Gunsmithing How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

[Some Day]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

It's been a year and a half so far for me.Its suppose to be done for my elk hunt.I hope the hell it is that's why i started it a year and half ago.

 

[steve123]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CTressler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, it ended up taking 17 months to get my rifle, I just picked it up the other day. I wish I could say it was worth the wait, but he did a half-assed job on it. I know he finished other rifles ahead of mine that were ordered well after mine, and he never did follow through with some of the basic items. I have yet to shoot it, hopefully it performs.

I sure wish I would have ordered this from Score High, I would have been shooting it a year ago and it would have been put together nicely. </div></div>

I've listened to C's agony and regret concerning the ongoing excuses of the gunsmith in question more than a few times in the last year.

I know who <span style="font-size: 17pt">"NOT"</span> to recommend for a gunsmith locally and I look forward to mentioning such as the occasion arises.

 

[Carolina Shooter]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

CTressler - just out of curiosity, can you elaborate on what was half-assed about the job?

 

[billyburl2]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

Since I am "local" I am also deeply interested in finding out who the Smith was as well.

 

[rdinak]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

I see rifles for sale frequently on this forum by some of the top smiths in the country. If you have cash in hand, there is no need to wait. If your beef is with waiting times...quality is usually worth the wait. Fast, good, cheap....you will seldom if ever get all three.

 

[Down South]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

My last two customs I had built (308 and 6.5 X 47) were built by Don Geraci. I ordered all the parts myself then brought them to Don for the build. The 308 has a Bat VR action and Krieger 4 groove barrel that I got from Brunos that were in stock and delivered within a week, the stock was a Medalist A2 that I got from Redhawk rifles and had that within a week also. The jewell trigger and HS precision bottom metal was bought from Don as he is a dealer and had them in stock. The reamer used was one that I ordered from Dave and he had it in stock also. I used all the same components on my 6.5 X 47 build except I used a Surgeon 591 short action and a Medalist M40 stock. After Don had the parts within 1 to 2 weeks he was done. Both rifles are extrememly accurate as are all the other rifles that Don has built for friends of mine. He builds great rifles with a very quick turn around time and you won't beat his prices. He's retired and does this as a hobby not for a living but he works 7 days a week (workaholic). lol

 

[BigBlue&Goldie]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: billyburl2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since I am "local" I am also deeply interested in finding out who the Smith was as well. </div></div>

I would like to know as well. If you don't feel comfortable calling them out in public, please shoot me a PM.

I think I know who he is talking about, but I don't want to openly speculate.

 

[garyd]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom ri

I know what you mean. I am getting ready to fire my smith. I was promised mine would be done by July 2011 just one in front of my build no problem. Then a supplier issue but no problem to have it by Christmas 2011. Well here it is mid august 2012 and nothing. Bad thing is he talked me out of going with another smith because he could do it faster and had better relationships with the parts manufactures. A red flag should have went up when the action manufacture recommended I go with the smith I was leaning towards.

 

[steve123]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigBlue&Goldie</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: billyburl2</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Since I am "local" I am also deeply interested in finding out who the Smith was as well. </div></div>

I would like to know as well. If you don't feel comfortable calling them out in public, please shoot me a PM.

I think I know who he is talking about, but I don't want to openly speculate. </div></div>

It's C's thread. If he decides to publicly disclose the gunsmiths name that's for him to do. PM's sent.

 

[RTK]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

Any smith should be able to complete the build in a reasonable agreed upon time frame. They should also, from time to time, let you know how the project is progressing, ie parts arriving etc.
I choose my gunsmiths after reading reviews then talking to them over the phone and via e-mails. A conversation can tell you alot, All I am looking for is honesty, whether they say a month or several months.
If I supply all the parts the build should not take multiple months to complete, if so I will find someone else.
The OP sounds to me as he is being jerked around

 

[2156SMK]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CTressler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, it ended up taking 17 months to get my rifle, I just picked it up the other day. I wish I could say it was worth the wait, but he did a half-assed job on it. I know he finished other rifles ahead of mine that were ordered well after mine, and he never did follow through with some of the basic items. I have yet to shoot it, hopefully it performs.

