Frequently Asked Questions

1. What rifles do you work on?
2. Can I mail my firearm directly to you?
3. Do you export outside of the United States?
4. What is the difference between a complete build and a customer supplied build?
5. Where should I start?
6. Is there a money deposit required?
7. What is the cancellation policy?
8. What calibers are available?
   
9. I think I have a complete list of parts, should I just ship them over?
10. What is the lead time on your other gunsmithing services?
11. How do you dial in your barrels before cutting?
12. Can my barrel be fluted?
    

 

Q: What rifles do you work on?

• A: We work on various modern bolt action rifle platforms including, but not limited to: Remington 700 and clones (Defiance, Surgeon, Stiller, ARC, Bighorn, etc..), Winchester model 70, Accuracy International, Savage and Ruger RPR's.  Please contact us to confirm if we are able to assist you with the work you need done. **We do not accept handgun or AR work.**

 

Q: Can I mail my firearm directly to you?

• A: Yes, we are a licensed firearms manufacturer (07 FFL / SOT).  You can mail your firearm directly to our shop via Fedex/UPS without going through a local dealer.  We can send your firearm directly back to your mailing address.
  
  
• If we build a firearm that you have not completed an ATF Form 4473 (The required paperwork when purchasing a firearm), then by Federal law we must ship it to a FFL of your choosing.  From there you will complete the Form 4473 background check to acquire the firearm.  WE ARE NOT responsible for any fees that your FFL charges you.
  
  
  

Q: Do you export outside of the United States?

• A: We do not directly do the export, but we know a couple of dealers in the States that provide us with this service.  It is your responsibility to know the laws of your Country/Province.  We take no responsibility if you order a firearm that has features illegal to your area.
  
  
  

Q: What is the difference between a complete build and a customer supplied build?

• A: The biggest difference is wait time. For a complete build we spend most of the time waiting for all the parts we ordered for you to arrive. For example when we custom order a stock, it can be 5-8 months time before it arrives at our door. Whereas if you order all the parts yourself on the open market and just bring it to us to build, the labor itself only takes around 6 weeks.
  
  
• Websites we recommend for purchasing precision rifle parts is:
  AltusShooting.com Stocks and Actions.
  BugHoles.com Barrel blanks.
  MileHighShooting.com Accessories.
  
  You can have the Firearm/receiver and parts shipped directly to our shop to save yourself from shipping it again.

 

Q: Where should I start?

• A: We most commonly work with actions from Defiance, Surgeon, Impact, Stiller, Curtis, BAT Machine, Barnard and American Rifle Company, stocks from Manners and McMillan, and barrels from Bartlein, Krieger, Brux, Obermeyer, Hawk Hill and Proof Research. We are happy to help you with advice on parts selections for your project if you choose us to build the rifle.
  
  

Q: Is there a deposit required?

• A: If we are ordering and supplying all of the parts for a complete build project we will require a deposit for the cost of the parts.  The remainder of the balance owed must be paid prior to delivery. These builds usually require a deposit of $2,500 to $3,000 and take anywhere from 9 to 13 months to complete depending on the parts chosen. If it is a customer supplied parts build, then no payment is necessary until completion. 

Q: What is the cancellation policy?

• A: We understand things happen and sometimes life changes quickly. In the event that you have to cancel after you have placed an order and  have made your deposit, we could give you a refund minus a $500 admin fee. However, this is subject to how far in the process you are, or if your parts are a little more unique.

Q: What calibers are available?

• A: We carry most of the common rifle calibers used today.  There are some SAAMI spec and wildcats that are not listed here.  You can contact us to check.  You can also supply your own reamer.  We prefer reamers from JGS Precision
  

Q: I think I have a complete list of parts, should I just ship them over?

• A: Please always contact us before sending us any parts so we can confirm that they will go together well and we'll know what to expect. Also no matter what Marc said to you on the phone do not ship anything without including a note with your name and contact information as well as a brief description of what you want done. Unidentified rifle parts will be saved and put under our Christmas tree. We prefer to receive all of your parts at one time. Please do not send us different parts at different times as you accumulate them. Wait until you have them all, then send them in one package. 

 

Q: What is the lead time on your other gunsmithing services?

• A: As of May 2019, our typical turn around time on a complete build is around 8 to 12 weeks from when we receive the parts from you. Please keep in mind this is an estimate and subject to how much work is in the shop at that particular time. If you only need a barrel replacement without any paint, bedding, or stock inletting work, then we can usually complete that in 4 to 8 weeks.
• Complete builds where we must order the parts can take up to 1 year.  Most of this is waiting for the stock, receiver, and barrel to be made.

 

Q: Does that apply to stock paint jobs too?

• A: Yes, it also takes about a month but can also depend on the complexity of the design or if we have to order a specific color. Please keep in mind  that stock paint jobs being offered as a stand alone service is dependent on the current shop work load.

 

Q: What if I just want to paint something small?

• A: We don't offer paint services on small parts unless it's part of a larger build sheet. We can recommend other companies that specialize in coating for those small jobs. 

 

Q: How do you dial in your barrels before cutting?

• A: Every barrel we work on is dialed in by getting the center-line of the bore axis to within +/- .0002" with the barrel going through the head stock. Not over the ways with a steady rest and not based on the outside diameter. We use precision-ground, tapered indicating rods with a bushing that is a perfect fit to that specific barrel. 
  
  
  • Note: The image below is an example of an indicating rod dialed in using a Mitutoyo .0001" dial indicator.  The change of the dial as it moves along the rod is because the rod is tapered.
    
    
  
  
  

Q: Can my barrel be fluted?

• A: In most cases the barrels we use can be fluted.  We prefer to have barrels fluted after we chamber them so the flutes don't interfere with the outboard end spider chuck. It also ensures the flutes will be perfectly lined up to top center of the receiver without having to time them.