To go have him intstruct you how to build a rifle, it's 3,100$ plus the cost of parts. You lookin atleast 6-7 grand + optics cost. That's steep in anyones book.
This is only my point of view on justifying Robert�s costs for his rifles and his gunsmithing school. Also the wait time for his rifles.
CostsA Cadillac costs more than a Ford. Robert�s rifles are a Cadillac. Really they are a Rolls Royce
Do you need a Cadillac or can you get by with one with less quality and possibly precision? That is everybody�s personal choice.
Are you paying for only his name. If you are happy with your Ford probably, but then ask yourself the following and see if this changes your mind
Resale of rifles. How often do you see one of his rifles for sale and if found how long does it sit before it is sold?
Have you ever heard anything negative about Robert or the quality of his rifles
When you buy one of his rifle you know that:
His rifles are extremely well built. No short cuts to cut costs. Constructed with the finest equipment available and built by one of the knowledgeable and respected gunsmiths in today�s market
You will have no mechanical or quality problems.
Any of his rifles will shoot to bench rest standards if you do your part. One hollers are quite common
Simply Math
$1250 to build your rifle and you supply the parts
$1250/40hours= average time to build a rifle
$31.25 Robert receives per hour based on a 40hr build time
$ 4.68 =15% Average overhead for phone, consumables, insurances, shop help, answering customer questions etc.
$26.57 = An hour to have a professional build your rifle
The waitTo me, Robert�s rifles are like a fine wine. You do not make and sell one in a day. It may take months of waiting to receive perfection.
His rifle building is built on quality not quanity . Again, it all takes time. I know Robert builds everyone�s rifles under the same quality standards. So when you have a backlog and you are applying these standards everyone�s rifle it takes longer
Cost for Gunsmithing Class$1,850for 4 days lodging and 45hr/5 day class hours. (Aprx) Does not include extra free hours for all the time spent with Robert talking about rifles and the great fishing at his camp where you will be staying.
$1,800 for 4 day deer hunt in SC where Robert lives lodging included. Licence not included
http://www.deerfieldplantation.net/prices.htm used as an example
Your choice go to Robert�s class or a deer hunt
By everything I have written I think the costs for his rifle and his class is easily justified and the wait for your rifle is well worth it.