I sure wish I would have ordered this from Score High, I would have been shooting it a year ago and it would have been put together nicely. </div></div>

Wait times like this are why I won't get into ordering parts to build rifles.
All of that wait is obviously not from waiting for parts.
Much of it is probably from the SMITH waiting to place the parts orders which then take a while to come in.
Or perhaps he messed something up and had to re-order a long leadtime part.
Mostly, it's from being lazy and not getting around to doing the work.

I have my customers chase down all the parts and then schedule a time to come over while I knock it out.
It's only a few hours to fit a barrel and brake and assemble a gun.
Guys love hanging around while it's getting done and I like having them there as it keeps my concentration on the task at hand.
When you have a customer standing around watching, there's no time to go dilly dally with email or surf the web...

 

[steve123]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2156SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: CTressler</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, it ended up taking 17 months to get my rifle, I just picked it up the other day. I wish I could say it was worth the wait, but he did a half-assed job on it. I know he finished other rifles ahead of mine that were ordered well after mine, and he never did follow through with some of the basic items. I have yet to shoot it, hopefully it performs.

I sure wish I would have ordered this from Score High, I would have been shooting it a year ago and it would have been put together nicely. </div></div>

Wait times like this are why I won't get into ordering parts to build rifles.
All of that wait is obviously not from waiting for parts.
Much of it is probably from the SMITH waiting to place the parts orders which then take a while to come in.
Or perhaps he messed something up and had to re-order a long leadtime part.
Mostly, it's from being lazy and not getting around to doing the work.

I have my customers chase down all the parts and then schedule a time to come over while I knock it out.
It's only a few hours to fit a barrel and brake and assemble a gun.
Guys love hanging around while it's getting done and I like having them there as it keeps my concentration on the task at hand.
When you have a customer standing around watching, there's no time to go dilly dally with email or surf the web... </div></div>

That's the kind of wait time I like

I respect a Smith that is good shooter like you as well.

 

[Defuzer]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

I know your pain.

currently on a 2.5+ yr wait on a few items. Gunsmith seems to have dropped from earth. I know he had some health problems and quit taking new work on.. but when I would see new builds pop up that started a year or more after mine, it kind of pissed me off.

well, I am on week 3 now of no contact, and have been as patient as possible. I would only ask for updates every 3-4 months. a few thousand down the drain for a deposit I guess. not to mention the SS5-20 Scope I sent from the initial offering last year when they were released.

yeah I don't post much, hell, I have been waiting on my builds.. lol. past the point of ridiculous. and the gunsmith I used is on both this board and central, just used to be more so over there.

oh.. and after reading and reading and researching for yrs now. wasn't really so custom. was having a .338 edge in savage action, a tikka rebarelled in 6.5X47L, and a kidd .22lr. his discretion on barrels (whatever was fastest), and using pdc stocks on everything.

 

[RTK]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

Defuzer, time to start taking some action, that is inexcusable especially if others are getting their guns and not you.
I can understand health issues, but that does not seem to be the case now.

 

[jcann]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

I was originally given a time of between 6-8 months, August 10, surpassed 12 months. When I checked on my build status last month I was told, “Item was found during quality checking: bedding requires attention and is in process.” When I called Monday they couldn’t locate my rifle but was told they would get back with me (still waiting).

I’m not posting to bad mouth this company. Their quality and craftsmanship are impeccable from what I’ve read, seen and shot. I’m sure with their work load its kinda like herding cats. It’s just somewhat frustrating when it’s your first “custom” build and you were planning to use it on an upcoming Oct. antelope hunt.

I was contacted today and told rifle will be ready in a few days

 

[2156SMK]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

That's the kind of wait time I like

I respect a Smith that is good shooter like you as well. </div></div>

Thanks Steve.
I'll see you in Vegas in October.
I have lost about 100lbs, I can get into so-cal seated now and I'm coming out of retirement!

 

[cap2031]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

Ha, I like this thread.

I ordered a rifle which I'm still waiting on as well.

I got tired of waiting (as well as some other things happening), so I started my own company, bought equipment (including a CNC), ordered parts, customized all the machines to within my specs, build a rifle, competed with the rifle, developed more products, business is now getting crazy, AND I STILL haven't received the original rifle I ordered. Now I'm building more rifles, and I will find it interesting how many rifles I can build before I get the one that I ordered.

