Reeder's "Gun Notes"

[AxeHandle]

We have members here with strong feelings about Gary Reeder and his guns... For a long time I applied the general concensus about the gaudy finishes, naked women, and the like to all Reeder guns. Then last year I stumbled on deal on a 5 shot 45 Colt by Reeder with no etching and bought it..... To say that this gun turned my head around would be an understatement.. Still don't care for the etched up guns that much and won't have one with naked women all over it but I have proof the man can turn out some decent hardware....
All that said... You guys read his "Gun Notes" on his web site? They go back to 2002... They facinated me enough that when I get to Tucson I will go meet him..

www.reedercustomguns.com/gunnotes/index.html

[CraigC]

I have a fairly low opinion of Gary Reeder but like him or not, he has a lot of knowledge and wisdom on the subject of handgun hunting. His wildcats are all interesting too. Unfortunately, a lot of it gets lost in the delivery. I actually liked a lot of his guns and considered booking one of his Africa hunts before he drove me away with his antics. I 'may' buy his book though, it's gotta be worth something.

[ruger1280]

Well said Axe. I have 3 reeder conversions and they are absolutely excellent top quality shooters. I can't really figure out what beef most people have with Gary, I just know that a lot of people do. I was in Flagstaff this summer and made it a point to meet Gary and drop off another gun for conversion. He is a heck of a nice guy, he will visit with you as long as you are willing. The staff there and is wife Colleen are very professional and their service is first rate.

I usually read his gunnotes very soon after they are posted.

Just send him an email and let him know about when you are going, it kinda gives him a heads up so he can work around his work schedule. He is a great guy, straight shootin', strong willed and no BS. I think you will enjoy your visit as much as I did. Hell, my wife was even impressed.

Dave

[AxeHandle]

I really think that we get a lot of spoon feeding and sugar coating from the gun builders that everyone likes... You know the style... They gently and diplomatically prod us in another direction us when our planned project is way out in left field.... The few top drawer gun builders I have become good friends with are some of the most opinionated and outspoken people I have ever met... I have a feeling that Reeder is a top drawer builder with a personality that won't let him sugar coat his opinions for the general public...

[bisleyfan41]

None of my experience with Reeder is firsthand. I've read numerous posts on various forums over the years, however, that paint him as arrogant, stubborn, and just plain mean. Some were posts by people who had minor issues with guns he built for them and when they contacted him for asistance, he attacked and insulted them.

I don't know the validity or the specifics of any of the incidents, but I do know this. I'm not a man of great means. When or if I get a custom gun done for me, it will probably be the only one or maybe one of a very few. Do I want to chance this dealing with someone who could possibly act this way to me or do I want to do business with someone who I'm confident will treat me right? I don't have the luxury of taking that chance. I'm certain he does great work (and I really like some of his models as long as they aren't "engraved")and builds mechanically sound guns, but so do alot of other smiths w/o the possible drama. It may be my loss, but I'm OK with it.

[CraigC]

Personally, I prefer the truth and don't require sugar-coating or spoon-feeding. I also require a certain level of courtesy from somebody I'm about to write a large check to. So when a guy asks why he can't get his old parts back and Gary goes off like he slept with his sister and left a hundred dollar bill on the nightstand, that's just poor manners.

That said, folks should know that he doesn't believe in lineboring and I don't think he blocks the action either.

Didn't intend for this to turn into a Reeder-bashing. It should be noted that I AGREE that he has a lot to offer and is worth listening to.....on the subject.

[whitworth]

Aug 12, 2009 13:22:22 GMT -5 CraigC said:

Personally, I prefer the truth and don't require sugar-coating or spoon-feeding. I also require a certain level of courtesy from somebody I'm about to write a large check to. So when a guy asks why he can't get his old parts back and Gary goes off like he slept with his sister and left a hundred dollar bill on the nightstand, that's just poor manners.

That said, folks should know that he doesn't believe in lineboring and I don't think he blocks the action either.

Didn't intend for this to turn into a Reeder-bashing. It should be noted that I AGREE that he has a lot to offer and is worth listening to.....on the subject.

+ 1

[Deleted]

+2. :

[tjcmo]

Aug 12, 2009 12:05:05 GMT -5 AxeHandle said:

I really think that we get a lot of spoon feeding and sugar coating from the gun builders that everyone likes... You know the style... They gently and diplomatically prod us in another direction us when our planned project is way out in left field.... The few top drawer gun builders I have become good friends with are some of the most opinionated and outspoken people I have ever met... I have a feeling that Reeder is a top drawer builder with a personality that won't let him sugar coat his opinions for the general public...

