10-12 months for a GAP rifle

#4
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

GAP provides rifles for a lot of people and agencies. Just be glad you can still get one. There's another world class builder that hangs out here that doesn't even take rifle builds any longer because he's so busy with government work
 
#5
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

Does anyone know how long it actually takes to build a rifle - in hours/days? I guess the question I'm asking is:
Is the wait because of backlog or does it just take a year to build the rifle? I ask because if it's purely a backlog problem, one would think they would hire more good smiths and thus would make more money - they're not meeting the demand that's why I call this a high class problem. There business appears to be scalable.
 
#6
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

I understand your frustration that is vented by your comments...but in this world I have seen too many reputations ruined by trying to get BIG rather than BEST. There aren't many Michaelangelos out there.
 
#8
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: komifornian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does anyone know how long it actually takes to build a rifle - in hours/days? I guess the question I'm asking is:
Is the wait because of backlog or does it just take a year to build the rifle? I ask because if it's purely a backlog problem, one would think they would hire more good smiths and thus would make more money - they're not meeting the demand that's why I call this a high class problem. There business appears to be scalable.
</div></div>

When LowLight brought all his parts for the Gradous Class, he built/tested a complete Rifle in 5 days I believe.

I believe when a single smith is dedicated to a rifle they can be done in a week. But if they do them in batches, or are waiting on parts(the biggest hold up) it takes a lot longer.
 
#9
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

For a bone stock Crusader, I doubt the wait is that long.

GAP is an extremely busy shop and you don't just run out and hire a gunsmith. Everyone there are excellent at what they do. If you want a shorter wait time, go with a smaller, less proficient, less experienced builder and hope you get a "good one".

If you want the best out there, put your money down and get the GAP.
 
#11
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

If you do decide to go with someone other than GAP, make sure you do your research first, wouldn't want to get stuck in a situation like with the '09 Snipershide Rifle build still going on.
 
#14
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mclevela</div><div class="ubbcode-body">GAP(George) has several rifles for sale right now in the for sale section of these forums. Might save yourself the wait? </div></div>

I bought #1 and added a few things. George said it would be done Wednesday !!!! I can't wait. I should have it early next week !!
 
#16
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

I'd be willing to guess that actual build time isn't terribly long. Lead time on componants is another story. I'm pretty sure when someone places an order for a build, GAP isn't able to next-day-air a McMillan.

Be happy it's only a year. Check out the wait time for some high end 1911's.
 
#17
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: komifornian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I called GAP last week and was going to order a Crusader but was told it would take 10-12 months for delivery, essentially a year! Is this typical? If so they have a high class problem – too much business. </div></div>

No sir that is insane.
 
#18
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: komifornian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The only other companies I've considered are Surgeon and JP </div></div>

Now for a Surgeon ...I may very well wait a year. There is a big difference.
 
#19
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

Just order one and go on about your business. If you never order one you will never get one. And if you forget about it what a nice surprise you will get.
wink.gif
 
#20
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

That wait isnt anything rediculous, and coming from someone who has had a few rifles custom built, Ide invest what ever extra time I was quoted, instead of sending it from shop to shop. You will avoid the time it takes to fix what ever problems arise from too many gunsmiths having thier hands in one pot.

Either that, or as stated, go look in the FS section, theres usualy a GAP or 2 in there.
 
#22
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

Go Surgeon, they should have a few in-stock.

Hell, I would get the GAP HRT in the forsale section. $3600 shipped and only has a few hundred down the tube. It's a steal right now.
 
#23
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wade-19</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mclevela</div><div class="ubbcode-body">GAP(George) has several rifles for sale right now in the for sale section of these forums. Might save yourself the wait? </div></div>

I bought #1 and added a few things. George said it would be done Wednesday !!!! I can't wait. I should have it early next week !! </div></div>

Nice rifle.....You will like the T.
 
#24
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

From the posts on here from GAP customers, it seems that most get their rifles right on time. Some get their rifles sooner than expected (me included). But you will rarely if ever here of a customer having to wait longer than quoted.

GA Precision takes care of their customers. Whether you buy one rifle from them in a lifetime or you buy one a month. I'm happy with mine.
 
