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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 534
Campfire Regular
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OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 534 |
thinking of putting an order in for a lightweight sporter....around 7.5-8 pounds scoped with a leupold vx3 3.5-10 CDS...
Thinking a 243 or 260 REM...
WHo would you go with and why
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2006
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Its no contest, not even close - Robert Gradous all the way!!!
I've been there & done that with both of them (couple times) - Robert's work by miles blows GAP away. Robert is so paticular & obsessed with perfection its ridiculous!! He is the only one to touch your rifle - GAP is more assembly line. Robert will also help you with load development/barrel break-in, GAP won't unless you pay the $$$$.
Another thing, you can call & talk to Robert anytime - try talking to your smith at GAP after your order is place - if it happens, it'll be very brief and you'll probably get cut short.
Not here to bash GAP, just stating the facts as they occurred with me. In MY opinion, GAP is way over-rated compared to other smiths out there!!!
PM me if you want my phone # - I can go over all of this in detail!!!!!
Last edited by 300MAG; 11/07/11.
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Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,565
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 15,565 |
It is really hard to over-rate rifles that come with 1/2 MOA accuracy guaranteees (as the non-typical does), IMO.
That said, I think either would be a fine choice.......
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Joined: Sep 2008
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,171 |
It is tough to say GAP is overrated if you want an accurate rifle. They just built a 7mm-08 on my 700 resembling their non-typical and it is very much a shooter. True, if you expect to pick up the phone and speak with some one every time, there might be more accessible smiths but I did not have any issues. Most of my communication was done via email but they built a very accurate rifle at what I thought was a fair market price for a custom build. I would use them again, no questions asked.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,390
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,390 |
Its no contest, not even close - Robert Gradous all the way!!!
I've there & done that with both of them (couple times) - Robert's work by miles blows GAP away. Robert is so paticular & obsessed with perfection its ridiculous!! He is the only one to touch your rifle - GAP is more assembly line. Robert will also help you with load development/barrel break-in, GAP won't unless you pay the $$$$.
Another thing, you can call & talk to Robert anytime - try talking to your smith at GAP after your order is place - if it happens, it'll be very brief and you'll probably get cut short.
Not here to bash GAP, just stating the facts as they occurred with me. In MY opinion, GAP is way over-rated compared to other smiths out there!!!
PM me if you want my phone # - I can go over all of this in detail!!!!!
++1 on Robert.He builds an "incredable rifle" Do a search for Robert Gradous on 24hr,6mmbr, Sniper Hide, etc.. You will read nothing but the best of comments on both him and his work. PM me also if you want my phone # - I will also go over all of this in detail!!!!!
Last edited by andrews1958; 11/06/11.
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Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 28,277 |
Or.....grin
You could go with something like what I'm gonna move (sell),a
M70/Stls Stls/Fwt contour/PN 308 Hunter Edge Talley PT&G btm metal
Shoots like a fiend and is brand new and ready to ship...grin
Metal work via Redneck
PM me if you have any interest.
Dober
"True respect starts with the way you treat others, and it is earned over a lifetime of demonstrating kindness, honor and dignity"....Tony Dungy
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Joined: Apr 2003
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Apr 2003
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I cannot comment on GAP, though from what I know you will receive a first class product.
I can say Robert Gradous is outstanding in every aspect of the build. The guy really cares and is a top notch individual. I recently received my Gradous build with ammunition and have nothing but praise for Mr. Gradous. I received another custom build from a noted builder nearly same day as receiving the Gradous rifle and there is no comparison in any way between the two in regards to quality or customer service. You can't go wrong choosing Mr. Gradous to build your rifle.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512 |
I'd go w/Dober's rifle first, ready to rock and roll, and all quality parts.
If you build, I'd go w/Robert. Nothing against Gap, but Robert is a one man operation w/a keen eye to detail, no shortcuts anywhere and backs his work.
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Joined: Feb 2010
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Campfire Greenhorn
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Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 43 |
Can't say anything about Gap but I will tell you my history with Robert. I had a rifle built that wasn't perfect (no names will be mentioned) and he took that rifle and did the work that needed to be done. That said, he is current building me a 243 as we speak. He will build it right, just do a search and you will see target pictures posted for proof. He is accessible as previously mentioned. By the way, 243 was not my original caliber choice but not enough difference between what I originally wanted and the 243. This honest opinion came from Robert, but as he told me "I will build you whatever you want."
