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Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

caseys2023

caseys2023

Private
Minuteman
Jan 13, 2009
19
0
45
Watertown, NY
#1
I have heard of some of the great builder's of custom rifle's out there, but am looking for a list because I can only remember one which is A.J Brown. I know there are more gunsmith's out there like this, so I am trying to find some more.

Anyone know of gunsmith's like this who are going to build a great rifle?

Thanks a lot,
M_M
 
#7
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

Many smiths kind of specialize in "niche" rifle building... Some hunting rifles, some Ar's, some bench rest, and some tactical...etc.... Think you'd need to quantify your question with a more specific sub-category....
 
#8
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 9secondsflat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">best of the best is wide open....best for benchrest???, cowboy action, long range 1000 yard???</div></div>


Well let's see here; what kind of forum are we in... I haven't seen very much benchrest or cowboy shooter's in here. Let me take a shot at the duck in the dark and say this is a forum that is predominantly tactical? Am I right? So yes; I am inquiring about a tactical rifle.

As far as George and GAP; have no problem's with him, his rifle's or their performance. There are builder's out there that go above and beyond what your going to get from GAP. Someone in here will know what I am inquiring.

M_M

 
#9
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

Ugh, my tolerance for internet speak is usually pretty high, but dude, for the sake of *all* of us:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostrophe
wink.gif
wink.gif
wink.gif
 
#10
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mountain_Man</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 9secondsflat</div><div class="ubbcode-body">best of the best is wide open....best for benchrest???, cowboy action, long range 1000 yard???</div></div>


Well let's see here; what kind of forum are we in... I haven't seen very much benchrest or cowboy shooter's in here. Let me take a shot at the duck in the dark and say this is a forum that is predominantly tactical? Am I right? So yes; I am inquiring about a tactical rifle.

As far as George and GAP; have no problem's with him, his rifle's or their performance. There are builder's out there that go above and beyond what your going to get from GAP. Someone in here will know what I am inquiring.

M_M

</div></div>
From what I have heard and seen about George and GAP, it doesn't sound like he could do anymore. Not sure what you could mean by above and beyond?
 
#13
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

You’re asking a question that has an answer driven by the "Popularity Contest" syndrome. The "Best Gunsmith" is a broad title. Any quality smith worth his salt can build a BR Rifle, Tactical Rifle and or just a plain Jane Hunting Rifle.

This will turn in to one of those mine is better than yours post. Good Luck
 
#14
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Buckey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Please inform us who goes above and beyond...............?? </div></div>

Linda Lovelace did
wink.gif
 
#15
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mountain_Man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have heard of some of the great builder's of custom rifle's out there, but am looking for a list because I can only remember one which is A.J Brown. I know there are more gunsmith's out there like this, so I am trying to find some more.

Anyone know of gunsmith's like this who are going to build a great rifle?

Thanks a lot,
M_M </div></div>
Read <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">The .25 moa rifle</span></span> posted by <span style="font-weight: bold">Tactical</span>.

Keith
 
#16
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Buckey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Please inform us who goes above and beyond...............?? </div></div>

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tactical</div><div class="ubbcode-body">AJ Brown is a Snipers Hide Member and he probably knows more about building rifles than most smiths combined. </div></div>

And of course there are to other builder's out there, both named Mike that guarentee their rifle's will hold a .25 moa guaretee.

But I have heard thing's about Mr.Brown's rifle's are really something special...

M_M
 
#17
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Aries64</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mountain_Man</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have heard of some of the great builder's of custom rifle's out there, but am looking for a list because I can only remember one which is A.J Brown. I know there are more gunsmith's out there like this, so I am trying to find some more.

Anyone know of gunsmith's like this who are going to build a great rifle?

Thanks a lot,
M_M </div></div>
Read <span style="font-weight: bold"><span style="font-style: italic">The .25 moa rifle</span></span> posted by <span style="font-weight: bold">Tactical</span>.

Keith </div></div>

Thanks Keith
wink.gif


Been there, read that. I KNOW there are other amazing gunsmith's out there, but I can't remember any of the damn names.

M_M
 
#18
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

I will put one of my personal built rifles up against anybodys as I know that theirs nothing left to make it more accurate , it would boil down to the quality of the barrel.

If I can't do the work myself I have Nathan Dagley of Strait Shot Gunsmithing do it as I'm comfortable with his work. If I build an all out F-class gun I'll likely have Don Geraci build it as I think their is some sort of magic with his 6x47 Lapua reamer.

I'm sure that their are a dozen guys that come here who are capible of building you a rifle that will shoot circles around your abilities , some have already chimed in.
I have also had work done by what was said to be the best and I was greatly dissapointed.
 