I think he ran into a few outsourcing issues, and I still give him the benefit of the doubt, plus he's a great guy. Just wish the wait time was shorter. Now that I'm building them I'll probably just sell it here on the hide the day that I get it.

The waiting to order parts is an issue though. I like the idea of having the customer track down the parts. I'll have to offer that one up if someone wants a build fast.

The market it crazy right now....and we do need some more good quality smiths. That's why when new smiths come on the scene we should encourage them. The more people we get into this specific niche the easier it is to grow the total available market, increasing market sales, which reduces product prices and allows these guys to grow to provide better customer service. This all then increases market momentum and allows other newbies an easier chance to enter the niche/market once again growing total available market.

 

[steve123]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

Good for you on the weight loss Randall!

Are you talking about the Gummbie position that Ryan invented, LOL?

 

[2156SMK]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: steve123</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Are you talking about the Gummbie position that Ryan invented, LOL?</div></div>

Yep.

 

[2156SMK]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: cap-ttf</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Ha, I like this thread.

I ordered a rifle which I'm still waiting on as well.

I got tired of waiting (as well as some other things happening), so I started my own company, bought equipment (including a CNC), ordered parts, customized all the machines to within my specs, build a rifle, competed with the rifle, developed more products, business is now getting crazy, AND I STILL haven't received the original rifle I ordered.</div></div>

I got into gunsmithing back in the 90's because I didn't want to wait/pay for someone else to do it for me.
I was already a machinist first so it boggled my mind what the "gunsmiths" charged for the work.

I have built rifles for guys as a "hold over" while they are on their 1yr to 1.5yr wait from the big builders, only to have them figure out that what they don't even like what originally ordered anymore as their experience using the rifle I built them changed what they think they wanted.

As you are figuring out, waiting for parts is the drag.
I bet that if you offer that option of building with your customer providing all the parts, lots of guys will take you up on it.

 

[mattsnuked]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

Post some pics of that bad boy, I've been hearing about for long enough....

 

[cap2031]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 2156SMK</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

I got into gunsmithing back in the 90's because I didn't want to wait/pay for someone else to do it for me.
I was already a machinist first so it boggled my mind what the "gunsmiths" charged for the work.

I have built rifles for guys as a "hold over" while they are on their 1yr to 1.5yr wait from the big builders, only to have them figure out that what they don't even like what originally ordered anymore as their experience using the rifle I built them changed what they think they wanted.

As you are figuring out, waiting for parts is the drag.
I bet that if you offer that option of building with your customer providing all the parts, lots of guys will take you up on it.</div></div>

Thanks for the tip Randall. I think you're right!

Waiting on parts is a drag, a lot of times I usually calling a buddy and seeing if he has what I need and get it from an alternate source, or end up getting stocks that are ready to go and inletting for barrel contours or DBM's myself just to speed up the process. More work, but better service.

I have been seeing the same thing (custom rifle purchasers not being happy with original orders as the get educated), so I try and really figure out what guys want to use the rifle for and spend a little time educating them a little. I'm also going to try and start accumulating barrels and parts. I'm finding this may be harder than I think just because demand is far outpacing supply.

 

[tstevens]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

Order all your shit yourself and have it all together when its delivered to your smith with an envoice/punchlist of EXACTLY what you have , that way you get all your shit back and he doenent have to think about what it was you sent him , its a plus for you both and remember

a great job done fast , won't be cheap

a great job done cheap , wont be fast

and a cheap job done fast , wont be great



+100
Sure wish more people realized this.

