Randy's Custom Rifles & Rebarreling :: Schooling & Certification

Randy spent two years, 1969-1971, earning an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences with a major in Gun Smithing, in the department founded by P. O. Ackely, at Trinidad State Junior College under the direction of Bill Prator, Ed Shulin, and Warren Key. In the late 70’s he worked for Speer, Inc., founded by Vernon Speer, located in Lewiston, Idaho and was instrumental in developing machinery to produce their line of boat-tailed bullets. He built accuracy and pressure test variety rifles for Speer. From there he worked for Don Burris of Burris Scope Co., formally of Redfield as their prototype tool & die maker and machinist. At the same time, through all the years after school and working for other companies, he was building accurate, precision rifles, and doing extensive ballistic testing, all saved and recorded.

I have been building rifles since 1969, experienced as a gun maker, handloader, machinist and tool and die maker. I learned from an early age by example from my Granddad, Earl Brahler, who was a gunsmith and handloader and lodge owner. I was also fortunate to live near, and have as mentor and close friend, the late Les Bowman who lived on the lower Southfork L-B Ranch and who wrote and tested for all the major firearms companies, including Colt, Remingon, Winchester, Weatherby, and others. Les was a trained engineer, gun test and hand-loading expert. I spent thousands of hours helping and learning from Les as he was testing firearms since I was 8 years old. Also, when I was 8, Les introduced me to Col. Townsend Whelen. Les was the most qualified of all the men in this country to test rifles and the large gun companies and gunsmiths sent their rifles to Les for product testing. Much of what I do and know is from Les’s friendship and tutoring.

I spent two years earning an Associate Degree in Applied Sciences with a major in Gun Smithing at Trinidad State Junior College under the direction of Bill Prator, Ed Shulin, and Warren Key. In the late 70’s I worked for Speer, Inc., founded by Vernon Speer, located in Lewiston, Idaho and was instrumental in developing machinery to produce their line of boat-tailed bullets. I built accuracy and pressure test variety rifles for Speer. From there I worked for Don Burris of Burris Scope Co., formally of Redfield as their prototype tool, die maker and machinist. At the same time, through all the years after school and working for other companies, I was building accurate, precision rifles, and doing extensive ballistic testing.

I have a complete shop equipped to machine and build and test any rifle. I have a test facility on premises to accuracy test and check velocities, as well as a 100 yd., 300 yd., and 585 yd. range to thoroughly test not only every rifle I build, but any rifles that come in for modification or repairs, I load for over 170 calibers and chamber for hundreds more. I make and install my own muzzle brakes, and have on many occasions made custom actions for individual needs and requirements. I build stocks from common to exotic woods, or top line fiberglass or composition stocks. I am an experienced big game hunter and test many calibers and bullet combinations on my outings as do my sons. I live right in one of the game richest areas of Wyoming. I am able to do a lot of long range shooting with special equipment. I have built rifles that have gone with hunters from coast to coast, Canada, Alaska, and to Africa and these have brought down hundreds of big game for their owners.

We feel this shop is unique because of the experience I bring to each custom rifle. Not only do I have extensive experience in building custom rifles, but because of my training with Les Bowman and all of my own work and data, we can offer custom work up loads to give optimal performance. Further, Randy's experience and training in the field of tool and die making, machinist bring qualifications not found in many shops. He is also experienced in engineering and design.

I build rifles of lightweight to Safari style, from light varmint match to 1000 yard, take down rifles, from 17 calibers to 50 BMG. I use only the best components and standard and special accuracy techniques that I have not heard of ever being used in other shops. I have built rifles for the very young, modified to help the older or vision impaired shooter, for handicapped and for others with special needs.

I am confident that you have come to one of the countries most experienced gun makers, with years of know-how to give you the best value for your money. Prices vary with each specific order. I will work with you; evaluate your shooting style, needs and "wants" to help you in building the rifle of your dreams.