UM Custom Rifles - Reviews

[Strider]

I would take the fact that the owner of a company is on a internet forum on a Sunday afternoon giving replies to clarify and telling people to email him so he can look into things is a decent sign the company cares for their customer base.

 

[BigDog00]

I built on a Vesper short during the 2023 Thanksgiving sale. It took a bit for BAT to deliver the actions, but the lead times were stated up front and Unknown delivered what they said they would. The communication was great and any message that was left got returned very quickly. I have one very minor cosmetic issue when the rifle shipped, and Blaine took care of it immediately. I had the rifle back within about 7 days if I recall. Was it a hassle? Sure it was, but they stood behind their product and did everything they could to make me happy....which they did. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.

 

[Formidilosus]

I think you still have a chip on your shoulder from when I stated that you were part owner of S2H.

I did not remember that was you, or care.

Regarding me calling Jake a liar - that's ridiculous and you know it. A very emotional response.

Yeah no.


This is your quote after he very clearly stated what was happening-

though I'm a bit skeptical that all these spinoff companies are truly separate entities (not just separate CEO's on paper)

That’s after he said they were. So you literally stated that you are skeptical of whether he was telling the truth when he said that they were. That may not be what you meant, but it is what you wrote.
Now, with what you say that you meant- I agree. Jake is optimistic, and my view is to be on the slightly pessimistic side of realistic. There are things that UM has done that I don’t agree with- doesn’t matter, it isn’t my business. All I can do is try to help them correct issues if I can- which they very much want to be correct.
I would put a hefty wager that I argue and bring more problems up to Jake than anyone in his life- what I write, and what I wrote is because I want the truth. Fact- without “I like, I think, I feel” involved. Most of your post was “I feel” and “I believe” which is fine, but at least to me it was posted more on the side of it being fact. That’s all, and if I misread than I apologize.

 

[Gadjet]

Thank you for the feedback, that's a beautiful rifle!

Yes it is. You guys did an amazing job!

 

[SteveAndTheCrigBoys]

There are things that UM has done that I don’t agree with- doesn’t matter, it isn’t my business.

Did someone say, “pre-order”? Haha

 

[dirtytough]

Google us......431 5.0 star reviews.

Our customer service is phenomenal, and unfortunately this is part of it. Educating the misinformed.

Vortex’s customer service is phenomenal also

 

[SloppyJ]

What a shit show.

I've bought a few products from them and had some questions about their CIP length DBM setup on an origin. I called them, the first person didn't know and they transferred me to Blaine. He knew exactly what I was asking and told me that they have made one fit before. He told me how they did it and I replicated it at home and it works great. He gave me a few other tips as well.

I'm too hands on to let someone build a custom rifle for me so I will never be able to comment on that side of the business. However, I choose to support them because I believe their intent is good and they're bringing products to market that are needed and no one else will touch. I appreciate that.

Everyone that has actual experience with them should be heard. Good or bad. It's the ones with no first hand experience that like to bitch that shouldn't be in this thread.

 

[TheWhitetailNut]

Suppressors are an entirely different company ran by someone whos not me, his name is Cliff Brewer and he's a badass.
The scope is a Shoot2Hunt design and it's already full steam ahead, no further input needed.
The action is being built by Procision arms, not Unknown Munitions.

Maybe @Formidilosus was right, I should start hiring all my people from Rokslide, so many experts here!

Again, email me and I will figure out the influencer situation.

You can't afford us.

 

[TheWhitetailNut]

I would take the fact that the owner of a company is on a internet forum on a Sunday afternoon giving replies to clarify and telling people to email him so he can look into things is a decent sign the company cares for their customer base.

Objectively, No. Building systems that prevent a defensive version of weekend damage control shows care for customers. No doubt, we all fall short as business owners and sometimes I had to eat a shit sandwich my employees prepared for me. Sounds like whomever this is is growing quickly and with diversity, I hope it all works out for everyone invested.

 

[Pilsner]

@JM151

The longer this thread stays fresh, the more positive feedback will be reported.

I know this because I receive emails and calls everyday thanking us for what we do.

We support shooters, loaders, and hunters with free customer service and information on a daily basis who have never been a customer of ours. Guys asking for load data for a rifle built by someone else, paying for the SHoot2Hunt podcast myself to support education in the shooting and hunting industries, and personally reaching out and handling any customer issues that arise because no-one is perfect and I like to make sure things are handled the best way they can be. Implementing quality controls throughout my shop to ensure that customers receive phone calls before their custom rifle ships, or has a chance to change or verify things about their build or cerakote job before the rifle leaves.

We are not perfect, but we are most certainly not a marketing company. Again a 4 man rifle build team that has been the same for years and built 100's of top quality rifles.

Email me and I will take care of whatever is holding up your rifle build.