 

[cap2031]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tstevens</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Order all your shit yourself and have it all together when its delivered to your smith with an envoice/punchlist of EXACTLY what you have , that way you get all your shit back and he doenent have to think about what it was you sent him , its a plus for you both and remember

a great job done fast , won't be cheap

a great job done cheap , wont be fast

and a cheap job done fast , wont be great



+100
Sure wish more people realized this.</div></div>

+1

 

[1snowcat]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

Subscribed

 

[Down South]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tstevens</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Order all your shit yourself and have it all together when its delivered to your smith with an envoice/punchlist of EXACTLY what you have , that way you get all your shit back and he doenent have to think about what it was you sent him , its a plus for you both and remember

a great job done fast , won't be cheap

a great job done cheap , wont be fast

and a cheap job done fast , wont be great



+100
Sure wish more people realized this. </div></div>


For the most part (99%) I would agree with this BUT there is one guy that I know that defies everything you just said. He builds them quick, he's cheap compared to what most smiths charge, and his rifles shoot as good as any other smiths rifles. He has built two for me and at least 8-10 for friends of mine and I have yet to see one that doesn't hammer. He himself was one of the best bench rest shooters in the country for a long long time and is in the bench rest hall of fame and his name is Don Geraci.

 

[tstevens]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Down South</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tstevens</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Order all your shit yourself and have it all together when its delivered to your smith with an envoice/punchlist of EXACTLY what you have , that way you get all your shit back and he doenent have to think about what it was you sent him , its a plus for you both and remember

a great job done fast , won't be cheap

a great job done cheap , wont be fast

and a cheap job done fast , wont be great



+100
Sure wish more people realized this. </div></div>


For the most part (99%) I would agree with this BUT there is one guy that I know that defies everything you just said. He builds them quick, he's cheap compared to what most smiths charge, and his rifles shoot as good as any other smiths rifles. He has built two for me and at least 8-10 for friends of mine and I have yet to see one that doesn't hammer. He himself was one of the best bench rest shooters in the country for a long long time and is in the bench rest hall of fame and his name is Don Geraci. </div></div>

Lucky! Im guessing he's probly not in the business for making money at it anymore either.

 

[Down South]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tstevens</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Down South</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: tstevens</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Order all your shit yourself and have it all together when its delivered to your smith with an envoice/punchlist of EXACTLY what you have , that way you get all your shit back and he doenent have to think about what it was you sent him , its a plus for you both and remember

a great job done fast , won't be cheap

a great job done cheap , wont be fast

and a cheap job done fast , wont be great



+100
Sure wish more people realized this. </div></div>


For the most part (99%) I would agree with this BUT there is one guy that I know that defies everything you just said. He builds them quick, he's cheap compared to what most smiths charge, and his rifles shoot as good as any other smiths rifles. He has built two for me and at least 8-10 for friends of mine and I have yet to see one that doesn't hammer. He himself was one of the best bench rest shooters in the country for a long long time and is in the bench rest hall of fame and his name is Don Geraci. </div></div>

Lucky! Im guessing he's probly not in the business for making money at it anymore either.</div></div>

He never did build rifles for a living, he was a general contractor that was a bench rest shooter. He got into building rifles after retiring and now has so much work from word of mouth he works everyday on rifles. Like I said, he's VERY reasonable with his prices and takes great pride in his work and it shows on the targets. He stocks HS precision bottom metal, jewel triggers, and some stocks and barrels. If you ship him the components you wanna use for the build and they don't need to be coated you will have your rifle in a matter of weeks not months or years.

 

[DieselWSM]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

I just orderd my custom yesterday and was told it wont be long at all. Fingers are crossed and if it turns out to be everything I am hoping for and everything I am promised I will pass along!!

 

[cap2031]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: shep77</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I just orderd my custom yesterday and was told it wont be long at all. Fingers are crossed and if it turns out to be everything I am hoping for and everything I am promised I will pass along!!</div></div>

Haha...I was told it would be long if I supplied the rifle....18 months later....I build my own now.

Good luck!

 

[LRJammer]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

I have gone through the waiting game several times myself. Next rifle is going to be an AIAE. Better rifle, no waiting, all win.

 

[6.5 Shaggy]

Re: How long to wait on a gunsmith for a custom rifle

As mentioned before, many a fine rifle end up for sale on the Hide and other places. Top quality & no waiting. But it is poor buisness to tell customers 6 months when you think it might be longer. In today's hi-tech world an update on production times is pretty simple. We have all had to wait on supply sources; that just happens. McMillan told me 16 weeks on my last stock, I got it in 7 1/2. A good suprise is always better than a late one. And the "run-around" is always bull.