Builder/smith recommendations for high quality tube gun?

[hkfan45]

I'm hoping the best and brightest on this forum can provide some guidance. I'm planning a new build (6xc) on an Eliseo chassis. I already own an Eliseo w/ a Pierce action, but I'd like to try a Mutant action this time. I'm looking for a benchrest-level gunsmith/builder with an EXTREMELY HIGH level of attention to detail. While I generally like my current Pierce build, the attention to detail on the build/action is a bit rough. The bolt/action has never really smoothed out (1000+ rounds), the bolt lift is a bit heavy/stiff, the action/trigger I don't think was timed perfectly, and the barrel chambering I don't think was done in accordance with my exact supplied specs. It shoots well, but I'm looking for the best this go around, in terms of action and builder.

I've chosen to post this on here rather than the Hide simply because I am looking for recommendations for builders familiar with the Eliseo, but that are more benchrest oriented and less tactical/tacticool.

Any recommendations? Also, please let me know if I am crazy for not sticking with Pierce this go around.

 

[hkfan45]

ttt

 

[Steve Blair]

Why not send an email to Gary, explain your situation and requirements, and ask for a recommendation? Gary has shot competitively for years and, while he does his own gunsmithing, he knows lots of folks.

 

[hkfan45]

Why not send an email to Gary, explain your situation and requirements, and ask for a recommendation? Gary has shot competitively for years and, while he does his own gunsmithing, he knows lots of folks.

Gary has been great to work with. I actually did ask him and he pointed me to a list of builders. I'm just trying to seek out other opinions.

 

[Pappy42]

I'm neither the best nor the brightest; however I recommend Britt Jones, Back Water Customs, 205 609 8320. He built my Eliseo switch barrel and his machine work is first class in every regard.

Did I mention that his rifles shoot lights out?

 

[hkfan45]

I'm neither the best nor the brightest; however I recommend Britt Jones, Back Water Customs, 205 609 8320. He built my Eliseo switch barrel and his machine work is first class in every regard.

Did I mention that his rifles shoot lights out?

Which action did you go with?

 

[Big Mc]

Give JIM Bordan a call. He worked with Gary an has a tube gun action second to none. He can build the gun for you too. Good Luck with your build. Tommy Mc..

 

[BoydAllen]

I assume that one of these would fit the bill.
http://bulletin.accurateshooter.com/2012/10/new-bat-machines-3-lug-tubegun-actions-for-eliseo-tubeguns/
As to a builder, what else would he be doing except fitting and chambering the barrel? Isn't the rest of it a bolt together? There are a number of benchrest smiths that all have excellent reputations. Speedy Gonzalez, Gary Ocock, Billy Stevens, and others whose names come up regularly on equipment lists.

 

[ryanjay11]

Charley Robertson from Score High Gunsmithing put together my Barnard Eliseo F-Class rifle. I would highly recommend him for your build.

 

[hkfan45]

Give JIM Bordan a call. He worked with Gary an has a tube gun action second to none. He can build the gun for you too. Good Luck with your build. Tommy Mc..

How would a Bordan action compare with a Pierce or Defiance?

 

[Steve Blair]

Give JIM Bordan a call. He worked with Gary an has a tube gun action second to none. He can build the gun for you too. Good Luck with your build. Tommy Mc..

How would a Bordan action compare with a Pierce or Defiance?

Jim Borden builds some of the finest actions made. I have two of his actions, one in an RTM chassis. Here's mine. [br]
http://bordenrifles.com/

 

[hkfan45]

Give JIM Bordan a call. He worked with Gary an has a tube gun action second to none. He can build the gun for you too. Good Luck with your build. Tommy Mc..

How would a Bordan action compare with a Pierce or Defiance?

Jim Borden builds some of the finest actions made. I have two of his actions, one in an RTM chassis. Here's mine. [br]
http://bordenrifles.com/

Did he also do the barrel work/finish the rifle? If so, how would you rate the work?

 

[ridgeway]

Borden is right there on the top! Let him do it all...

 

[Steve Blair]

Did he also do the barrel work/finish the rifle? If so, how would you rate the work?

[br]
Jim built the action and chambered two barrels, a .284 Win and .308 Win. I assembled the chassis. His work was outstanding. The rifle shoots extremely well in both calibers.

 

[BoydAllen]

I don't know why I forgot to mention Jim Borden. His work and reputation are impeccable. I have heard nothing but praise.

 

[Pappy42]

I'm neither the best nor the brightest; however I recommend Britt Jones, Back Water Customs, 205 609 8320. He built my Eliseo switch barrel and his machine work is first class in every regard.

Did I mention that his rifles shoot lights out?

Which action did you go with?

Remington LH long

 

[hkfan45]

Has anybody had a chance to compare the Borden vs Pierce actions? Any difference in feel? I notice that Borden does not cerokote his actions.

 

[Steve Blair]

Pierce actions are chrome-moly and Borden actions are stainless.

 

[hkfan45]

Any advantage to stainless over chrome moly?

Also, any time spent behind the Mutant to compare?

 

[Rustystud]

Jim Borden and John Pierce are good friends. Their actions are very comparable since John Pierce uses Jim Borden's primary extraction design. I know and have uses both men's actions in Gary Elesio Tube Gun Builds. All have been fine shooters. You can't go wrong with either. The other action mentioned earlier I would not discuss in the same conversation as in my opinion there not in the same class as the Pierce or Borden.
Nat Lambeth