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Skunkworks or GAP?

Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

they both will serve you just fine. if it was me personally, i would go with skunkworks, but just because i like many of their offerings. GAP obviously has quite the reputation on this site too, so you really cant go wrong.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

Mike at Skunkworks is absolutely stellar to deal with and his attention to detail is immaculate. He also has a lot of very nice and innovative products, with several that you won't find anywhere else. You won't go wrong with one of his builds.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

I would only vote once I have handled a Skunkworks rifle, and dealt with the customer service. George and crew have always went above and beyond. I can hardly recommend anyone but GAP nowadays.

I am also a fan of
Short action customs
RWS Gunsmithing
Surgeon
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

GAP
but I have not handled many custom rifles by different makers.. GAP proximity and customer service has always kept me coming back. 6 years and well over a dozen rifles..
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

I have only dealt with skunkworks and mike was a pleasure to deal with. gap everybody loves on here and they sponsor alot of events. if it were me maybe call them both and see which has a shorter waiting period.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

What about APA? I have had dealings with the guys there and they make top notch stuff. They even have top shelf .308 rifles ready to ship now! Check out their "Do it all rifle." If I had the clams I'd pick up one of those today!
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

I have shot nothing but GAPs in the past 2 years, 4 rifles now. I doubt I would go with anyone else. However, I do have a buddy with a skunk built and he swears by it. I have only fingering it some, never shot it. I think both plumbers are on par with one another. Either would serve you well.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

It sounds like I will be wasting my money with either outfit.
laugh.gif


I'll post some pics when I get it done.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

if anyone had ever had a single bad word to say about either one ,[ which is doubtful] , i doubt they would speak up. it would be akin to put a hitler flag in your front yard
grin.gif

that said i have been very impressed with skunkworks .
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

Posts like these are just like Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge.

Both of us build great sticks. Mike builds great stuff. We build Great Stuff. The Shops that build junk dont stay arround very long. Were in our 13th year and we get better every year.

You wont be disapointed with either of 2 you mentioned.

APA, ROSCOE, TACOPS, KMW Etc all do great work as well.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Posts like these are just like Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge.

Both of us build great sticks. Mike builds great stuff. We build Great Stuff. The Shops that build junk dont stay arround very long. Were in our 13th year and we get better every year.

You wont be disapointed with either of 2 you mentioned.

APA, ROSCOE, TACOPS, KMW Etc all do great work as well. </div></div>

How many places can you see guys in business against each other and speak so highly of each other? It doesn't happen much these days. I've not used a rifle from either of these guys but have talked to both about having a rifle done, they were both very quick to respond and answer my questions. You can't go wrong with either one you choose.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Snipedogg</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Posts like these are just like Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge.

Both of us build great sticks. Mike builds great stuff. We build Great Stuff. The Shops that build junk dont stay arround very long. Were in our 13th year and we get better every year.

You wont be disapointed with either of 2 you mentioned.

APA, ROSCOE, TACOPS, KMW Etc all do great work as well. </div></div>

How many places can you see guys in business against each other and speak so highly of each other? It doesn't happen much these days. I've not used a rifle from either of these guys but have talked to both about having a rifle done, they were both very quick to respond and answer my questions. You can't go wrong with either one you choose. </div></div>

Isn't that good business? Who wants to buy anything from a trash talker?
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Posts like these are just like Ford vs Chevy vs Dodge.</div></div>

George, you nailed the "X" ring with that statement...............again.

To the OP, I've spoken with both of these men over the phone talking shop and such and can tell you this, both have very high expectations of the rifles they build and have very strict practices while in the shop behind the machines.

There's been numerous post showing excellent groups fired from rifles built from both shops. There's always going to be that "He's the best" post or thread but, at the end of the day it boils down to who you feel best about. Trust your gut. Neither will do wrong by you or deliver a second rate product.

It's great to see all of those supporting their "favorite" smith and keeping our shooting sports alive. Good luck with your choice but, you'll be in good hands either way.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

With two absolute professionals such as George and Mike ,the question is not which one will I buy. It is which one will I buy FIRST! Because one of each will wind up in my collection.I acquired a second hand GAP, so now it is time for a Skunkworks Recon.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

I have had a GAP Crusader for a couple years that is absolutely perfect as far as I can tell. They were great to deal with.

Another that has not been mentioned is Short Action Customs. I got a full build back from Mark a few weeks ago. The fit, finish, and function is right up there with my GAP. The accuracy is just as good also.

I would hate to have to give up either.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

I have to agree with George and Roscoe. I speak to both of them somewhat regularly and recently saw George and Moon at Rifles Only. George also took me on a tour of his shop and he definitely has this business figured out. Every builder makes their own mark, but at the end of the day you'd be hard pressed to be dissatisfied with anyone George mentioned....
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

I have spoke with a few of these gunsmith's recently. They all seem to be excellent. For me it's about lead time. They all do great work. UGSW has the best lead time so I think thats is who I am going with. Still waiting to hear back from one smith.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

Neither!!! I have a friend who has a friend with a new set of files, a hammer, and 2 hacksaws. He even uses cardboard strips on the jaws of his vise and all his pipewrenches have the teeth filed down so as not to mar finishes. He custom makes stocks too, if you are interested
grin.gif

PM me for the # I don't want to get him too buisy to keep my lead times down.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

George that was a parlor trick, say something nice so now he has to go with you!
smile.gif
This forum is blessed with quit a few fine very fine smiths. At the end of the day most all the sticks are going to out shoot us! I choose APA for my build why... I always wanted one? Then I could get one and its been nothing but good all the way, but I'm sure you wouldn't get any less for the rest! You know would it be fun if we could get a gun form each smith in .308 made to same specs shoot it in a tunnel in a machine rest just to see what happend!?! Just sayin wouldn't it be fun? The big name boys puttin out there in a controlled set of specs just to see??? I bet .1's and .0 would be all over the place.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cegorach</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mike at Skunkworks is absolutely stellar to deal with and his attention to detail is immaculate. He also has a lot of very nice and innovative products, with several that you won't find anywhere else. You won't go wrong with one of his builds.</div></div>

