New Location for Underground Skunkworks

[BlackOps Tech]

The time has come for Underground Skunkworks to move! (I'd rather take a beating than move, but I can't put it off any longer). We've moved a good portion of non-essential "stuff" as we're working to stay as operational as possible (in an effort to not grossly effect delivery times) and we'll start moving machines on December 15th.

Of course the reason for moving is to add floor space, so what does one normally do with more floor space? Fill it up of course....I'll be bringing in more machines and people and of course, the development will continue.

The new address and shop number is:

196 Sunrise Creek Loop
Suite 55
Columbia Falls, MT 59912
(406)892-1850 (V&F)

The e-mail address and website will remain the same.

Once we get the machines re-located and powered up, it'll take us a few days to build benches, route air lines and get inventory, tooling, etc. in place and then it'll be back to work on the backlog. During this process, I won't be as available as I normally am, but I'll be back on-line after the bulk of the move-in is completed.

The current Underground Skunkworks tactical bolt action product line/packages will remain the same, and the move will greatly benefit the delivery of the rimfire rifles/actions and shotgun packages as well. We'll also be introducing our line of hunting rifle packages under the name of WildCall Custom Rifles (Underground Skunkworks owns WildCall Custom Rifles) with our own actions and will continue to offer our SCOUT Rifles and Custom Lever Guns. WildCall Custom Rifles will deliver the same 1:1 fit and finish/build quality as Underground Skunkworks and I'll have the WildCall Custom website up and running after the first of the year.

We appreciate your patience with us through this process and will work to keep the down-time as short as possible.

 

[SDWhirlwind]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Does this mean you are closer to the Night Owl to get your ribs faster???

Can't imagine the hassle of moving numerous machines and supplying power etc. My SB Heavy 10L was bad enough for me and that tain't squat compared to what you have. What has it been, just a yr???

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SDWhirlwind</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does this mean you are closer to the Night Owl to get your ribs faster???

Can't imagine the hassle of moving numerous machines and supplying power etc. My SB Heavy 10L was bad enough for me and that tain't squat compared to what you have. What has it been, just a yr??? </div></div>

I'm actually moving further away from the ribs and closer to the brick-oven pizza.

The move from AZ was much worse (it took months) but the move around the corner is bad enough. I have some new CNC machines (lathe, three axis mill) coming in after the first of the year, so I'll stay put as long as I can after this one....

 

[shadysmitty]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Hope the weather holds up for your move and congrats, on the floor space. The SPS package that you did for me still turns
heads and get praises everytime I take her out.

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shadysmitty68</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hope the weather holds up for your move and congrats, on the floor space. The SPS package that you did for me still turns
heads and get praises everytime I take her out.

</div></div>

Thanks Patrick. There's enough snow on the ground now that I'm having to use a Gradall to carry the machines around.

Glad to hear you're enjoying the SPS. Be sure to shoot it to death and we'll take it to the next level when the time is right....

 

[300sniper]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

good luck with the move mike. looking forward to seeing what you come out with in '11.

 

[BIGGLEE0351]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Mike, just looked at your website and I must say you guys have an impressive lineup of bullet launchers. I think I'll be giving you a ring tomorrow to spec out an Infidel. Thanks, Lee

 

[chawk]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Mike,

I thought we agreed that you couldn't move until after my rifle is finished? Seriously though, congrats on the growth of your business and the added sq ft. You run your business well.

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BIGGLEE0351</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> Mike, just looked at your website and I must say you guys have an impressive lineup of bullet launchers. I think I'll be giving you a ring tomorrow to spec out an Infidel. Thanks, Lee </div></div>

Thanks Lee....I should be available most of the day....If you get my VM, leave a message and I'll get back to you pretty quickly....

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 300sniper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">good luck with the move mike. looking forward to seeing what you come out with in '11. </div></div>

Thanks Rob, Much appreciated....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: chawk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mike,
I thought we agreed that you couldn't move until after my rifle is finished? Seriously though, congrats on the growth of your business and the added sq ft. You run your business well. </div></div>

Thanks Chris....I plan to be in touch soon after the move, as yours is pretty close....Still waiting for my production run of DBM's....

 

[dkw3]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Wow Mike, you don't let any grass grow under your feet. Good luck with the move and try to enjoy Christmas. Can't wait until my Recon is ready.

 

[holy cow]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Good luck with the move and glad to see business is going great for you. I am always looking forward to seeing the new stuff and products you come out with. Sounds like the new year coming up is going to be a good 1 with more new stuff.

 

[Cegorach]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Great to hear your business is doing well, best of luck with the move.

 

[buckey]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Congrats on the new shop!! Don't forget to post pics so we can where you "mad scientists" do your work.

 

[JSTARSZ]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Mike, I wish you all the best of luck with the new facility and I am glad to see that you are expanding your business. That speaks volumes for your innovative designs. I am really looking forward to my lefty Infidel build. I am counting the days.

 

[buckey]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

We are all counting the days - I've been counting since June. Waiting for a new toy is definetly no fun!! LOL!!