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Joined: Jan 2009
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Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 10,102 |
I'm with 300MAG. No doubt about it....Gradous all the way. Primo, Glad to hear Gradous is building you a .243, he has built me two .243's & there both tack-drivers. 1st 3 shots ever fired from new barrel/build .243win at Gradous shop 2 months ago. 40,41,42grains of IMR4350....does not matter, it shoots .250 groups.
Last edited by slg888; 11/06/11.
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Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,206 |
Robert is building my next two once the parts get here. Hopefully this winter....
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,070 |
Having experience with both, I agree with 300MAG. But never underestimate resale value, and GAP's resale quick with little discount. Its no contest, not even close - Robert Gradous all the way!!!
I've been there & done that with both of them (couple times) - Robert's work by miles blows GAP away. Robert is so paticular & obsessed with perfection its ridiculous!! He is the only one to touch your rifle - GAP is more assembly line. Robert will also help you with load development/barrel break-in, GAP won't unless you pay the $$$$.
Another thing, you can call & talk to Robert anytime - try talking to your smith at GAP after your order is place - if it happens, it'll be very brief and you'll probably get cut short.
Not here to bash GAP, just stating the facts as they occurred with me. In MY opinion, GAP is way over-rated compared to other smiths out there!!!
PM me if you want my phone # - I can go over all of this in detail!!!!!
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 10,102
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 10,102 |
Having experience with both, I agree with 300MAG. But never underestimate resale value, and GAP's resale quick with little discount. Its no contest, not even close - Robert Gradous all the way!!!
I've been there & done that with both of them (couple times) - Robert's work by miles blows GAP away. Robert is so paticular & obsessed with perfection its ridiculous!! He is the only one to touch your rifle - GAP is more assembly line. Robert will also help you with load development/barrel break-in, GAP won't unless you pay the $$$$.
Another thing, you can call & talk to Robert anytime - try talking to your smith at GAP after your order is place - if it happens, it'll be very brief and you'll probably get cut short.
Not here to bash GAP, just stating the facts as they occurred with me. In MY opinion, GAP is way over-rated compared to other smiths out there!!!
PM me if you want my phone # - I can go over all of this in detail!!!!!
Last visit to Gradous shop there were couple new GAP rifles being repaired. According to the guys at www.Diaperhide.com, 'Moon' is the best 'smith there. ....Well,it was one of his being repaired.
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Joined: Oct 2011
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Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,070 |
From what I know, that doesn't surprise me one bit. I've been through a few GAPs and one impressed me enough to keep. It is also the best shooting rifle I've ever had. Its an older GAP and interestingly the stamp is an arrow (George).
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512
Campfire Ranger
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Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,512 |
[quote=ctsmith]
Having experience with both, I agree with 300MAG. But never underestimate resale value, and GAP's resale quick with little discount.
Yes, Resale is to be considered, but I have seen far more GAP rifles for sale vs. Gradous....
I don't build or buy rifles to be re-sold, as my intention is to build a really good one and enjoy it.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,915
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,915 |
How many Gradous rifles have been built vs GAP?
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 19
New Member
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New Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 19 |
Robert Gradous is an outstanding rifle builder. His work is top notch and he knows exactly what it takes to build a great performing rifle.
He also happens to be one of the nicest people I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I am proud to call him a friend.
George and the GAP folks are also good people and build a heck of a nice rig. GAP has a fine reputation for a reason. Buying a "semi-custom" like the ready to go Non-Typical isn't a bad way to go.
I think rifle performance wise either company will satisfy most shooters. Robert will give you more of the "truly custom" feel.
Mark
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,390
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,390 |
Having experience with both, I agree with 300MAG. But never underestimate resale value, and GAP's resale quick with little discount. Its no contest, not even close - Robert Gradous all the way!!!
I've been there & done that with both of them (couple times) - Robert's work by miles blows GAP away. Robert is so paticular & obsessed with perfection its ridiculous!! He is the only one to touch your rifle - GAP is more assembly line. Robert will also help you with load development/barrel break-in, GAP won't unless you pay the $$$$.
Another thing, you can call & talk to Robert anytime - try talking to your smith at GAP after your order is place - if it happens, it'll be very brief and you'll probably get cut short.
Not here to bash GAP, just stating the facts as they occurred with me. In MY opinion, GAP is way over-rated compared to other smiths out there!!!
PM me if you want my phone # - I can go over all of this in detail!!!!!
GAP may be better known than Robert but when you see one of his rifles come up for sale (which is rare) they go real quick.
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Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,070
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,070 |
Higher priced rifles move much more quickly at SH than 24HC. GAPs are beloved over there. You can always move a higher priced GAP at SH. I don't like my odds of anything high priced at 24HC.
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