Question for Gradous rifle owners

[KevinSC]

Hello all,

I've been reading this forum for the last couple of years, however i'm new to posting.

Back at the beginning of September, i made the trek down to Georgia and dropped off all of the components for Mr. Gradous to build me a 6.5 Creedmor. I chose him solely in part because of all the great things that i've read about him and his services from other members of this forum.

He was a pleasure to deal with up front, and welcomed me into his shop like he knew me forever. With all that being said, for those of you that have had a rifle built by him...what kind of build time frames did you all have? I will unfortunately not be able to participate in the build, and Mr. Gradous has instructed me to call from time to time just so he can hear my name (lol, his words). I guess i'm just looking to see what kind of experiences the rest of you had with him. I don't want to call and bother him, even though he insists that i do so.

Thanks in advance,

Kevin

 

[DHDeal]

Re: Question for Gradous rifle owners

Do what the man says.

All kidding aside, Robert will get it built when it gets built. It will be a shooter, and it will be right. Plan on shooting it there as I am sure you noticed his shootin' shack.

My rifle from Robert has about 2000 rounds through it and shoots better than when I got it home. Mine got put together pretty quick, but I understand he is busy as hell right now. That is the nature of being a one man show I suppose.

Patience is a bitch ain't it.

 

[Katahdin]

Re: Question for Gradous rifle owners

I sent my parts to him last year right after Thanksgiving, I received my completed rifle the first part of May. I would give it about six months, especially with the holidays approaching. I know it is cliche but it will definitely be worth the wait.

 

[KevinSC]

Re: Question for Gradous rifle owners

Thanks for the replies. I knew it wouldn't be a quick turnaround, and I don't mind the wait. I just wanted to get some kind of idea of how long it might take because he never gave a timeframe. He is definitely a top notch guy, and his shop and facilities are off the chart. I'm looking forward to it.

 

[ZLBubba]

Re: Question for Gradous rifle owners

The best answer is exactly what Robert told you: give him a call and ask. If you dropped off the components in September, then you're only a couple months in to whatever lead time there might be. Maybe you're toward the front, maybe you're not. Either way, the rifle will be done when it's done. Just a recommendation though: whenever you're getting a rifle built, simply ask beforehand for a wild-ass guess about when it might be finished, then manage your expectations from there.

One of the toughest parts of this sport is being patient enough to let the good smiths build your rifle. When you get it, you'll understand why Robert's work is in high demand, and held in high regard.

 

[KevinSC]

Re: Question for Gradous rifle owners

Thanks for the reply. I did ask upfront, but Mr. Gradous is pretty adamant about not giving build times. I can respect that, and will wait like a kid waiting for Santa Claus

 

[andrews1958]

Re: Question for Gradous rifle owners

Believe me it is worth the wait. He is a true perfectionist and the best around for building an accurate rifle.