 

[ponchair]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

It was nice meeting with you at the Bash. Your rifles looked amazing, wish I could of shot one. Hope your pig shoot went well.

-Nathan

 

[Red Belly]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Mike

I was just on your website. Your "Infidel - Skunkworks Translation" definition is classic. I had a good laugh. Good luck with your move sir.

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Thanks Guys, I appreciate all the well wishes and I appreciate the patience as we get everything moved and back online. We moved the machines today and the electricians will be at the shop early tomorrow morning. The new number (406-892-1850) is up and running and we'll be building benches starting tomorrow afternoon. I plan to be operational again Friday or Saturday with the machines we have, and the CNC lathe and new mill will be showing up in a few weeks.

I missed numerous calls today while I was running the Gradall and the ones I was able to answer were rather hurried. I'll be more available on Friday as I expect the frantic tempo of the move will have settled a bit.

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

A quick update for those of you waiting for your builds to be completed. The move went well; meaning that nothing fell off the trailer and there were no mishaps with the Gradall. Machines are in place and the electrical has been done. Work benches are about 90% complete and the front office is workable, but not completely finished. I'll get the air dryer made today and we'll get the airlines plumbed through the shop.

Once this is done, I have numerous INFIDEL builds to complete (aside from the ones that have been completed and waiting to ship, and you guys know who you are) and a large backlog to get back to. I've been able to continue to get Build Sheets done and e-mailed and anyone needing to get in touch with me can call the shop directly. I plan to be back to machining and building tomorrow morning if all goes well today. Thanks for your patience guys and as usual, I'll continue to be available.

 

[holy cow]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Mike, with all the new stuff that has been coming out from your way, building rifles and the new move do you ever get any sleep? Glad to see your move is going good.

 

[syme71]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Mike is GTG. Just got an Infidel from him. He does really nice work.

 

[buckey]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Great news Mike - Can't wait for the 7MM Mag !!!

 

[holy cow]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

How about some pictures of the build. I got 2 going and i can'nt wait to just get 1 in my hands. Lets get some pictures up, i always like to admire his work ( thats called kissing ass Mike )<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: syme71</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mike is GTG. Just got an Infidel from him. He does really nice work.</div></div>

 

[sr15match]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

whoopa whoopa cracking that whip!

Keep up the good work boss!

 

[dkw3]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Mike, Just checking in to see how things are coming? Hope your able to slow down and enjoy Christmas.

 

[rdgshooteer]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Mike, Congrats on the move I know its been along time coming. Hope you and yours enjoy the holiday season.

 

[Downrange1x]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Mike how about a move in special on a Recon? These are the wickedest platforms I have come across!About ready to sell off a couple to acquire one. Good luck on the move and Merry Christmas!

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dan Tucker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mike, with all the new stuff that has been coming out from your way, building rifles and the new move do you ever get any sleep? Glad to see your move is going good. </div></div>

Thanks Dan and there's not normally a lot of time dedicated to sleep. Hopefully that changes soon


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: syme71</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mike is GTG. Just got an Infidel from him. He does really nice work. </div></div>

Thanks Al and glad you're satisfied with your INFIDEL.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Buckey</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Great news Mike - Can't wait for the 7MM Mag !!! </div></div>

It's getting closer everyday Jeff....Thanks and Merry Christmas....

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sr15match</div><div class="ubbcode-body">whoopa whoopa cracking that whip!

Keep up the good work boss! </div></div>

Will do Todd and travel safe on your way home for leave. Thanks for your service and I wish you and Tammy a Merry Christmas.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: D Keefer Wetzler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mike, Just checking in to see how things are coming? Hope your able to slow down and enjoy Christmas. </div></div>

Thanks Keefer....Things are moving along pretty well, but sometimes not fast enough. Still waiting for a few of the new machines to show up but all is well.

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: rdgshooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mike, Congrats on the move I know its been along time coming. Hope you and yours enjoy the holiday season. </div></div>

Thanks Dane and the possibilities abound in the new space. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and Mandy....

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Downrange1x</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Mike how about a move in special on a Recon? These are the wickedest platforms I have come across!About ready to sell off a couple to acquire one. Good luck on the move and Merry Christmas! </div></div>

Thanks DR....You have me thinking on this one and I think you should give me a call next week....

 

[Downrange1x]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Head skunk, that is an offer to good to refuse! Will be in contact this week. Thanks Kenny

 

[Marriedman1]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Dang man you just moved in...Business is good? I still havent got all my stuff going but thanks again for the Phase Converter. You get into Ms look me up lets go shoot.

 

[Oddball Six]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

What are the odds of pics in the new shop after the new equipment shows up?

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: GLOWWORM</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dang man you just moved in...Business is good? I still havent got all my stuff going but thanks again for the Phase Converter. You get into Ms look me up lets go shoot. </div></div>

How far is Brandon from Picayune?

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Oddball-Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body">What are the odds of pics in the new shop after the new equipment shows up? </div></div>

Quite possibly, but usually avoid posting pics of the shop....Good talking to you a few weeks ago, call anytime....

 

[DrDeath]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Will there be two websites now?...,one for each company!?
When will you have pics and info on your rimfires?

