I approached Neal about six months ago about having him build me a long range hunting/varmint rifle in 6.5/284 caliber. After we talked about the many options for about a month or so, we decided on the following: McMillan stock, Stiller predator V action, right bolt, left port, Lilja three groove s.s. barrel, 26 inches O.A.L. green with white marbling pattern, remington varmint stock. jewell trigger 20 oz.

Neal has great communication skills. He is a straight-up kind of guy who knows what he’s talking about. His knowledge of rifle making and shooting sporting clays is at the Master Level. It’s obvious from what he builds, be it wood or synthetic, rifle or shotgun, he is a truly gifted individual with an eye for beauty and a mindset that continually produces guns of the highest quality. His inletting, checkering, fit, and ability to configure a rifle or shotgun is outstanding. Everything that he said he would do regarding the rifle, he did and he did it on time. I got exactly what I wanted in my rifle, outstanding accuracy and good looks, what more could a person want? Neal went out of his way to assist me in working up a great load for the gun and provided me with all that I needed to be successful in the field and on the course.

David Willing
Temperance, Michigan 11/12

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

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

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

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