GA Precision?
- Thread starter Bird Blaster
- Start date
I'm still shooting a rifle that GA Precision build for me. The barrels have long been shot out (all 3 of them), but the trued action is still running well.
GAP does awesome work, absolutely. But, if what you're looking for is based on a trued M700 action, it's not worth the wait time getting that from across the border. To get a rifle with their Templar v2 action, sure. But, not for a trued M700. If it were me (and if I didn't chamber my own barrels), there is only one place I would go to and that would be the Chou brothers.
GAP does awesome work, absolutely. But, if what you're looking for is based on a trued M700 action, it's not worth the wait time getting that from across the border. To get a rifle with their Templar v2 action, sure. But, not for a trued M700. If it were me (and if I didn't chamber my own barrels), there is only one place I would go to and that would be the Chou brothers.
Clearly GAP make very, very nice rifles and I particularly like the FBI HRT and the Hospitalier but at the prices (US$4500 before importation costs) I would have to really consider whether to buy or to pass. For comparison, consider two Canadian alternatives: 1. ATRS built me a Defiance w/20MOA rail, Rock Creek 1:11.25, McM A5 with built in cheekrest (not saddle) and milled-in Anschutz, Jewel BR, ATRS bottom metal and two AICS 10 rounders for the same ballpark money and 2. PGW offer their Coyote with Krieger, McM A5 w/saddle or aluminum folder, and two mags for $4800. There are other Canadian alternates as well inc Chou Bros, Black Art and Tact Ordnance who are all well-regarded.
Not a knock on GAP at all - they make, like I said, some very fine rifles and if that is where you wish to go I am sure you will be happy but they are not cheaper than Canadian Smiths/builders and only the finest of shooters will ever be able to conclusively prove that one is more accurate than another.
Edit: If I had the cash, one thing I would especially like is GAP's USMC M40A1 - mmmm, so tempting
Not a knock on GAP at all - they make, like I said, some very fine rifles and if that is where you wish to go I am sure you will be happy but they are not cheaper than Canadian Smiths/builders and only the finest of shooters will ever be able to conclusively prove that one is more accurate than another.
Edit: If I had the cash, one thing I would especially like is GAP's USMC M40A1 - mmmm, so tempting
I have an ATRS build and it shoots very well, and would put it up against anyhing as far as accuracy goes in the 'Precision Tactical' world.
The fit and finish of mine isn't even close to my buddies GAP rifles though.
I don't see GAP as setting the benchmark either.... PGW shoots awesome and fit and finish is awesome as well... Little less 'traditional' though.
Decide what you want in a rifle and pick a reputable builder that specializes in the style you want and you will be happy.
The fit and finish of mine isn't even close to my buddies GAP rifles though.
I don't see GAP as setting the benchmark either.... PGW shoots awesome and fit and finish is awesome as well... Little less 'traditional' though.
Decide what you want in a rifle and pick a reputable builder that specializes in the style you want and you will be happy.
Interesting that fit and finish on the ATRS wasn't up to GA standards. Mine was absolutely perfect and at that price point I am very picky.
Did you follow up with Rick about this issue when you received it?
I really can't see him not coming through for you on it as ATRS is always great with customer service and taking care of issues such as these.
Not bashing here at all or commenting on how he runs his business...just stating a fact based on experience.
I've done lots of business with ATRS over the years and continue to do so...
I didn't take it as that - I was just curious if you had follow up with them and how that went to correct the flaws/imperfections in your rifle.
I've done business with them and that's what I based my CS comments on.
I don't think you can go wrong with a builder like GAP or ATRS. GAP has way more pedigree. After talking to both GAP and ATRS I voted with my wallet and bought an AI.
As far as I am concerned in the high end rifle game you have two categories and two choices within each.
High end factory - AI or PGW (highest regarded international builder and best Canadian builder.)
High end custom - GAP or ATRS (highest regarded international builder and best Canadian builder.)
High end factory rifles tend to hold their value better. If you have a real need or desire to head down the custom route, then you have already made your decision.
As far as I am concerned in the high end rifle game you have two categories and two choices within each.
High end factory - AI or PGW (highest regarded international builder and best Canadian builder.)
High end custom - GAP or ATRS (highest regarded international builder and best Canadian builder.)
High end factory rifles tend to hold their value better. If you have a real need or desire to head down the custom route, then you have already made your decision.
