Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Custom Rifles & Wildcats Any experience with Hill Country Rifles?

I am looking for opinions or experiences on this custom rifle maker. Has anybody ordered one of their rifles? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Also, what are some good, reputable places to shop for a custom or semi-custom rifle?

Thanks.

Jef Hicks (Celt1), Charlie Sisk. Both have websites, both post here, and both come higlhy recommended. I have not heard anything but good about Hill Country. They are only 1/2 hour away, but Jeff is building my next rifle. Befroe that, I used John Ricks, but John is on sabbatical for a while.

Blaine

gun_fever,

I'll second AFP's recommendations. Celt and Charlie are exceptional riflesmiths and are great all-around guys to through ideas at. A couple more I'd through in are Bansner's, Borden, PGW, NorCal Precision nad Kenny Jarrett.

You can always do your own piece meal deal and everyone would be more than glad to chip in with info and suggestions.

HCR has a pretty good reputation with their work and services. I have a fellow shooter that swears by their work.

Good Luck

True Eyes

I know a local shooter who sent a rifle to them for their accuracy makeover. He is pleased on all counts and I've seen some nice groups. It might be wise to figure out what it is that you want before you go shopping.

For example: some guys specialize in REALLY light rifles. Others in heavier rifles with longer barrels and accuracy as the premium. You could ask Jarret to build an ultra-ultra light and he (might) do it wheras Rifles Inc. specializes in such things. If you just want a really well done rifle of average weight and above average accuracy, any of dozens of makers will happily sign you up.

JimF

Great feedback -- I'll look into the additional custom builders recommended. Thanks. I'm really looking for a standard weight 7mm-08 that has a combination of features that are not offered by any one factory maker. I don't know exactly what I want yet so I'll be talking with custom makers for their feedback as well.

Mark Bansner also builds a great rifle, at any weight you want.

I have had Hill Country build me 2 rifles to date and one rebuilt (Arnold Arms "junk") that will now shoot 1/2" groups. I would recomend them highly to any one. Mat the sales manager for Hill Country is great to work with. I found him very helpful in the design of both my rifles. While passing through Texas, I stopped and visited their shop. I was thoroughly impressed.

I had HCR build my custom 22-250 and accurize my 7mm-08. Both rifles are awesome. They are good people and do excellent work. I also like the fact that I can drive up there in about 30 minutes.

Good Luck,

Bob

forshara -- positive feedback indeed. Thank you.

Bobcat -- your rifles are sweeeeet! thanks for posting the pics and feedback.

I am very close to going the custom route with Hill Country -- my credit card is calling my name! I must resist .... just ... a ... bit .... longer.

Gun_fever, I had them accurize one of my wifes rifles back in Nov. and I just took delivery of my 338 Win mag they twisted up for me. They did a very good job on both guns and I will use 'em again, gotta let the checking acct. heal up some first tho. I went with a synthetic stock for the 338 but they have an inhouse stockmaker that does pretty good work if you want wood. Good luck in whomever you choose, LKH

Your rifles look great! I am getting ready to have Hill Country build me a 22-250. Could you forward more info on yours?

Barrel Lenght and contour
Stock manufacuter, color and style
Scope and Bases
And last how does it shoot

THANKS

Do yourself a favor & at least talk to more than one gunsmith. Try this guy also.

John Lewis, Carolina Precision Rifles
803-827-2069

Unlike some smith's, John will listen to you!

forshara,

You bet! E-mail me: bconnell@satx.rr.com

Bob

Carolina Precision is another good choice. I just had John rebarrel another one of my custom rifle to a 358 winchester. I t came out great. John does great work and I would recomend him highly.

Over the years I usually have one custom rifle built a year and all I can say is that there are some good gunsmiths and are some that should not be in business.

You can not go wrong with either using Hill Country or Carolina Precision. Beleive me I learned the hard way