How Do You Ship A High Dollar Rifle???

[skipper]

All the components for my first completely custom rifle are in the hands of SG&Y as I write. My question is what is the safest way to get the rifle back to me? I could take a day off and drive to Roanoake to pick it up but, if I could have it sent in the mail it would save me a days vacation. How do you guys send rifles back and forth without having to worry about rough handling? I have so much time and money in the rifle that I don't want to take chances. Thanks.

 

[usngunner]

UPS signature required and insured. Put the rifle in a good locked hardcase,I use a combination lock ) and it shouldn't be a problem. I have shipped several rifles to smiths and back that way.

 

[Lbart]

Skipper,

Most times shipping works fine, but...

I drove from El Paso to SG&Y to pick up my rifle, it was worth the trip. After waiting to get the rifle I was taking no chances. Say hello to Stick for me.
Larry Bartholome

 

[skipper]

I sent the parts to him in a box wrapped with bubble wrap and tape. I would have to mail him an empty case so he could send it back. I think I'm looking for an excuse to drive there so I can pick his brain. I have so many questions about break-in, loading, shooting tehnique, etc., etc. When you drove to pick yours up, did you get to meet with him and discuss these sorts of things?

 

[vmthtr]

If I lived close enough, I would burn the vacation to go get it. You would be able to see where it was made, be able to ask any questions that pop inot your head about it, and get to meet one of the legends in BR.

Mike

 

[Badlands]

:nono:Would you have a New Born Baby sent UPS ? Go pick up your
Baby and bring some cigars, and take some pictures for your Baby
Book !! Talk to the Creator about the care and feeding of your new
Baby. I have had guns mailed to me without any problems. However,
I have heard of many bad things that have happened to others, so if
you can, it would be better to drive there.:wave: Have a nice trip, Badlands.

 

[tightneck]

No matter what the courier, go with next day delivery. I wouldn't wan't an expensive rifle in anyone else's paws for very long.

 

[Forum Boss]

Also, put the hardcase inside a cardboard box. It was explained to me that UPS will deny a claim on the inside contents of a hard case if the hinge pops or something like that. If you have the case inside a sturdy cardboard box--then EVERYthing inside is covered by insurance. Double boxing also adds protection if your gun gets left in the rain on a loading dock. Use lots of plastic tape and mark the box "FRAGILE".

 

[Lbart]

Quote from skipper - "I have so many questions about break-in, loading, shooting tehnique, etc., etc. When you drove to pick yours up, did you get to meet with him and discuss these sorts of things?"

Skipper,
As I remember I showed up first thing in the morning with donuts and took the shop out to lunch. All my questions were answered, but I spent a couple days there.
Larry Bartholome

 

[skipper]

Thanks for the advice. I don't know where my mind was but why would I pass up an opportunity to meet Speedy Gonzales??? You guys are right.

Coffee and donuts, eh. You have obviously been schooled in tack and diplomacy. Thanks, for the tip.

 

[tightneck]

Bad news, you won't be meeting Speedy. He sold SG&Y and is teaching gunsmithing in Colorado now.

 

[skipper]

I didn't know that. I talked to him on the phone in December when I shipped my parts to him. When did he make the move? Will my rifle be as good a quality without him around? The only reason I sent it to him was because of his reputation. Thanks for the information, I think.

 

[Lbart]

Skipper,

I’m sorry; I thought you knew Speedy was gone. That is why I said to say hello to Stick for me. I am sure the people who remain at SG&Y will take good care of you. Stick has been doing much of the work there for a long time. Speedy has moved to Colorado to teach gunsmithing.
Larry Bartholome

 

[skipper]

Well, I just didn't know. Like I said I personally talked to him in December, or at least someone who answered the phone "Speedy". I am glad to hear that there is someone there who is obviously well regarded by others here. Is Stick a competitor?

I feel like I just had the rug pulled out from under my feet. Thanks, tightneck and lbart.

 

[tightneck]

I don't know Speedy or Stick or any of the guys at SG&Y but a thread was started on BR.com and the consensus was that all will be in good hands. Apparently Stick has been doing most of the metal work for a while now anyway. Word is that the shop won't miss a beat. Speedy just made the move in the very recent past,maybe in December).

 

[skipper]

That's comforting to know. Thanks, for the heads up. I still think I will make the trek to pick up my rifle. I would like to hear any information they have to offer. Break in and load development will be the next order of business. I started a thread on the main forum. If you get a chance to read it I sure would be grateful.

 

[USAPatriot]

Believe me, a hard case is no guarantee. I sent my newly made barreled action to McMillan's for stocking in my hard case via Fedex and they returned it via UPS. When it arrived the case was not boxed, was sprung open and was the obvious victim of a theft attempt. 6-8" of missing bluing along the top edge of the bbl didn't happen by accident. Someone tried to drag it out of the case through the opening they'd wedged but it was bound up by the tie downs so they just shoved it back in. Between McMillan and UPS one of them made good on it though neither one would discuss it with me. When it arrived back here again it was in a new, identical hardcase and was this time boxed as well. It had originally been shipped from McM just in time for the weekend and it sat in Phoenix for 2 days which is where I assume the damage occurred. Fedex Next Day is the only way to go in my mind and vendors should allow customers to choose who we are most comfortable with. This fiasco added something like 6-8 weeks of time onto an already long project and really ruined the experience. -Rod-