I own a GAP SCLE, but I would nonetheless highly recommend Mike @ Skunkworks.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

I have 3 Gap rifles and they are all perfect, and will probably get a Skunkworks as soon as the funds are available. Im sure the Skunkworks will be right on par with Gap. Cant go wrong with either.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

Blonds, Redheads and Brunets, GAP, APA, LA Precision and skunk works.
I think its best not to limit one’s self, or get too tied down to one flavor of anything. Variety is the spice of life. The good news is, you can keep all of the rifles in the same safe.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Runamuk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Blonds, Redheads and Brunets, GAP, APA, LA Precision and skunk works.
I think its best not to limit one’s self, or get too tied down to one flavor of anything. Variety is the spice of life. The good news is, you can keep all of the rifles in the same safe.
</div></div>

Haaa, try that with the blonds, redheads and brunettes...
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

I have a GAP rifle i love and I'm currently getting 2 guns built by Mike at skunkworks.
I think Mike puts a little more time into hand fitting and stock prep than GAP, but each are great guns. I have never shot a Skunk gun, but I know they look pretty. Pretty doesn't win matches, if it shoots as good as it looks I will be a happy guy.
I will give a full review of both my guns he's building now. They should be done in a few weeks.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downrange1x</div><div class="ubbcode-body">With two absolute professionals such as George and Mike ,the question is not which one will I buy. It is which one will I buy FIRST! Because one of each will wind up in my collection.I acquired a second hand GAP, so now it is time for a Skunkworks Recon. </div></div>

HAHA I think this is how I am thinking also!
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

I placed my order today for a new Skunkworks Recon. First custom rifle for me. Now I have to wait for it. If Mike Bush is as good at building rifles as he is with customer relations. It will be a fine rifle
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

i have delt with gap and to say there work and customer service is great is an understatement...but as george said i wouldnt have a second thought about ordering a high dollar stick from any of the smiths he stated...you really cant go wrong any way you go
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

Unfortunately, I've only had dealings with GA Precision. I say "unfortunately", because I've not had the ability to gather the money to try others as well. And that is "unfortunate", as only 'well-rounded and experienced' opinions are valid in this dogfight.

And my opinion is soley biased on the one perspective. Which is excellent, and I've no reason to want another rifle because this one does all that I ask of it.

In that caliber, of course.

Now when I'm wanting ANOTHER caliber, (who isn't?) then I'll be looking for another rifle, to which I have a spectrum of offerings to choose from. But that all will take MONEY that I don't have at the moment, which brings us right back to the beginning of,,,, this is UNFORTUNATE.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

I've never dealt with GAP at all, but I've read a ton of good things about them. I'm sure you would be happy with them and get a great shooting rifle.

I've also read nothing but good things about Skunkworks and I recently chose to have them build me a rifle. I can honestly say that Mike has been beyond great to deal with and I'm very happy with my decision. I should have the rifle fairly soon and I'm sure I will be very happy with it.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

I am in the process of getting three of the four mentioned above on this thread to build me a rifle. I presently have a GAP M40A3, I am having an Underground Skunkworks (Mike Bush) Perseus completed, and a 223 being built by Mark Gordon at Short Action Customs. I have spent time with the three builders on the phone deciding on builds and I can say all three are class acts as represented from the above statements. You will not go wrong with any of builders that you see around this forum. Any of these rifles will with stand hard work put on them.
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tom Olson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know for me, it wont be GAP, called twice and e-mailed twice about a build and no response. </div></div>

Tom, not sure why your email is not getting through as I dont see any emails from you either new or old. As far as the phone call goes, Karrey gets about 40-50 a day and returns the messages in order recieved, the hollidays have us a little backed up but we always return the calls withen 5 or so buisness days. If you want you can email me direct or on here

[email protected]
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would say GAP and not as a reflection of Skunkworks or Mike, but for the fact that all I shoot are GAP rifles and with very good reason. </div></div>GAP built you a TRG? Just playin'...
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bm11</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would say GAP and not as a reflection of Skunkworks or Mike, but for the fact that all I shoot are GAP rifles and with very good reason. </div></div>GAP built you a TRG? Just playin'...</div></div>

We installed a Muzzle break on it !! LOL
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tom Olson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know for me, it wont be GAP, called twice and e-mailed twice about a build and no response. </div></div>

Tom, not sure why your email is not getting through as I dont see any emails from you either new or old. As far as the phone call goes, Karrey gets about 40-50 a day and returns the messages in order recieved, the hollidays have us a little backed up but we always return the calls withen 5 or so buisness days. If you want you can email me direct or on here

[email protected] </div></div>
The e-mails were sent to/thru your business e-mail address, messages were to anyone in sales. No worries, I'm going to SHOT before I decide on a builder
 
Re: Skunkworks or GAP?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tom Olson</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tom Olson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know for me, it wont be GAP, called twice and e-mailed twice about a build and no response. </div></div>

Tom, not sure why your email is not getting through as I dont see any emails from you either new or old. As far as the phone call goes, Karrey gets about 40-50 a day and returns the messages in order recieved, the hollidays have us a little backed up but we always return the calls withen 5 or so buisness days. If you want you can email me direct or on here

[email protected] </div></div>
The e-mails were sent to/thru your business e-mail address, messages were to anyone in sales. No worries, I'm going to SHOT before I decide on a builder</div></div>

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