How much $ down for custom/ bolt rifle?

[brianf]

just as it says...

my friend was thinking about going the custom route

he asked how much do i have to put down...and i totally forget from the last time

is there a industry percentage or industry dollar amount that is asked for?
Ex: 20% or build or $500 etc

i know it can change if the smith is supplying parts and what not so the more info the better thanks

thanks

 

[mjeter]

I've used Alamo (APR) for several builds, most of the builds theyv'e supplied all the parts and its always been 50% down and balance due upon completion. When I've supplied parts (stock) it gets taken off the balance due.

 

[padom]

All depends on the shop.. some none, some all and some in between.

 

[Iamero]

A lot of them that I've used will do 50% down and 50% on completion or pay for/provide all the parts up front and pay for the labor when it's finished.

But before we get 100 different posts on everyone talking about their particular smith and what they do, Padom said it best: all depends on the shop.

 

[brianf]

thanks

so a consensus would be 30-50% up front rest on completion, more or less

 

[SonicBurlap]

Buy your own action, barrel, stock, a.s.o. and all you'll need is labor for whatever you might not be able to handle yourself, and the down payment for whatever action you choose. Most action manufacturers state it on their web site. Of course if one is independently wealthy ...

 

[davidwiz]

When ordering anything that has to be made-to-order that is not in stock, never give more than a 50% deposit, with the balance immediately prior to shipping. If they require more than 50% then it is more than likely they are undercapitalized and using deposits to finance other customer's work, not your own.

 

[chevy_man]

If I was doing the work, I'd ask for 100% of materials.


Only because every single gunsmith I've ever found has a few fire sale customs that the customer never came back for. Of course it's in an odd caliber, and never anything close to usable for my needs.

The other problem comes with an action provided to the Smith, customer never comes back. (Local store had 3 guns after 65 years in business that they had to call ATF and figure out how to legally sell/transfer when they closed. Their smith took them in for work and they were never picked up, couldn't find the owners, etc.)

It's a lot easier to make your labor back, than fronting all the materials and getting screwed both ways.

 

[brianf]

Thanks