Custom built PRS rifle: Who's the best and why?

Insite Arms is the only gunsmith in Canada that I would let touch/build me a rifle.

I live in the states and shoot PRS events (I am a Canadian citizen though), and my current rifle is a GAP Crusader that was recently re-barreled by Insite Arms. I could have had any number of top U.S. smiths work on my rifle (GAP, SAC, Gradous, Patriot Valley Arms, etc.), but decided to go with Insite Arms (which I believe says a lot considering the gunsmiths that live in the same country that I currently do). There are maybe a dozen gunsmiths in North America that I would consider having me build or work on my rifle - if I spend that much money on a rifle, I want to know that it was done right.

Why did I choose Insite Arms? Because they were personally trained by Robert Gradous, considered by some to be the best gunsmith when it comes to precision rifles. Robert doesn't just help anybody, and the fact that he has invested so much of his own time training up the guys at Insite Arms speaks volumes. It also helped that they had a barrel that I wanted in stock, haha.

So I brought my rifle up with me this summer when I came to Canada, this is the result of the rebarrel from Insite Arms:



That's 5 rounds of factory Hornady 140 grain AMAX's. And my rifle isn't the only rifle that shoots, all of the rifles they produce shoot. In fact, 5 of the top 20 shooters at the Meaford shoot were shooting Insite Arm rifles (mine included if you count the rebarrel).

If I was to get a PRS specific rifle built today in Canada, it would be an Insite Arms rifle with their new action. The action isn't in production quite yet, they had the prototype at the Meaford PRS match, but it looks like it's going to be an awesome action that's Canadian made. It's essentially based off of the GAP Tempest, but made in Canada for the Canadian market. The action is built like a tank and will be really quick to run with the 60* bolt throw. More info there: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1456686-Introducing-the-i16s-Action. Put that in the stock of your choice (McM A5 w/Surgeon dbm or MPA chassis would be my choices), Hawkhill barrel and top it off with quality glass and you will have a very solid rifle built for PRS type matches.

The boys at Insite Arms know what they are doing, they build rifles that flat out shoot and they are awesome to deal with.
 
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Thx KThomas. I've been talking with Harley and just need to find an extra 1000$.


Insite Arms is the only gunsmith in Canada that I would let touch/build me a rifle.

I live in the states and shoot PRS events (I am a Canadian citizen though), and my current rifle is a GAP Crusader that was recently re-barreled by Insite Arms. I could have had any number of top U.S. smiths work on my rifle (GAP, SAC, Gradous, Patriot Valley Arms, etc.), but decided to go with Insite Arms (which I believe says a lot considering the gunsmiths that live in the same country that I currently do). There are maybe a dozen gunsmiths in North America that I would consider having me build or work on my rifle - if I spend that much money on a rifle, I want to know that it was done right.

Why did I choose Insite Arms? Because they were personally trained by Robert Gradous, considered by some to be the best gunsmith when it comes to precision rifles. Robert doesn't just help anybody, and the fact that he has invested so much of his own time training up the guys at Insite Arms speaks volumes. It also helped that they had a barrel that I wanted in stock, haha.

So I brought my rifle up with me this summer when I came to Canada, this is the result of the rebarrel from Insite Arms:



That's 5 rounds of factory Hornady 140 grain AMAX's. And my rifle isn't the only rifle that shoots, all of the rifles they produce shoot. In fact, 5 of the top 20 shooters at the Meaford shoot were shooting Insite Arm rifles (mine included if you count the rebarrel).

If I was to get a PRS specific rifle built today in Canada, it would be an Insite Arms rifle with their new action. The action isn't in production quite yet, they had the prototype at the Meaford PRS match, but it looks like it's going to be an awesome action that's Canadian made. It's essentially based off of the GAP Tempest, but made in Canada for the Canadian market. The action is built like a tank and will be really quick to run with the 60* bolt throw. More info there: http://www.canadiangunnutz.com/forum/showthread.php/1456686-Introducing-the-i16s-Action. Put that in the stock of your choice (McM A5 w/Surgeon dbm or MPA chassis would be my choices), Hawkhill barrel and top it off with quality glass and you will have a very solid rifle built for PRS type matches.

The boys at Insite Arms know what they are doing, they build rifles that flat out shoot and they are awesome to deal with.
 
I've been dealing with Insite Arms for the last few days with tons of questions and Harley has been very good to me despite the fact I am not yet a client. Says tons about their service standard in my opinion.
 
My vote is for Paul Barrette at Redd Nobb Customs. He also was a match sponsor and competitor, finishing in 11th place, and a competitor with one of his rifles came in 8th.
 
I've been talking to Insite arms lately about a custom build as well. They have been very helpful to answer any questions I have as I work on figuring out exactly what I want. Just have to get the funds together and pull the trigger (pun intended) on a build. It's great to hear good reviews of their work.

I am still deciding on an action, I may have to find someone with a Surgeon and Defiance Action to see what they're like before knowing which one I want on my build.
 
" Reached out twice to Alberta Tactical Rifles but have yet to receive a return call.."

This concerns me greatly. Did you email or phone? IF you got our answering machine did you leave us a message?
We are VERY prompt at returning inquiries.

I have dealt with ATRS for 2 years and they are fantastic. Maybe you got them at a bad moment.
 
Hey guys and gals, I am looking to purchase a custom built precision rifle for PRS style matches. At the moment, I am reviewing Insite Arms, Cadex Defence and Alberta Tactical Rifles and would like to know your opinions, experiences and/or recommendations. I am asking that the comments remain respectful as I don't wish this to become a post about rants and such, it is ok to voice your discontent and remain objective and respectful, so please do.

I am looking for best build, best service, most knowledgeable and most reliable.

As of 10:30 AM ET (Sept 19th 2016), I've spoken with Harley of Insite Arms who's been absolutely amazing and knowledgeable about the 1000 questions I had. I've also spoken to Cadex who've also been great. Reached out twice to Alberta Tactical Rifles but have yet to receive a return call...

Insite Arms and Cadex are also Canadian based firearm builders which is something I appreciate greatly and wish to support (yes I know, they buy some parts from US manufacturers but they still put the firearms together with amazing results).

In order to prevent this post to deviate into a million side discussions, know that I am not interested in suggestions on how to build it myself, I am set on buying a custom made rifle from a reputable business, I am going for 260 REM as I already have the reloading components and tools for it and love the 260 REM, I am not interested in other calibers for the moment and as I've been told by Pro Shooters I've had the opportunity to meet "pick a 6.5 you're comfortable with and run with it, in the end, it's all about the shooter behind the rifle" and finally, I am not interested in buying a used one.

Joe

What did you decide?
 
Insite for sure.
Rifles are lasers, they were trained and set up by Gradous, and they're rubbing elbows with all the cool guys down south.
They have the inside scoop on what works, what's the latest thing, and have access to it through their southern contacts and sponsored shooters.
 
Just noticed this older thread. A couple comments, PGW donated a rifle to this event, and had a vendor display set up. We work close with the CS66 guys that shoot our rifles and advance the craft with veteran and currently serving Snipers. Nate, one of the CS66 guys shot third overall and top Canadian at this match with a 6.5 CM Coyote with Schmidt and Bender Optics. I'm not 100% sure, but it appears as though the second Canadian was quite some distance behind. The most interesting thing to note, is that only two Canadians have qualified to shoot the PRS Championship, and BOTH are PGW Coyote shooters.
 
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