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DrDeath</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Will there be two websites now?...,one for each company!?
When will you have pics and info on your rimfires? </div></div>

There will be two websites that are linked and the Underground Skunkworks site will be completely re-built. There's a lot of what we do that isn't on the current Skunkworks site. We'll be adding e-Commerce to the Skunkworks site for our new Badd Azz Muzzle Brake, Shotgun Components and any number of other offerings.

Customers will be able to populate their own Build Sheets for the rifle packages (including the Rimfires) and Rifle Actions. Currently, I do each and every Build Sheet after speaking with and e-mailing every Customer. This doesn't mean that I won't be available, as anyone will be able to call and speak to me immediately (or get an almost immediate response via e-mail).

We'll handle WildCall Custom Hunting Rifles in the same way and the site will be linked through the Underground Skunkworks Site. I'll be introducing our line of WildCall Custom Hunting Packages (to include a Dangerous Game Rifle) and we'll continue to offer our Custom Lever Guns, SCOUT Rifles and a New Predator Shotgun. All of this will take some time to complete, as I'm currently still bringing on new people.

I have a few more things in the hopper as well, but I'm not quite ready to release the info, as the info I've listed here is a snap-shot of things to come in the New Year, but it's also things (hunting rifles, lever guns, etc) we've done in the past under a different name.

 

[holy cow]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Can't wait to see what you have going on for us gun junkies. Did you get your bottom metal squared away and back yet and Happy New Year.

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dan Tucker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Can't wait to see what you have going on for us gun junkies. Did you get your bottom metal squared away and back yet and Happy New Year. </div></div>

The DBM for the SA is finished and in production and I expect the first article run to be completed within the next week. The pre-load is included in the first article run, so your KUKRI will have the pre-load built into the DBM. No rattling magazines in Skunkworks builds....

I'll be continuing development on the LA and Winchester/FN DBM as well. I have a lot of catching up to do, so I'll probably be finished with DBM's completely by the beginning of Q3, 2011.

 

[holy cow]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

SWEET, sounds like it is not to far down the road that the Kukri with all the extra goodies on it is going to get a good work out. I am looking forward to seeing how it all comes together. Got lots of people down my way waiting to see it also. I am going to have to sit tight for awhile and wait till the rest of your stuff comes out, don't want to jump the gun until i can see the other options.

 

[sideshowbob]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

I just noticed that you make custom lever guns. I don't see that on your website. Do you have any pics or a price sheet of the stuff you can do to a lever gun?

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Bob,
I haven't completed the website yet, but here is the list of mods performed to the Marlin Lever Gun:

•Shorten and re-crown barrel at 16.5"
•Shorten magazine tube if required
•Custom LPA ghost ring sight system with single post front sight
•Premium quality dovetail fill to replace factory rear sight
•Custom enlarged lever loop
•Smooth all ports, inside and out
•Modify loading gate for easier loading & unloading
•Extensive action smoothing
•Stainless steel follower
•Trigger job with DRC trigger
•Bobbed hammer
•Pachmayr Decelerator recoil pad
•Custom leather butt-cuff ammunition carrier
•Custom padded "Slimline" leather sling
•Complete action dehorning
•Satin matte metal prep and bluing

We do a lot of 45-70's and have performed the same mods on the pistol calibers as well. Of course, the 30-30 has been a big hit. Give me a call or shoot me an e-mail and we can discuss pricing....Thanks....

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Dan Tucker</div><div class="ubbcode-body">SWEET, sounds like it is not to far down the road that the Kukri with all the extra goodies on it is going to get a good work out. I am looking forward to seeing how it all comes together. Got lots of people down my way waiting to see it also. I am going to have to sit tight for awhile and wait till the rest of your stuff comes out, don't want to jump the gun until i can see the other options. </div></div>

Sounds good Dan....I had the BAT action in my hands for a little while today as well. Looks like it'll move along with the KUKRI and they'll finish at pretty close to the same time....

 

[holy cow]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Oh shit, mamas going to be jealous with me not paying much attention to her for awhile. I will really be looking forward to using your action and the Bat action and checking out the differences. The only thing i would have changed on the Bat knowing now is to not have had the pic rail machined into it. I guess it can go both ways. Next build will be 1 of your actions again, I like the option of the 2 different mags. Could i get that action with a built in recoil lug instead of being pinned on. Would that be doable or not. Thought about doing a switch barrel varmint rifle and it is nice not having the lug up front.

 

[tundramuscle03]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Know you've been busy Mike, how's the progress on the Jaeger going?

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Ed,
The reamer that we discussed is being made and I hope to see it pretty soon. Everything else is set to go....Thanks and give me a call if you'd like more details....

 

[tundramuscle03]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Awesome!!! Will do Mike!

 

[BlackOps Tech]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EdMP3006</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Awesome!!! Will do Mike! </div></div>

The reamer came in on Saturday and headspace gauges are far out....

 

[primer]

Re: New Location for Underground Skunkworks

Best of luck with your new location! Glad to see your not far from my retirement pad in Whitehall...I've been thinking about a left handed 338 build, and love the look of some of your rifles.