the most accurate rifle money can buy you owe it to yourself to give him a call.
Build Specs: 300 Win Mag
Stiller Predator
Bartlein #3 Contour, 5R, 1-10
Jewel Trigger
Remington Box Spring BTM
McMillian Hunter Edge
Vias Break
Robert Threading, Counter Bore and cutting Chamber
Vias Break Install
Inletting the stock, what a royal pain. Hunter Edge with #3 Contour not an easy task, spent 3-4 hours doing this.
You can see his attention to detail, after he mills out the bedding, the stock is painted on the inside!
Finished after FDE Cerakote and assembly. Left the bolt as Stiller shipped it, the fit was very tight but very smooth. Sorry I was in such a hurry to shot it I forgot to take a good final pic.
Very first shots after one spoiler, 76g of H1000, 208 A Max and 215 primers. Robert was not happy with the above group and I ran out of time, He made me leave the rifle with him so he could get it right by his standards.
The next day he called me very happy and said he was going to send me a pic and the below pic is what he sent.
Keep in mind this is a light barrel hunting rifle. Never put it on a scale but its under 8 lbs.
He said he never touched the seating depth he just ladder tested and came up with 75.5g of H1000, so with a little more tweaking I think I can get this to one hole. Thats a half dime!
Yea I will never let anyone else build my rifles.
Now I just got to get back over to Augusta and pick it up!