#22
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would put on the short list.

Alan Warner
Dave Tooley
Greg Tannel
Terry Cross

There lots of great smiths out there.
</div></div>

Hows that for word from the horses mouth. It speaks well that a prominent plumber will reccomend other than himself. Then again George is purely top shelf anyhow so...... Jered Joplin is also way tight on his sticks.

Cheers,

Doc
 
#27
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

i have a patriot arms 308, and a gap 308. i prefer my patriot, but the quality and accuracy are the same between the two.

i have never owned a terry cross rifle, but have shot a couple and love them.

you really cant go wrong with those three.

bench
 
#28
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mike Hull</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Timberwolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll put R&D Prec rifles up against them all. And you can't beat Randy's customer service and attention to the customers wants and needs. </div></div>


+1. This can't be overstated. Terry Cross is right up there too. </div></div>
++
 
#29
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Buckey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Here we go............................................. </div></div>

Man get the fuck out of here if you don't like it. Sick of whining crying babies like your stupid ass. If you don't like my thread, pick your H.A.D.D ass up, and go read something else.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: doc76251</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A10XRIFLE</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would put on the short list.

Alan Warner
Dave Tooley
Greg Tannel
Terry Cross

There lots of great smiths out there.
</div></div>

Hows that for word from the horses mouth. It speaks well that a prominent plumber will reccomend other than himself. Then again George is purely top shelf anyhow so...... Jered Joplin is also way tight on his sticks.

Cheers,

Doc </div></div>

Thanks Doc and 10X, this is exactly what I was looking for; great news. I like to read up on people like this. A couple of those name's ring a bell. It's been a long time since I looked in to building a rifle and thing's change so fast.

Thanks a million,
M_M
 
#32
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

Maybe we should have a rifle build off compition like they do for the bikes? It could be a anual compitition. Although I think you would run out of things to do? And how would you judge it? With a caliper and mic?
 
#34
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

Another plug for Jered and Dave at Patriot Arms. I suggest calling and talking to each shop still accepting builds. That easily made my decision.

http://www.patriotarmsinc.com/default.aspx

+10000
And of course there are to other builder's out there, both named Mike that guarentee their rifle's will hold a .25 moa guaretee.

But I have heard thing's about Mr.Brown's rifle's are really something special...

M_M
My Patriot is held to a 1/2moa but it will shoot .25moa. Remember not all people can take a rifle and have the skills to shoot it .25moa all day long. Just because the gunsmith claims it doesnt mean you can shoot it.

The question you asked is very broad and most likly will start a pissing match between people. Everyone got their own smith's that they buy off of. A Gap rifle is up their in quality and accuracy and will shoot more accuratly than 99% of the people shooting them. And the same goes for Terry Cross and Jered at Patriot Arms.

However coming off like this......... Will likly get you no help in answering your questions in the future.
Man get the fuck out of here if you don't like it. Sick of whining crying babies like your stupid ass. If you don't like my thread, pick your H.A.D.D ass up, and go read something else.


 
#35
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

marku,

That is exactly what I meant when I said here we go.....

I was trying to let M_M know that eveyone has their go to smith and that such a broad post would start a pissing match - no doubt. The "mine is better than yours" syndrome that is stirred up in posts like this.

As far as his message to me - no big deal,it doesn't bother me.

PS:

M_M - one guy that I heard is very particular and builds a hell of a rifle is Bob Gradous. I think a few guys on here have had rifles built by him.
 
#36
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

First, define above and beyond. Take rifles from all the guys that has already been listed and set a bunch of shooters behind them and shoot them in the field. When all is said and done, and you just go and check the targets, I'll be you won't be able to tell which rifle did what.

Now you might prefer how one rifle shoots or feel while you're behind it and if that's the case, that should be the one you should pick. If anyone here will tell you that a rifle from any one of the listed smiths as being clearly superior to the others, he probably hasn't tried all of the other rifles.
 
#38
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: toddconley</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Maybe we should have a rifle build off compition like they do for the bikes? It could be a anual compitition. Although I think you would run out of things to do? And how would you judge it? With a caliper and mic?
</div></div>

That wouldn't work 'cause the builders would give it their all on that one rifle. While any builder should be able to build a top notch rilfe, some shovel shit out the door on a regular basis. The smiths that don't let a rifle that is less than 100% right leave the shop are the ones that should be considered "best of the best."

There are more than a few out there that run their operation like that. Perfect product everytime, no matter how long it takes.
 
