Grafs

[Walkalong]

I can not tell how much shipping they are going to charge without first entering credit info etc. I do not want to do that just to see shipping. Does anyone know about what shipping would be on 4lbs of powder from them?

I can always call Monday I suppose. Thanks, AC

 

[AntiqueCollector]

They don't charge shipping per se, they have a handling fee (I think it was 3.95 or thereabouts last time I ordered) and a minimum order amount of $30 but they do have to charge a $20 haz mat fee on any powder. Not their choice, they have to. I buy my blackpowder from them and always wait until I can order about 5 pounds to spread the haz mat fee out.

 

[BsChoy]

Grafs has no shipping fee's just the 3.00 "handling" they are very good to deal with

 

[Walkalong]

Hmmm... Looks like Natchez or Grafs. 2 to 3 bucks difference.

Which would you do and why? Thanks, AC

 

[Hikingman]

Grafs - Recommended!

http://www.grafs.com/

 

[IMtheNRA]

Grafs charges 3.95 or 5.95 for shipping plus the carrier's hazmat fees, depending on whether you place the order on the internet or the telephone.

I found the total costs to be about the same as the much more professional Midway, where they usually ship the same day and have excellent communication skills.

In my experience, Grafs seems to be a sleepy little company that does not always answer emails, does not automatically provide tracking numbers, but they will usually get the order right and they will eventually get the package shipped out to me. I still buy hard to find stuff from them, but never anything that I need right away.

 

[retrieverman]

I have been comparing Grafs with Midway, and there has never been over a couple bucks difference between the two. Midway has been cheaper every time though.

 

[RustyFN]

I guess it depends on how you are buying. I always buy cheaper at Grafs or Powder Valley than I do at Midway. I get a C&R discount. At Midway it's 10 cents, at Grafs it's dollars. One example for 5,000 Wolf small pistol primers, Midway $90 and Grafs $80. I always go in with a couple of friends and we buy in bulk. 50,000 primers at a time or 50 pounds of powder. When you spend over $500 at Grafs you get an extra 5% off. We save quite a bit of money buying this way.
Rusty

 

[pinkymingeo]

Grafs requires a delivery signature for components. If it isn't possible for you to meet the UPS guy, that can be a problem.

 

[Walkalong]

Grafs requires a delivery signature for components

Good to know, although my wife is home for a while recuperating from surgery, so for a while, that's OK. Midway was a good bit more than Grafs or Natchez. The latter two were within 3 bucks of each other.

I have bought powder from Powder Valley twice before, but will not be this time at least.

 

[jfh]

I prefer Graf's and use them, if possible. I used to buy from them fifteen years ago, and I do now--started this Spring, when I was buying small quantities of Lee items to update my presses, etc. At least once they added on to an order by e-mail request and called to confirm it--and another time they combined two orders to save a second handling fee.

The only time their costs climb is if you buy several items--then the "built-in" shipping charge can get excessive. However, my orders have always been 1) shipped within 36 hours, 2) correctly invoiced, fulfilled, and shipped, and 3) arrived within 48 hours of notification (standard UPS / FedEx ground shipping to here).

All in all, because of their utterly reliable service, I prefer to buy there than at Midway--i.e., support for the small(er) operation.

Jim H.

 

[ShunZu]

Grafs - Recommended!

+1

 

[KODB]

I've been using Grafs frequently over the last 5 years. I have a business/dealer account with them which saves even more. They are my preferred source for most components unless there is an absolutely killer sale somewhere else (Midway, Natchez, Powder Valley). Another great one I just found is www.polygunbag.com. I recently picked up a bunch of Sierra Gamekings there for a great price.

Regards,

Bob

 

[CZ57]

Same for me, Walkalong. Plenty of experience with Graf & Sons: No problems.If you order enough powder, they used to could work out a deal to ship your primers under the same Haz-Mat fee.

 

[Waldog]

Graf's is GREAT. And, I have always received impeccable service. AND, it's cheaper than Midway when you factor in shipping. Midway's shipping has always seemed high to me.

 

[jameslovesjammie]

I agree about Midway's shipping. I purchased a Frankford Arsenal case tumbler and a few other things. The shipping charge was like $15 and all they did was open the tumbler up, put the small items inside it, put it in its original box, taped it up, and shipped it. When I've ordered from Grafs, it has always been packed, like from Cabelas. It's at least a little bit more insurance for less money.

 

[lonewolf5347]

Grafs or midway
I like grafs because Internet orders are a standard price $3.95 for shipping.
I also favor grafs when I need to re-order my goex BP which I purchase 10 lb at a time and split with my shooting Buddie

 

[Walkalong]

Bought it from Grafs. Thanks

 

[Antipasta]

You can't go wrong with either company, but Midway does get ridiculous with the shipping costs on some minimum weight items. I'd also like to see the option for flat rate from the USPS. If a company is truly looking to do right by their customers, they'll make the shipping competitive and reasonable.

 

[RustyFN]

Check with Grafs. You might be able to fax a copy of your DL and not have to sign for powder or primers. I have heard of other companies doing this. I have a UPS office close to my house so I just pick it up on my way home from work.
Rusty

 

[Walkalong]

Thanks, I'll call and check. You are right. A lot of companies will do that.

 

[Joemyxplyx]

+1 for Grafs

I just received a Hornady balance beam scale that I got for 50% off for their 50th anniversary sale. I also bought a Lee Classic Cast Single Stage press for half price a couple months ago. The shipment was as fast a Midway, no problems there.

Because of the specials, I got in the habit of checking Graf's regularly whenever I was looking for something. Sometimes they have super bargains. When I bought the Hornady scale I also wanted a MTM portable maintenance center to take to the range. Graf's price was $32.99 compared to Midway's $41.31.

 

[jfh]

The only real complaint I have about Graf's is that I wish they provided for a "wish list." I used to be able to keep a shopping cart "open" indefinitely earlier this year, without even logging in to my account. So, I could take my time--I'd "think of something else," and build up the order.

Now, it appears that an "open cart" is reset within 48 hours--they probably did a security upgrade. This is not a big issue--I find the ready access to my order history almost makes up for this lack. But, it'd be a good update to their online ordering process.

For those of you who don't order online--I have noted that I think the handling charge is $5.95, not $3.95 as it is online.

Jim H.

 

[fireflyfather]

Grafs only requires signatures for hazmat components. Brass & projectiles require no signature. I always use Grafs when I can, even though I shop around, because it's ALWAYS been cheaper for me.