#25
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

If you order a stock from one of the big names, you'll look at 3-6 months. If you order a barrel from one of the big names, you're looking at three months plus. Combine that with a bit of a backlog, the actual time to do it (lots of smiths like to do things in batches), there's going to be a couple months worth of waiting. A custom builder can't "know" what you want and have it already in stock, nor can they keep every combination imaginable laying around waiting on customers. If it sounds like something you want, then by all means, order, wait, and enjoy!
 
#26
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

At least they're being up front with you. I had a rifle built by a company I won't name and when they went over the quote build time, I enquired about completion. I was told "another 2 weeks" until the total time was 15 months. Original quote was 3 months.

Waiting is hard as hell when the shooting season just keeps ticking away while you're waiting!
 
#27
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

order it, I have a crusader 308 got it last spring 5 shots one hole 100 y you won't regret it.I'm very impresed and so are other shooters at the club.
 
#29
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For a bone stock Crusader, I doubt the wait is that long.

GAP is an extremely busy shop and you don't just run out and hire a gunsmith. Everyone there are excellent at what they do. If you want a shorter wait time, go with a smaller, less proficient, less experienced builder and hope you get a "good one".

If you want the best out there, put your money down and get the GAP. </div></div> there are other gun smiths out there that build rifles just as good and maybe better, for a cheaper price and less wait time. GAP is not the end all of rifles.
 
#30
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CrazyDonkey</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For a bone stock Crusader, I doubt the wait is that long.

GAP is an extremely busy shop and you don't just run out and hire a gunsmith. Everyone there are excellent at what they do. If you want a shorter wait time, go with a smaller, less proficient, less experienced builder and hope you get a "good one".

If you want the best out there, put your money down and get the GAP. </div></div> there are other gun smiths out there that build rifles just as good and maybe better, for a cheaper price and less wait time. GAP is not the end all of rifles.</div></div>

That is your opinion and you are entitled to it. However I feel GAP is the best "bang for the buck" out there. Their reputations and accomplishments go well beyond a few rifles they've built for folks here on the Hide. They are the shop many aspire to be (with very few exceptions).
 
#32
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

Be glad it's only a year. I was quoted the same time and ended up being almost 2 years. I was ready to drive to Texas and get my rifle. I was SO sick of excuses and no phone call answered. Not a great way to start out with my first custom rifle.
 
#33
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

I have to agree with a few post here. I have also had work done there and the customer service was good as was the work, but there are some very talented people out there other than GAP. Not to bash GAP b/c they have/do earn their reputation but too many people on this forum speek of them as the end all and they are not, they are just another good company of many out there.

To put my 2 cents in, I would not buy a prebuilt or "spec" rifle inless it was EXACTLY what I wanted. I would suck up the wait time and order it just how I wanted it. Now if this was my first rifle or I was unsure of what I wanted I would purchace a used rifle close to what I think I may want. That way if you decide you dont like it or would rather have something different you will not take a big loss in selling or changing it to suit your likes.
 
#35
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

I have no doubt that GAP builds nice and accurate rifles. As others have said there are also others making rifles of equal quality. I personally would not wait a year for a rifle, thats just me and others would differ. A year is an eternity. Alot can happen in a year. I have an AI rifle that also shoots bugholes and I did not wait a year. I would highly doubt that a GAP is as rugged and can take the abuse the AI can and still keep on ticking, thats just me though and I am sure others will beg to differ on that to. Its your choice and only yours, if you are willing to wait a year, who am I to say.
 
#36
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

Indeed there are plenty of good shops out there and GAP is very well branded. You should always do what you can to get what you want and if that requires waiting, then so be it - it'll be worth it. But if you just want a good rifle and can settle from one from another shop, then why not?
 
#38
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

Okay ---- Plenty of comments here! I'm glad I brought this up because it lead me to another builder - Gradous Rifles. They will have exactly what I want in about two months. I'm going with them. As one person put it here in this thread, "a lot can happen in a year." so true!
 
#39
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

Go to Wal Mart, and pick out the rifle you want.....wait, try BASS Pro....wait, no, .....try Cabela's....wait....


The point is these are not rifles that you can buy off the shelf, and there are a lot of guys that want them. GAP is in high demand, and as the owner of a GAP, the rifle and the customer service are top notch, as well as meeting the guys who made this rifle at shooting matches that they attend (George, MOON, Ernest, and Josh). Only a fraction of the smiths building rifles are actually competing, at least in the tactical sport. These guys do, and it shows in their products.

