Dear Neal, I wanted to drop you a note to let you know how pleased I am with the recent .270 you built for me. It’s amazing that something this beautiful shoots so well. I took your advice on bullets and powder and my average group size is .42″! I have been an avid collector of quality firearms and hunter for nearly 25 years. The quality and general fit and finish of this rifle surpasses most of the other custom guns in my safe. Best Wishes, Eric Patterson
Gary McCarthy
Neal built me a wonderful rifle to use in Alaska about two months ago. I have lived and hunted there for over 25 years and killed a lot of critters over the years, over twenty dall sheep, not to mention lots of moose and caribou. Of all the rifles I’ve seen and used, Neal’s lightweight mountain rifle is one of “the” nicest, lightest rifles I’ve ever come across. I’m sure that because Neal lived and hunted in Alaska for almost 30 years, he really knows what works. He is easy to communicate with and I always get the feeling that he is looking out for what is best with me and his other clients. I highly recommend him to anyone who wants a great shotgun, varmint rifle or hunting/safari rifle. Gary McCarthy Chugiak, Alaska
Tanzania Hunt 2011
Tim Vining with his trophy elephant taken in February 2011, with Hilary Daffi Safaris in his Lunda Concession adjacent to Ruaha National Park, Tanzania. Pictured in the foreground is Tim’s 416 Remington Magnum built by Neal Bauder, gunsmith.
This safari was my 5th trip to Africa and 1st to Tanzania. I wanted to make sure the rifles I took were accurate, reliable and looked good. Neal whom I have been friends with a good number of years and have hunted and fished with in Alaska built two beautiful rifles. The 416 Remington Magnum is on a Sako AV Action, and has a Krieger Barrel. The rifle stock is a beautiful English Walnut. The rifle has a palm swell and 27 line per inch checkering.
The 30-06 is on a Winchester Model 70 Action and has a Krieger Barrel. The rifle stock is Bastone Walnut, has a palm swell, hand checkering with ribbon. Both rifles are beautiful, reliable and accurate. The results in the photos speak for themselves. If you are in the market for a custom rifle please consider Neal Bauder. On a dangerous game hunt I bet my life on the rifles built by Neal.
Jack Harrison
I have been a client of Neal’s for many years; almost from the beginning when he first started building custom rifles. I have a .270 Win, a 300 H & H, 404 Jeffery, 35 Whelen and a .22-250 that he built for me. These rifles have been a great source of pride and enjoyment. I have been successful collecting hogs, whitetails, moose, bear and a host of African antelopes with them. I feel that the quality of his work rivals my late uncle’s craftsmanship, Byrd Pearson of Provo, Utah. I feel Neal is extremely accomplished, confident and honest. As a result, Neal and I have enjoyed a lasting friendship and bond. I highly recommend Neal as a choice for your personal gunmaker. –Jack Harrison
Remington 25
Following are some photos of a Remington model 25 in 25/20 that Neal Bauder built for me some years ago. Neal’s work shows the great care and quality that he exhibits in every project. The fit and finish is everything in a custom stock. The pictures speak for themselves. I’ve known Neal for almost two decades, and have seen many pieces that he has produced. All have the same amount of care, quality, and craftsmanship. I value this little rifle more than any that I own. If you have any questions about the work that Neal has done for me, please email me at jcarlstrom@live.com. Thank you, James L. Carlstrom
.416 Remington Magnum
I am a rifle aficionado. And yes I can make an off the shelf factory rifle shoot sub-minute groups utilizing hand loads, reducing the trigger pull, etc. What I cannot do is build beautiful, functional rifles as well as accurate rifles. Two old cliche’s come to mind when it comes to rifles: Life is too short to hunt with an ugly gun and only accurate rifles are interesting. Neal Bauder builds beautiful rifles that are accurate, the testament is seen in the photograph, The rifle in the picture is a .416 Remington Magnum built on a Sako magnum length Action. This beautiful rifle is Neal’s creation. In fact, it is one of four rifles Neal has built for me that include the classic: 7 x 57; 6.5-06, and 30.06. I plan on having Neal build me more rifles for me in the future. Not only are the rifles beautiful and functional, they are works of art that I will pass on to my heirs. –Tim Vining
Browning B-2000 in Bastogne
Dear Neal, Just wanted to let you know how impressed I am with the shotgun you built for me. I have been shooting birds with it since opener, (Oct. 9). I missed my first rooster on the 29th. The cast-off you put into the stock and other dimensions that you put into the stock are perfect. The B 2000 20 ga. is a lightning rod. It is as functional as it is beautiful. I have shot a lot of birds in the last 30 years, probably 2500+. I enjoy using the 20 ga. you built for me more than any shotgun I have ever had. – Tony in Montana
Tom Powell
Dear Neal,
I just wanted to say how fantastically wonderful your workmanship is. I have been collecting guns for a long time and have never come across riflework that is this fantastic. You are a true artist! Thanks for telling me about the 17hmr. and converting my rifle to this caliber as well. We compared your rifle to my neighbor’s Holland and Holland shotguns and his Dakota. Your rifle is in a league all its own, totally awesome work. Please don’t hesitate to have anyone give me a call regarding your rifle building abilities.
Tom Powell
Mobile, Alabama
August, 2010.
Greg Beckman – Ancorage, Alaska
Rhino .416 Rem. Not all hunts involve hunting the Big 5. However I have been fortunate enough to take this rhino with the .416 Rem that Neal built for me in 2003. A fairly physical hunt in 110 degree weather, with a healthy dose of humidity. 4 shots with 400gr solids were needed to bring him down. All shots were killing shots (eventually) but at 30 yards with a wounded animal that is faster than you is not the time to admire your handy work.
