As an avid shooter and looking to build a new rifle I had checked a bunch of gun shops in a 100 mile radius. One of my friends told me he had come across R&J and told me where I would find it.
I took a ride out from Tigard after calling and leaving a message regarding hours. I received a quick call back. I arrived at the shop about 1:30 with some decent knowledge of the AR-15 platform. I definitely left more informed than I was when I walked in. My buddies review to me of the shop was they have every part you need to assemble a new build. He was trying to straighten up a gun he had acquired that was not built right from the start and did not come from R&J. But they had what he needed.
I unofficially met Bob and Jason, no handshake, no 'hi I am the owner". Jason was working behind the counter at the bench and Bob engaged me in conversation. Project, I was working on involved my stepson and he could not make the trip that day. As such I was hesitant to buy anything as it was going to be his gun. But Bob treated me well and explained a ton of stuff with the occasional input from Jason and I believe the guy in the back work room was Dave. Long and short is even after saying I might not buy anything today, they spent more time with me. As it turned out I left an hour and a half later with an armorers wrench and the feeling that this was my shop. These are good people that made me feel comfortable, not rushed or feeling like my wallet was the only thing they wanted.
I must admit that I was very tempted by a rifle Jason was finishing up before I left. I held it in my hands and the first thing I really noticed is I loved the receiver set. Solid and well made. Had I been in that day for a rifle for myself I would have taken her home with me. If you truly have the bug you know what I mean when I say I was sad leaving it there when I went home.
I told them I would be back and Jason said he would be away for the week. Yesterday, Friday, I called Bob checking to see if he was going to be around, that I wanted to swing in and get some stuff. Bob called me back and said come on down. My experience was equally as pleasant as the first time and I walked out with the makings of a rifle based off of their receiver set. I am the type of guy that if I am spending a cent, I will add more cents to it for the right quality. I went in with the idea of buying a cheap complete upper and a lower receiver because after all it was the stepson's rifle and I would rather he not out shoot me. End of the day though Bob made it easy for me to get the things I wanted, pay a little more for the upgrades I wanted but never made me feel pressured. And because I have good taste and R&J a great product, The stepson got a rifle I would be proud to own.
I could gush more about that theses guys but go find out for yourselves. I am 50 and I have spent the last 32 years travelling the country/ world and I have met a lot of people in a lot a of businesses. I have rarely found one with more passion about what they do than the R and J in R&J. I have some really decent skills from woodworking and being a heavy equipment mechanic and I recognize guys with skills. The whole time Bob was giving the nickel tour for free, I noticed the ease and skill with which Jason was assembling firearms behind the counter and being involved in the conversation while his hand were working. Not sure what you call it, but when I see a man that at ease with his tools and craft, I call it art. Another thing to mention before I stop. Jason was just getting back into town from his vacation and walked into the shop and immediately picked up a tool and finished the work I needed to take home my purchase, then, instead of today. Thank You Jason. I will be back and feel like I have found 'My Shop" read more