#39
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

Who has built the US Palma Team rifles for the last 2 decades??
Alan Warner
Who manufactures the finest rear open sight in this free world??
Alan Warner

Thank You Alan & Dan for builds/sights that are second to none!!

I'm not prejudice-
I started from the top & don't need to seek other's services.
 
#41
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

I usually build my own, probably a good thing cuz I might be a 'smiths nightmare. I piss myself off with my last minute tweaks and changes. But if I were to have someone build a rifle for me, Warner would be near the top for belly bench or target, Hongisto for 22rf builds, tactical and hunting I'd go GAP, TC, Patriot, Pete the piggie poacher over in sausageland, Brock and Norris in the UK.
 
#43
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

this is like a snake eating its tail. some are kept secret, some dont want to be known, some, like ted yost, rarely build rifles anymore. asking for the "best" just doesnt work. use the search function, look at the rifle porn, call 'em all and ask questions. go with the one who's style, personality, and references meet your needs--cam
 
#44
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

Baer Custom Rifles
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (717) 349-4077
http://www.baercustomrifles.com or
http://www.geocities.com/cmsad1/BAER.htm

Leonard Baity
2623 Boone Trail
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
Phone: (336) 667-8785
Email: [email protected]

Bat Machine Co. (Tom Dixon)
11550 N. Bruss Rd.
Rathdrum, ID 83858
Phone: (208) 687-0341 (3pm - 5pm PST)
http://www.batmachine.com

Rick Beginski
10132 63rd PL. W
Mukilteo, WA 98275
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (425) 349-5043 (Local Clients Only)
(Smithed 3 of Top 10 LG at 2004 1K Nat'ls
and 5 NBRSA Record Guns)

Borden Rifles (Jim Borden)
RR 1 Box 250 BC
Springville, PA 18844
Phone: (570) 965-2505
http://www.bordenrifles.com

Dave Bruno
1343 Freeport Road
Cheswick, PA 15024
Phone: (724) 274-6607
Email: [email protected]
(Shortrange BR, 1K, and X-Course rifles.
Many record-setting BR rifles.)

Bryant Custom (Mike Bryant)
7761 FM 592
Wheeler, TX 79096
Phone: (806) 826-5618
http://www.bryantcustom.com

Coleman Rifles (Mickey Coleman)
778 Jasmine Hill Road
Greenville, AL 36037
Phone: (334) 382-6898
http://www.colemanrifles.com
(Great chamberer. Much 6BR experience)

Dan Dowling
Accuracy Gunsmithing
260 Road 33-1/2
Palisade, CO 81526
Phone: (970) 434-0525

Sid Goodling
1950 Stoverstown Road
Spring Grove, PA 17362
Phone: (717) 225-3350 (9am - 5pm EST)
http://goodlingrifles.com
(Fine smith, much in demand by top 6PPC
and 30BR shooters)

G.A. Precision Rifles LLC. (George Gardner)
1209 Swift Street
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Phone: (816) 221-1844 (0900-1800 CST)
http://www.gaprecision.com
(Custom Tactical and Long-range match rifles. Top choice for mag-fed match guns, F-TR.)

GO Precision (Gary Ocock)
15231 W. Gelding Dr
Surprise, AZ 85379
Phone: (623) 398-8337 (9-5 mostly)
Email: [email protected]

Gre-Tan (Greg Tannel)
29742 W. C. R. 50
Kersey, CO 80644
Phone: (970) 353-6176
http://www.gretanrifles.com
(Highly skilled. Greg builds the machines
other smiths use)

Bob Green
3464 Messersmith Road
York, PA 17404
Phone: (717) 792-1069
http://greensrifles.com
email: [email protected]

Gordy's Gunsmith Shop (Gordy Gritters)
1648 Cordova Ave.
Pella, IA 50219
http://www.gordysgunsmithshop.com
e-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (641) 628-3044, FAX: (641) 628-8472
(Smithed 2005-07 IBS 1K winners, 2003-07 Iowa 1K champs, multiple F-Class and Varmint Jamboree winners.)
Clarence Hammonds
415 Greenway
Red Lion, PA 17356
Phone: (717) 244-7879
http://benchrest.com/hammonds

Kelbly's (Stolle Actions)
722 Dalton Fox Lake Road
North Lawrence, OH 44666
Phone: (330) 683-4674
http://www.kelbly.com

John King
P.O. Box 368
Kila, MT 59920
Phone: (406) 755-5352
(Has built many 6 Dashers for 1000yd,
including world record rifle)

Mark King Rifles
238 Notch Road
Duncannon, PA 17020
Phone: (717) 834-6284
(Builder of many Williamsport winners)
http://www.markkingrifles.com

LongShot Rifles (Chris Matthews)
30402 East 323rd St.
Garden City, MO 64747
Phone: (816) 773-6500
(Long-range hunting and BR rifles)
http://www.longshotrifles.com

John Myer (Custom Gunsmithing)
11876 Lord Fairfax Highway
Boyce, VA 22620
Phone: (540) 837-2598
(Smithed many East Coast 1000yd winners)

John Pierce
5122 North Grand River Ave.
Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: (517) 321-5051
(Superb custom stocks; fine machinist)
http://www.pierceengineeringltd.com.

