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custom bolt action Gunsmiths?

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Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jun 11, 2012
711
3
32
Hello!

Im going to sell my rifle and build another custom one.

Im looking for a VERY good gunsmith to build me a custom surgeon action rifle. Im not looking to go with GA precision and wait 8-12 months, id like it to be ready for next seasons deer season so 6 months max. I would like this .308 to shoot 1/4 MOA, who comes to mind?
 
Re: custom bolt action Gunsmiths?

Chad Dixon, Longrifles inc. Look at the build threads on the GS sub forum. Might not make your time frame however. Other great smiths here as well. All busy and all have variable waits
 
Re: custom bolt action Gunsmiths?

I'm sure many smiths are qualified for this, but the only one I personally know that CAN/WILL deliver what you're asking for is Mark Gordon of Short Action Customs, though your timeline may be tight.
 
Re: custom bolt action Gunsmiths?

Dixon? I sent my 700 to him for action/bolt truing barrel threading both ends and fluting...he got it last Monday, it's on its way back as we speak. I should be shooting it this weekend.

If you don't want to go 700, you could find your own action, barrel and send it off.

If you want custom...Bernard may be a way to go. Don't recall the wait but from what I recall, they're reasonable.
http://www.chesebrorifles.com/Barnard-Precision-Action-Bernard-Actions.htm

MT guns has the prices. (now sold by Cheesebro)

http://www.mtguns.com/prod01.htm

http://www.chesebrorifles.com/Barnard-Precision-Action-Bernard-Actions.htm
 
Re: custom bolt action Gunsmiths?

Definitly give Mark a call at Short Action Customs, he carries alot of stuff in stock and might be able too hook you up fast. GAP occasionally throws a rifle on their "Rifles ready to ship" section on their website, as does Surgeon, so if you need it quick check there, or buy used here on the Hide and know you are getting a used rifle, but one the builders will stand by incase you ever need anything.
 
Re: custom bolt action Gunsmiths?

+1 for Chad Dixon at Long Rifles inc. His attention to detail and knowledge is second to none, and he is always willing to take the time to answer questions and discuss ideas. I sent him a rifle for a total rebuild; blueprint action, rebarrel, flute bolt, new trigger and bottom metal, and repaint the stock. Only took him eleven days, and not only does it print tiny groups but my buddies all drool over the thing.
 
Re: custom bolt action Gunsmiths?

While I don't claim to be an expert in these matters, I think long wait times for a custom build are oftentimes due to a long wait for parts from their suppliers(stocks, barrels, actions). I would ask a builder before I commit, but I suspect most custom builders spoken of here on the hide could get it done well within 6 months if you provided the parts.

1/4 MOA rifles are not all that common. Less common still are builders that will guarantee that. It's not so much lack of faith in their product as it is lack of faith in the shooter. Read many posts here on the hide and it seems all rifles are capable of 1/2 or sub MOA performance. At F-class matches I've been to, I see very few of them. I must admit, however, I attend "local" matches and am not shooting with "world class" competitors.
 
Re: custom bolt action Gunsmiths?

I recently walked through Benchmark Barrels' shop as I was thinking of having them do a build for me. Their craftsmanship is unbelievable. Their attention to details and QC is top notch, as with the other smiths listed here. If I didn't have a smith to do my build picked out yet (benchmark ;)) I would just called all the notable smiths and compare services to price to timeline and make the best decision available. They'll all shoot great.
 
Re: custom bolt action Gunsmiths?

My three builders will be: Robert Gradous, Chad Dixon, and Mike at TacOps in no particular order.

Gradous and Chad probably have the lower waits as Mike's builds seem to take a considerably long amount of time (and for good reason, just look at the test targets). However all three will make excellent rifles as well as most others referenced.
 
Re: custom bolt action Gunsmiths?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rtc111</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What about greg Young at Southern Precision Rifles?

jon Beanland? </div></div>

2 very good choices right there.
 
Re: custom bolt action Gunsmiths?

I just got a rifle back from Benchmark. I second the build quality and the lead time should definetly make your deer hunting season.

I shot a match less than 1 month after getting my rifle back and took 1st place at the rifles very match. I have gained alot of trust in Benchmark Barrels, in all facets........barrel quality, gunsmithing, qa/qc, and lead times.

Matt