Who has used Epps for gunsmithing?

DANCESWITHEMPTIES

DANCESWITHEMPTIES

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Any recommendations on Epps gunsmithing. Good? Bad? Slow? Worth the wait? Dealt with them at the retail end & have been happy with service. I like the fact that there site quotes prices for smithing services, but I have never lived in the area before to consider using their services.
 
Around hunting season they get swamped so expect a wait but in the off season service is good.They did some work on my m14 (Doug I believe) and the work was excellent.
 
Epps has a great selection, however I didn't find their customer service to be very good. Just my experience.
 
I was there three years ago, about this time of the year to have my P14 reamed into 303 Epps as well as sort out the bubba'd sight mount. While looking at the rifle, he found a slight bulge at the muzzle, so offered to take an inch off the barrel and recrown it so it had a reasonable chance of accuracy. As I was from out of town, we agreed when it would be completed and they kept their end of the deal. They did great work at a reasonable price.
 
I am NOT satisfied with the work they did on my mauser 98K, even their attitude.
They drilled the holes and put the scope mount on my 98K, no matter what scope I try to use, the bolt was in the way. I came back to epps, they said " we didn't know you wanna put a scope on this gun, you just asked us to install a scope mount, that what we have done".
1 week later, they drilled an additional hole on the receiver and changed the base and install a super high ring. then the scope mount was working.
 
I had them open up the chokes on a SxS shotgun. The price was reasonable and they had it done on the date I needed it by, I was happy with thier work.
 
hard to do a mauser without the mounts and scope you want to put on it. cant bend the bolt right without the scope you want on it.
 
Edgeofheaven, they did exackly what you asked of them If you did not supply a scope, they have no idea what you were trying to do. Many people have Mausers drilled and tapped for IRON SIGHTS as well. ALL K98 issue Mausers must have the bolt modified so a scope can be mounted.
I think a better question is "Who has not uses EPPS in the past" I've had everything done there from blueing to chambering and have always had a first rate job done.

Scott
 
Wes and crowd have always been first rate with me... Regarding the above mentioned scope issue, without specifying what you intended to do, Epps had no way of knowing - it could have been for a red - dot... The fact that they reworked the rifle for you is testament.
 
I've had a few things done to rifles and shotguns before they sent them to me.
I never had a problem of any sort with their work.
Lately however, their mail order service has given me a few headaches.
Cat
 
I've used them. Had him install a Colt front sight base on my Armalite 11.5" barrel that came with a clamp on base. Job looks excellent. Apparently a very tricky install since both the barrel and front sight had already been drilled.

Only complaint is that I also dropped off a 9mm barrel to have it parkerised, believe it was Wes that took down the order. When I showed up a couple of months later to pick up the work, found out that they don't do parkerising so he dulled the bluing to make it look more matte. Not what I wanted done, but I don't believe I was charged for it. Still, staff should be aware of what services they offer.

Doug is a very friendly guy, got in trouble from the wife for taking too long inside. Started shooting the breeze with Doug about milsurps and lost track of time while she was out in the car with the baby.
 
If they don't know what you want the holes for, they should ask. Maybe they would have got the sale for rings and a scope, but at least they would know. It's the kind of situation where the customer has to be reasonable also and not just assume the questions are only there for upselling.
 
The problem with Ellwood Epps is that they are too busy and generally the person you speak to regarding the gunsmithing work is not the gunsmith so you have to be as specific as possible otherwise they will be unsure of what you are looking for.

I had recent issues there I believe the root of these issues was on my end as well as the gunroom rep who I spoke with. I addressed my concerns with Epps and they called me to discuss the issues. In the end we came to an understanding but they obviously care about their customers relations although some of the personnel that work there are not the greatest (only one or two guys).

My lessons learned is that with a Gunsmith that busy, they must be good but at the same time you will need to be specific with them on what you want and the gun could sit in storage for a few weeks or months before they have a chance to look at it. By that time it is just another gun with a work order, so make that work order specific and there shouldn't be a problem.
 
For the record, I love Epps. I spend a lot of time and money there. Unfortunately, most of the staff drives me crazy with their snooty attitudes. If I go there, I just wander around until I see Wes, he is good to deal with. As for gunsmithing, their prices are pretty high.

Just up the road (or down, can't remember if it's north or south of Epps) there is a place called Wise Choice. I believe the owner is Rob Wise, grandson of Ellwood Epps. He does really good work and does it cheap. I had him fit and chamber a barrel on my Mauser 98 custom gun and drill and tap for scope mounts and I think the bill was around $125. The work was done well and it was done within a week. I would highly recommend using him for any rifle work you need done. Not sure if he does pistols or not.
 
I dont have any problems with the guys at Epps. I usally deal with either John or Doug. If i have a problem I cant solve Ill give Doug a call and he will either tell me how to do it or Ill take it in and he will explain how to do it. I have no problems with their service and they know what I am interested in and take good care of me.
 
I have had a shot out Longbranch rebarreled with a new in wrap Canadian Arsenal Barrel. She shoots like a dream. I've also had scopes mounted and bought new O-rings for a 11-87. Never had a problem and wouldn't hesitate to go back
 
I just got my Storm from them, the work on the new barrel seems top rate, but I will say they seem rather disorganized in regards to billing and shipping, they shipped it prior to billing me, trusting souls...
 
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