Precision Rifle & Tool, Llc.
Pine Lake Road
Mebane, NC 27302
Phone: (336) 214-5381
http://www.precisionriflesales.com.

Dwight Scott
9244 South Clinton
Eaton Rapids, MI 48827
Phone: (517) 663-1750
(Has built scores of match-winning 6PPCs)

Clay Spencer (Spencer Rifle Barrels)
4107 Jacobs Creek Drive
Scottsville, VA 24590
Phone: (434) 293-6836 (voice/fax)
http://www.spencerriflebarrels.com

SGR Custom Rifles (Stan Ware)
31444 300th Street
Westbrook, MN 56183
Phone: (507) 274-5649
http://www.sgrcustomrifles.com

Stevens Accuracy
895 County Road 200
Brundidge, AL 36010
Phone: (334) 735-2261
http://www.stevensaccuracy.com
(Super Shoot Winner. Smith for B. Sauter.)

Tooley Custom Rifles (Dave Tooley)
3317 Candlewick Way
Gastonia, NC 28056
Phone: (704) 864-7525
Email: [email protected]

Warner Tool Company
18 Lucinda Terrace
Keene, NH 03431
Phone: (603) 352-9521
http://www.warner-tool.com
(Top Prone, Palma and F-Class builder.)

 
#45
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

This is a list I have gathered from all of your post's gent's. If there are any other great's out there fill me in and I will add them. Thanks a million so far.

<span style="color: #009900"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Random Order</span></span>
Greg Tannel
Bob Gradous
Jered Joplin
Terry Cross
Rick Beginski
Travis Redell
Mike Rescigno
AJ Brown
Nathan Dagley
Leonard Baity
Tom Dixon
Jim Borden
Dave Bruno
Mike Bryant
Mickey Coleman
Dan Dowling
Sid Goodling
Gary Ocock
Bob Green
Gordy Gritters
John King
Mark King
Chris Matthews
John Myer
John Pierce
Dwight Scott
Clay Spencer
Stan Ware

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Buckey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">marku,

That is exactly what I meant when I said here we go.....

I was trying to let M_M know that eveyone has their go to smith and that such a broad post would start a pissing
match - no doubt. The "mine is better than yours" syndrome that is stirred up in posts like this.

As far as his message to me - no big deal,it doesn't bother me.

PS:

M_M - one guy that I heard is very particular and builds a hell of a rifle is Bob Gradous. I think a few guys on here
have had rifles built by him. </div></div>
Boy did I jump the gun on this one... Me and my hot temper. Boy do I feel like an ass now... My opologies Buckey.

 
#46
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Timberwolf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'll put R&D Prec rifles up against them all. And you can't beat Randy's customer service and attention to the customers wants and needs.</div></div> +1 Randy "HateCA" Cain delivers TOP NOTCH Custom Tactical Rifles as well as GREAT CS
 
#47
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

Mike Lau at TBA also builds nice rifles. Very long wait time, customer service is a little slow due to committs with Law Enforcement and Military. I personally prefer the build quality and reliability from GA precision rifles. These rifles will take the sack off a knat and the customer service is outstanding.
 
#49
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

What EXACTLY are you trying to accomplish with this list? I truly have no horse in this race--but in the interest of clarity you need to spell out your criteria for your "List of Greats".

I note that despite numerous references in this thread, your list does not include anyone from GAP, Randy Cain or Dan/Alan Warner. Why not?

Furthermore, the list apparently contains both smiths well-known on the Hide, as well as others added to the list solely upon the reference of a single anonomyous member.

Don't get me wrong--I appreciate the effort to put together a unified list of top-notch smiths---but such a list is useless without spelling out the criteria for inclusion---or at least providing actual reviews of work performed.

While I can fully appreciate a single smith who puts out 10 BEAUTIFUL perfectly made spotless customs a year-----something should also be said for the shop that puts out several hundred if not over 1000 rifles each year that will shoot head to head with the single smith's work.
 
#50
Re: Best of the best Custom Rifle Builder's

Don't see George Gardner on that list. He deserves it as much as anyone on there.
 
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