Best Canadian builder!? Those are really big boots to fill with the builders in this country. With guys like Henry Remple, Cragie Douglas, Julien from Downrange and pgw. I have rifles built from all of the above mentioned including atrs, all of the work I had done at atrs had to go bad more than once and I finally just got them fixed else where and sold them. Never had to take any of my builds back from the other guys. Not saying Rick isn't a great guy but I haven't had good luck at all
With some tweaks to his list I agree with bolbmw. As far as quality is concerned, there isn't a great deal to comment up that separates high end factory from custom and any variance in accuracy will only be discovered by the most expert of marksmen. Resale is where the difference is to be found.
I've had rifles made by ATRS, Tac Ord and North Shore and all would have my business again. As far as factory rifles I would add the Sako TRG to bolbmw's list ( there may be others but I am thinking of readily available high end ).
To be clear, I am talking of tactical bolt guns. When considering BR or F-Class the Savage line-up deserves an honorable mention but those games really are dominated by the custom rigs.
True, best might be a loaded word. They may have more marketing and word of mouth than the individual smiths. It seems more of a fair comparison to group GAP and ATRS together given the number of rifles in peoples hands, how they operate their business and the tactical bolt gun vs BR and F-Class crowd. In either case we're spoiled for choice for builders, yet the competition rifle scene is small enough in Canada compared to the USA that it is difficult to compare based on what rifles are in the winners circle (in the USA there is clearly a bias towards GAP and in Canada it's likely PGW.)
Bird Blaster
Regular
- Location
- Northern Ontario
Well after much deliberation and reading reviews etc, I decided to support locally with Jerry at Mystic.
Going to change things up a bit and do a 260Rem build on a blueprinted rem 700 SS action with a #17 contour Shilen barrel at 24" recessed crown and 1/8" twist. Pairing with a molded olive drab McMillan A4 stock, timiney trigger Badger m5, badger 20MOA rail, badger rings and since I like my current NF NXS 5-5-22x50, probably another one of those. Still doing some research on recoil lugs and what would be best.
Thanks again for the help, any more suggestions would be great!
bb
Going to change things up a bit and do a 260Rem build on a blueprinted rem 700 SS action with a #17 contour Shilen barrel at 24" recessed crown and 1/8" twist. Pairing with a molded olive drab McMillan A4 stock, timiney trigger Badger m5, badger 20MOA rail, badger rings and since I like my current NF NXS 5-5-22x50, probably another one of those. Still doing some research on recoil lugs and what would be best.
Thanks again for the help, any more suggestions would be great!
bb
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Came across this on the Hide, it might help, it's about a month old;
Post GA Precision Current Lead Times 8/19/14 update
Hello All,
As of today (8/19/14), Our current lead time estimates are as follows for our rifles and services:
Xtreme Hunter : 6 months
Thunder Ranch : 6 months
Hospitaller : 6 months
Gladius : 6 months
Non Typical : 4 months
Non Typical with McMillan or Manners stock upgrade: 10 Months
The Crusader : 6 months
Rock : 8 months
G.A. Precision GAP-10 : 10 months
*8/19: Parts are still flowing into our shop at a good pace; and note that orders placed for GAP 10 rifles between August and October 2013 are being finished up and customers called. (we are making some headway into and are nearly caught up with initial estimated lead times, but still not enough to drop our estimates yet!)
FBI HRT Rifle : 6 months
Mil Spec (M40a1-a5, M24): 10 months
USMC M40A1
USMC M40A3
USMC M40A5
US Army M-24 Sniper Rifle
Most Barreled actions: 2 months *Surgeon has now made actions available for sale*
Full Custom Bolt-action rifle: 5 months if all parts are provided, 10 months if parts need to be ordered.
Services: (a full list of Services - GA Precision )
Install new barrel, customer provided bbl blank and action: 2 months
Thread Jobs/Install muzzle device: 2 weeks
Bedding: 1 month
Bolt knobs Remington or Winchester/FN: 2 weeks
Install Badger M5 DBM: 1 week
Cerakote: 2 weeks
Please feel free to check out our rifles ready-to-ship for instant joy.
Rifles Ready to Ship
Last edited by KLin; 08-19-2014 at 11:41 PM. Reason: Updated lead times as of 8/19/14
Ken Lin
GA Precision
1141 Swift Street
North Kansas City, MO, 64116
(816) 221-1844
Klin@GAPrecision.net
www.GAPrecision.net
www.facebook.com/GAprecisionrifle
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