Z-Hat "FAQ" Page

For detailed descriptions of the related work we offer click on the links inserted below.

#1 frequent question... How much to rebarrel my rifle?

Answer: Barrel jobs are essentially the same on all rifles. Chromoly (blue) threaded, chambered, headspaced, cut to length, polished, crowned, and blued. $455 Stainless steel is $75 more. We use Douglass XX Premium as our standard barrel but can use what you like. Sights and various required hardware installation not included in these prices.

#2: Does your barrel job include blue printing a bolt action?

Answer: Actually we offer this separately, it's your gun you should be able to choose the work you desire. We call this an action tune, lapping lugs, facing the receiver, and bolt face as needed. $128 Lapping the lugs alone is $50. This work really enhances accuracy. It's surprising how many good actions need this work. Combine this with a trigger job or replacement trigger for the best results.

#3: Why don't you include re-threading the receiver in your blue printing?

Answer: We are interested in offering the best possible accuracy in hunting rifles. We believe that it is simpler and more effective to work within the confines of the design rather that to spend a bunch of time and money on unnecessary work. The work outlined in the action tune will deliver at least 90% of the accuracy potential from any action, especially when combined with cryo treatment and trigger work.

#4: How much to rechamber my rifle for your Hawk cartridges or an improved cartridge?

Answer: A set back and rechamber is the correct way to do this job. We turn the barrel back a full thread to insure a clean new chamber. Most factory chambers are over sized and/or out of round, by setting the barrel back you can also include an action tune for best accuracy. $110

#5: I need a set of your custom dies for my ___ Improved Eargoshplitenloudenboomer, what do they cost and what is delivery? (plug in your own caliber above)

Answer: Z-Hat dies include your choice of a neck or full length sizer. These are standard 7/8x14 thread dies. If you have a caliber which we do not have tooling for it will run between $160 and $210 for tooling. included in the set is an inline bullet seater ( a more accurate way of seating bullets). $158 for the set. We also offer an upgrade to the inline seater $68, a micrometer head which allows for fast accurate adjustment to desired seating depth. The Micrometer Inline Seater (MIS) is the Cadillac of all seating dies. Delivery time can vary with work load but is generally less than 3 months.

#6: Do you need a deposit to start work?

Answer: A 30% deposit is required to start work, the balance is due upon completion, in the case of large jobs we sometimes request a progress payment. We normally notify you shortly before the job is finished for your convenience.

#7: Who provides the action?

Answer: It is preferable for you the client to provide the rifle or action we will be building up. We can provide new factory actions when required. If we provide the action ATF rules require an 11% excise tax, this is calculated on the total final price of the rifle.

#8: Catalog requests.

Answer: We do not produce a catalog. We have found this web site to be much more versatile. It is possible to upgrade offerings and inform clients of new products much more quickly and efficiently. Please visit the site map to see all that we offer, or visit our search page for Z-Hat. We do have a Secure Shopping cart on this web site, click here to check it out.

#9: Where do I ship my gun? How do I ship it legally?

We are a licensed gunsmith shop, so you can legally ship your gun directly to us for repair or rebuilding. We can legally return you gun to you upon completion. Our shipping address is listed on the contact us page of this site. FedEx Ground is the easiest to deal with, only handguns have to be shipped overnight so don't let anybody talk you into unnecessary expense.

#10: What is the delivery time on my new rifle?

We are currently estimating 8 months from the time we receive your rifle and deposit to completion of the project, a little less for barrel jobs only. We are able to keep short delivery times for a few simple reasons. We do not have a retail store to take care of. We keep our contacts primarily to email and faxes so we can schedule our time around these contacts. We do not publish a phone #, this saves us many hours which we are able to apply to the completion of your custom rifle on a more timely basis. We will call you if you have questions that require discussion.

#11: What is your Warrantee?

We stand behind all our work. All labor will be correct and of the highest quality. Parts and materials often are covered by the vendor, we will take care of that relationship for you. Your satisfaction is of paramount importance to us. When jobs need to come back to us we pick up the shipping costs. There is a 90 day limit from the time you receive the finished product (if there were a problem you will locate it in this time period). If you have a question just ask, we will always work to make you happy.

#12: How do I contact you?

Email us at Rifle.Builder@z-hat.com

Snail Mail:       Z-Hat Custom
                       4010A So. Poplar St.
                       PMB 72
                       Casper, WY      82601

#13: Do you work on semi-autos?

NO. We specialize in bolt action, lever, and single shot hunting rifles. Frankly that is plenty of ground to cover. We leave the semi-autos and pumps to other gunsmiths. Our experience and interest in accurate hunting rifles insures that you will get the expert service you want.

#14: Have you ever chambered for a ____________ ? Put your caliber in the blank.

Think about this question. We are Experts at barrel and chamber work! It makes no difference what cartridge we are chambering for, the same mechanical rules and physical laws apply. It always reminds me of the guy standing at the gun counter looking at a 30-06. He says, "Wow, that's a cool rifle, but what would it look like in 270?" The salesman answered, "Just like this only with a different hole in the barrel."

We have the tooling for tons of cartridges, we can get our hands on any caliber you can think of, and if that's not enough, we can design the cartridge and order a custom reamer for your caliber.

#15: Do you sell any products for shooters and Hunters?

Sure, check out our online catalog:

We will add to this page as necessary to efficiently answer your questions. Need an answer to your question?

Nasty business notes required here by clients who lack patience: While we make every effort to set and meet delivery dates we do not control the entire world, although my teenage son has a plan to take it over. We try to spend more time in the shop and less time on the phone, so that you can have your new toy back ASAP. Delivery dates should not be construed as a guarantee. Some clients seem to think they are the sole residents of this universe, and my son will handle them when he takes over. Anyway, if you communicate with me in a kind and cordial manner you will gain my respect and admiration, if you choose the other obvious route, you will not impress me or your girlfriend/wife as she has you figured out already. In short, remember what Momma said, "You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!"

Finally for those of you who want to have an excuse to say the words, "My Lawyer said" I suggest that you just make those lines up it's much cheaper. If you place an order with us and later decide that too much time has passed, this is not a reason for calling a lawyer and by placing an order with us you are agreeing that you will handle all costs for both your lawyer and mine. By the way, I hire the best, if your going to waste money I figure I should at least be sure to get the best guy to represent me. The next time one of your buddies says, "Why are there no good gunsmiths around here?" Just have him read this, it's a pretty good clue.

Email us at: Rifle.Builder@z-hat.com

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