If it is too long a wait order from somewhere else, and make the wait time on my next rifle less.
 
#40
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: komifornian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay ---- Plenty of comments here! I'm glad I brought this up because it lead me to another builder - Gradous Rifles. They will have exactly what I want in about two months. I'm going with them. As one person put it here in this thread, "a lot can happen in a year." so true! </div></div>

Smart man. I doubt you will be disappointed.
 
#41
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: komifornian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay ---- Plenty of comments here! I'm glad I brought this up because it lead me to another builder - Gradous Rifles. They will have exactly what I want in about two months. I'm going with them. As one person put it here in this thread, "a lot can happen in a year." so true!</div></div>

Robert is very well respected by many top smiths and people in the industry. I asked Scott at Kreiger who he would have build him a rifle and he said Robert. So did the folks at Surgeon, Jered with APA and Terry Cross.
 
#42
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

When I was looking to have a rifle built, I emailed several smiths from this board. All quoted the same time frame. GAP actually was a few hundered dollars less expensive (not cheaper)than the others.
They did all the machine work in 5 weeks with an instock barrel. Now the Manners stock took 7 months, then it had to be bedded, took a few weeks, them cerakoted, took a few more weeks.

It was well worth the wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I sent a 40x 22 to another smith from here, I'm still waiting.............
 
#44
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: swage</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: komifornian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Okay ---- Plenty of comments here! I'm glad I brought this up because it lead me to another builder - Gradous Rifles. They will have exactly what I want in about two months. I'm going with them. As one person put it here in this thread, "a lot can happen in a year." so true!</div></div>

Robert is very well respected by many top smiths and people in the industry. I asked Scott at Kreiger who he would have build him a rifle and he said Robert. So did the folks at Surgeon, Jered with APA and Terry Cross. </div></div>

I am proud to call Robert a friend. He is a true gentleman and extremely talented smith. The only criticism I can give the guy is that he is too modest.

If you have Robert build your rifle, you will not be sorry.

Mark



edit to add... Just to be clear I'm not taking anything away from GAP. They obviously build a very high quality rifle and sometimes there will be delays due to demand, parts availability, etc. I was merely echoing some well deserved praise for Robert.
smile.gif
 
#45
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

I dropped off my rifle 2 weeks ago for a rebarrel and a few upgrades. Ken said 4-6 months for my stuff, but if it takes longer, it takes longer. GAP builds nothin but hammers, my Moon built 6.5x284 shoots in the .1s

-matt
 
#46
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

In the last couple of months, I received a build from GAP. It was 7 months and worth the wait. During the 7 month wait I shot other rifles.

Also, the rifle is just part of what you get. The first time or two I took the rifle to the range, it shot decently(about .75moa), but was not "GAP-worthy." I called the company and left a message. The next day before lunch, I had a message from Ken. He informed me that George was out of country, but would call me when he arrived back at the office. He gave me a day that Geo would call.

As it was, I figured out that the problem was in my reloading. It was a novice's mistake and I cannot remember doing it in the past 30 years. I had the GAP up and running and all was good.

On the morning of the day he was supposed to call me, I received a VERY NICE AND CONCERNED message from Mr. Gardner. The gist of it was, "I need some information on your load, scope and bases since I did not supply them. Let's make it right."

So, no, I don't mind waiting. I am sending a check to McMillan for a A3 that a Surgeon action and bottom metal is going in. It too is going to GAP.
 
#49
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

They make Crusader's on a regular basis, so unless you had some wazoo oddball order, I imagine it will be quicker than 12 months. People always back out of orders when finances change.

I was quoted 6-8 months when I ordered my Rock in AICS and ATACS camo and it as ready in 4. I would rather have them overestimate the time than underestimate.

Beyond that, you get a quality tack driver from a reputable builder with no drama...not much of a down side.
 
#50
Re: 10-12 months for a GAP rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 71firebird400</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You guys have no idea how good we have it! You want to see a lead time? Go ask one of the top pistol smiths to build you a bullseye 1911....might not get that thing until 2013-2014
laugh.gif


</div></div>

You should give Dave Salyer in Rock Hill,SC a call. He's good people and builds some outstanding Bullseye pistols. If you need his contact info send me a PM. I have 2 Salyer built 1911s and they are awesome!
 
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