[email protected]

Can you do anything about spousal permission and funding on my new rifle build? That seems to be the biggest hold up.
Thanks,
Brian

 

[deerhunter628]

I ordered my Tikka build with a Rokstok. I had to be one of the first, but was certainly not one of the first to get it. I ordered mine well before you could order the Rokstok. They had announced on a podcast that you could order a rifle build with a Rokstok and i did it that day or shortly after. I paid in full when i ordered it. I just preferred to have it paid for. It took almost exactly 1 year and 1 month. I got a 7 PRC, 20” spiral fluted Ace barrel, black carbon camo Rokstok (started out as a LE green but changed that from their recommendation), Tikka action with the full lightening nitride and spiral flute. UM even did a Q tapper on my barrel for me. The rifle shoots great. It is by far my favorite rifle. I

 

[Unknown Munitions]

I don't know what your issue is, but UM coming on here is exactly what every company should do. Calling him an asshole is a sign of low intelligence. I have had dealings with UM many times, EVERYONE there has been outstanding in every way.

What company do you successfully own?

Thank you very much sir, it is guys like you that keep me coming to work everyday and doing the best I can!

 

[Unknown Munitions]

Can you do anything about spousal permission and funding on my new rifle build? That seems to be the biggest hold up.
Thanks,
Brian

I can definitely try and help, it wouldn't be the first time!

 

[Unknown Munitions]

I ordered my Tikka build with a Rokstok. I had to be one of the first, but was certainly not one of the first to get it. I ordered mine well before you could order the Rokstok. They had announced on a podcast that you could order a rifle build with a Rokstok and i did it that day or shortly after. I paid in full when i ordered it. I just preferred to have it paid for. It took almost exactly 1 year and 1 month. I got a 7 PRC, 20” spiral fluted Ace barrel, black carbon camo Rokstok (started out as a LE green but changed that from their recommendation), Tikka action with the full lightening nitride and spiral flute. UM even did a Q tapper on my barrel for me. The rifle shoots great. It is by far my favorite rifle. IView attachment 836987

Thank you for the feedback sir, I'm stoked you love your rifle!

 

[Unknown Munitions]

I would take the fact that the owner of a company is on a internet forum on a Sunday afternoon giving replies to clarify and telling people to email him so he can look into things is a decent sign the company cares for their customer base.

Thank you sir, I definitely agree.

 

[Unknown Munitions]

I built on a Vesper short during the 2023 Thanksgiving sale. It took a bit for BAT to deliver the actions, but the lead times were stated up front and Unknown delivered what they said they would. The communication was great and any message that was left got returned very quickly. I have one very minor cosmetic issue when the rifle shipped, and Blaine took care of it immediately. I had the rifle back within about 7 days if I recall. Was it a hassle? Sure it was, but they stood behind their product and did everything they could to make me happy....which they did. I wouldn't hesitate to use them again.

Thank you for the feedback and for your support!

 

[Unknown Munitions]

Did someone say, “pre-order”? Haha

Lessons learned!

 

[Unknown Munitions]

What a shit show.

I've bought a few products from them and had some questions about their CIP length DBM setup on an origin. I called them, the first person didn't know and they transferred me to Blaine. He knew exactly what I was asking and told me that they have made one fit before. He told me how they did it and I replicated it at home and it works great. He gave me a few other tips as well.

I'm too hands on to let someone build a custom rifle for me so I will never be able to comment on that side of the business. However, I choose to support them because I believe their intent is good and they're bringing products to market that are needed and no one else will touch. I appreciate that.

Everyone that has actual experience with them should be heard. Good or bad. It's the ones with no first hand experience that like to bitch that shouldn't be in this thread.

Thank you sir, most appreciated.

 

[Dave_S]

I dunno, I think it’s kind of a breath of fresh air to have a company reply with things other than the typically pillowy dialogue. It also makes me feel comfortable giving them crap about things I don’t like — cause I recognize it’s another human on the other end and not some corporate response team.

But I totally see your point that some mild snarkiness would rub some people the wrong way. If UM is okay without those folks being customers, that’s their prerogative

100% this. I think it's great that they will get on here and respond like real humans. I think if someone is offended by mild snarkiness, maybe they shouldn't be on the internet calling people assholes. Just because someone is a business owner, they certainly shouldn't have to just bend over and take it when people trash-talk their product. Of course, us consumers should be able to call companies out for shortcomings, too. My personal experience with UM has been very positive. No builds....yet. But they have answered my emails in a timely fashion and communication regarding orders has been fine. When I had a question about my rokstok after it showed up, I called and they gave me a solution. They've earned my repeat business.

 

[HandgunHTR]

You are coming across like an asshole - good move! Everybody who searches your name will get to see how you treat people on this thread…

You say this like it is a bad thing.

I have been in the service industry for a very long time and one thing I have learned over the years is that you are not going to make everyone happy. I have also learned that the customer is not always right and that sometimes you have to fire a customer, just like sometimes customers will fire you.
If you are being unreasonable, treating my people like crap, or trying to take advantage of my company (including making threats to ruin our reputation), you will quickly find out how much of an asshole I can be. I have yet to have a situation like that lead to an outcome where I, my people, and my company weren't better off.
So, if I were searching around the internet looking for a company that could fulfill my needs for custom ammunition, custom rifles, gun parts, etc. and ran across this thread, I would actually be drawn to UM based on this because what I see is an owner who gives a crap and is a normal human being, not some suck-ass who only wants your money.

My final thought on this would be that based on your very well documented opinion, you probably aren't a UM customer, and most likely won't ever be. So, why would Jake even give a rat's ass what you think of him?