That is 100% spot on. I have one of Reeder's conversions as well as 2 Encore Barrels. His work is top shelf IMHO and I am more than pleased with his service. The only problem I have is some of the guys on his board and the political discussions that take place there. A little too much of "The sky is falling" nonsense for me. I used to be a regular on his forum but left right before the election because of the actions of a few of his posters.

[rigby]

I dont have any personal dealings with Reeder but have had a few of his guns though the shop. We have yet to have one Linebaugh or Bowen come through for whatever thats worth? I'll say for my experience in handling and fire his guns I have been underwhelmed to say the least. They didnt exhibit any of the fit I have found in Linebaughs or the Bowens guns. They honestly just felt like stock Rugers with decorations.

[cubrock]

.

[475480]

I have known Gary for about 15 years and count him as a good friend. I also do some testing of his cartridges in the TC Encore or Contender platforms for him. I have a few of his guns and many of his TC barrels.
He knows his stuff when it comes to handgun hunting and has been there and done that (as they say). He does not sugar coat much ;D and some people do not take that well.
In 2006 I went to S.Africa with him and a group of handgun hunters, had a great time.


Sean

[bloodhound]

I HAVE NOT SEEN ONE REVOLVER YET THAT I WOULD BUY ON THE USED GUN MARKET WORKED OVER BY MR. REEDER......THEY JUST DO NOT APPEAL TO ME....THE FINISH WORK HE APPLIES TO A REVOLVER IS JUST NOT FOR ME......AND OVER THE YEARS I HAVE SEEN MANY OF HIS GUNS FOR SALE.....IF HE EVER PRODUCES A PLAIN JANE SIXGUN...LET ME KNOW...I'LL TAKE A LOOK....HE HAS COME UP WITH SOME GREAT WILDCAT CARTRIDGES.......

[Len]

His work is ok. He is not top shelf and pales in comparison to Horvath, Bowen and others. I do not believe his work is as expensive, he is more of a production or semi custom gun builder, and there is a place for his work.

My single biggest complaint with him is he tried to feed me a load of BS rather than deal with a very real problem!

Len

[ravenwolf]

Interesting. I'm a member of many forums just not that vocal (well not much anyway). I guess I don't understand the Reeder bashing I've seen as it doesn't emulate what I've experienced. I have customs by Reeder, Clements, Bowen, Gemini Customs and Clark plus a few local smiths. I grew up with Doug Turnbull and have seen his shop grow to become an internationally known shop. Doug is a good friend. I helped our local gunshop get started in blueing and refinishing, plus dealt with a lot of customers. My father retired from Crosman Airguns and my wife will to hopefully, so I've had the privledge of testing many of their products and hearing customer input. And I've had good and not so good experiences with custom makers just like other people have had bad experiences with the smiths I've used, Doug, Crosmans and myself. These are just my experiences, not yours, so please bear in mind I am not being argumentive, just stating what I've observed after being involved in the gun industry since I was born literally.

Back to Gary. I have a few of his revolvers and Contender barrels. My first full custom came from him. I was just starting out with a family, money was scarce (still is but that's the result a female children ), so I gave him a call along with a couple other smiths in the custom field. Gary gave me his no BS opinion, didn't talk around the subject and basically told me what he thought would work. Yeah he is gruff, straight forward and forget PC. The type of person I am appreciated it and we hashed out the particulars of my first custom. A couple of the other smiths were very good salesman and later in life I found their work was every bit as good if executed differently but it was Gary's straight forward and forget the gimmicks attitude that won out (not to mention cost). After a couple years I had a problem with timing which he fully warrantied without any problem. Just recently I went out west on a HHI Antelope hunt and wanted to try one of his new wildcats that was basically untried. I had already ordered the barrel but dies were not available yet he offered to load up some for me to take on the hunt and sighted in the barrel/scope for me. That is why I support Gary. I also support the other smiths I've tried when I can. Yes I know his forum can get political and sometimes R rated and above, but really no more than my local gunclub can. And that is all I have to say about Gary Reeder. You can flame me but being a volunteer firefighter I wear protective equipment ;D.....RW