Re: Why so many GAP Rifle's for sale
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Topstrap</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Animal</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: In2b8u</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Many people think that the Rifle or Equipment is the cure. Then they find out they shoot no better with a $3000 Gap or other Gunsmith de jour than the 400$ Savage they had to begin with. </div></div>
There is a reason why someone would pay $3000 for a custom rifle with a custom barrel over a $400 Savage. If you shot many competitions, you'd understand the difference.
I'd bet serious money that you won't see a barrel straighting device at GAP or other premier builders. But you will see one at Savage! No joke. They have a guy that places a barrel in a manual press that takes the bend out of a barrel and "eyeballs" it for straightness. I respectfully disagree with your opinion if you think a Savage compares in quality to an action that has been trued, custom cut rifled barrel properly chambered, & glassbedded in a beautiful adjustable stock.
You may have a Savage that sits in a molded piece of plastic that shoots good, but you won't see too many competitors in the winners circle shooting a Savage at many competitions...there's a reason for that. </div></div>
Maybe it's different out there on the coast but I beg to differ at least at the matches we shoot. Yes I'm sure GAP makes a very fine rifle along with a lot of other gun makers. One of our shooters has won ASC and placed second twice and another holds a World Bench Rest record for 1000 yards and we also have a LOT of custom built rifles from GAP, Kelbly and others and no they do not run away with the wins. The top seven of 10 place finishers for this years season used a Savage action with high end barrels, bottom metals, mounts, stocks and scopes.
The Savage action might not have the feel and smoothness of a custom but when it's closed and locked up they do what they are designed for and will shoot right with the customs. Not saying this to get a pissing contest going on cheap actions vs high end customs but when a particular action type holds the highest scores at these matches even against the big dollar customs then it's hard to say they aren't any good.
Back to the original question about why so many GAP rifles for sale, I think it's just a swing in our economy where some folks are laid off, or worried about their families future and might wish to unload some extras to fund other things. With that many rifles being sold there are naturally always gonna be a turnover rate that is higher than a custom builder that only builds a few each year.
I've heard nothing but good about GAP equipment from everyone that owns one we shoot with. I think everyone that is looking to buy a new gun or have one built should visit a few matches of the type they are wanting to participate in and see what is winning weekly. Those are the guns I want to use no matter if it's built on a lowly Savage action or one of the high end customs, if it's winning, then there is a reason the better shooters are using them.
Topstrap </div></div>
Topstrap, I agree that a savage action can make the footprint to a very accurate rifle, but The Animal was specifically talking about the comparison to a $400 Savage (Factory Rifle) not a built and tuned Savage. Big difference there!!
