I found Robert Gradous of "Gradous Rifles" a few years ago while searching for a new rifle smith. He has helped me with several rifles and I have always been very pleased with his work. My last build was my favorite because of the experience. I ended up with a new Remington 5R and it shot 3/4 to 1 MOA depending on the ammunition, but I was not happy with it. I got in touch with Robert and we lined up a time to meet on my next leave; he wanted me to come in and help with the build. We, and I use "we" loosely, trued the action; I promised the next action would be a Surgeon. Then cut, crowned, and chambered a Broughton 1:12 barrel. Next we coated all the metal with Cerakote, then bedded the barreled action into the stock. We then topped it off with a Nightforce NXS 5.5-20x50. The build has increased my understanding of internal ballistics dramatically. Seeing and understanding how all of the different components work together through every step of the progress has helped with my overall understanding of the rifle. As much as I enjoyed the build, going to the range was just as fun. As I only had a short time at home I did not have time to develop a load. I went out to my range with a bunch of Fed. GM 168gr. With a half dozen rounds I had my 100 yard zero. I shot groups at 100, 300, and 600 with very little cleaning and virtually no "break in". The groups at all ranges averaged well into the .3s. To say I was happy with this performance from a Remington action, factory ammo, and going straight to the range would be an understatement. My next trip back home I will try to get some pics of the rifle and the targets posted. I highly recommend Gradous for a build and suggest asking about participating if you have the time. It certainly makes a great shooting rifle even more enjoyable.
