First, I am in no way affiliated with Great American Gunstocks. I just received a stock from them today that was almost three months in the making. I placed my order after reading some high praise posted by a couple of professional custom rifle builders prior to GAG's fire last winter. Then I came across this site and a couple other places where people posted their more recent negative experiences. I felt sick - I thought, oh Hell, I've just blown $700 I can't afford to blow.
Three months after placing the order and a couple of calls to check on progress I just got my stock and it is stunning. I ordered the second highest grade of English walnut with an ebony tip and specified straight grain through the wrist and as much figure and color as possible in the rest. I think when this stock is finished it will be exhibition quality or very close. The inletting is what I expected - rough, and there is extra thickness in places which gives me some latitude in style choices. I am very happy with the stock.
My purpose in writing this is not to cast doubt on the validity of the complaints lodged here, but to provide some balance. People are often quick to lash out when they are angry and seldom take the time to do the opposite when they are pleased. I made a pledge to myself when I thought I might have made a huge mistake in ordering my stock that if I got ripped, I would be relentless in letting people know, but that if I was pleased, I would make the same effort to say so.
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