As I promised here is my brief report from my visit to Empire Rifles:

It is a well-run firm with knowledgeable people. George Sandmann (owner) certainly knows his stuff and offered us good info without crappy high pressure sales. His product seems first rate and he was able to explain his design to us in non-technical terms that did not lose the power of his message. we intend to use his actions in our custom rifle project.

I recommend him. see him at www.empirerifles.com

Cheers