Gunsmithing Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

T

taseal

Gunny Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Apr 18, 2011
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SE FL
#1
Is there a reputable gunsmith that can work with me and put me on a list, so that when it's time to work on my rifle, I can send it in instead of sending my rifle out to them and being put on a waiting list for half a year?

I'm still shooting my rifle and enjoying every moment of it. I want the action trued along with a new barrel, but the problem is the few gunsmiths that I talked to won't work on my rifle unless I send it to them while I wait for it to be worked on. Which means I'll be out of my only rifle for 6 months while it just sits there...

Ozzy from Suarez tactical was gonna let me hold on to my rifle until it was my turn, but unfortunately he's closing up shop.

Can anyone recommend me a gunsmith that'll do some work like action truing and rebarreling the rifle within 6 months, but won't hold my rife for 5 months and 2 weeks until it's my turn? I'm not in a huge rush, but by end of 2011 I'd like to have it done. But I do t wanna send it to someone in June and not see it until 2012 either.

Thanks!
 
#3
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: redirt78</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The million dollar question...good luck
</div></div>

frown.gif


I don't mind the wait, I just don't wanna wait without the rifle...

 
#4
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

Some times if you have your parts it's quicker. But I would go with GA or LA precision. I've delt with several smiths here. But they normaly stay close to the time frame they give you.
 
#5
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

I'll have the barrel, which is the only part.

William is an awesome guy from LA precision. He helped ke with a trigger problem I was having over the phone. Unreal customer service!

Problem is he said 6 month wait and he'd have to hold on to the rifle, which I don't wanna do... Otherwise I would have def gone with him.
 
#7
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

He (Bugholes)is also in South Florida, so that might be the fastest option. Buy your blank from him and then maybe you can arrange a meeting to have it done or something.
 
#9
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

I would suggest talking to GAP. I spoke to Ken last week about some work that I wanted to do (possible re-barrel and action work) and took his advice which was to shoot the gun when I got it and see how it performs stock.. Then go from there. I appreciated his honesty and not just welcome the business.
I agree, it is hard to find a reputable smith, especially when it comes to your "baby" I would research what others are saying on here and go from there. I know that when I am ready, I will not hesitate to contact Ken with GAP and make arrangements and have them do the work. I do have some local smiths where I am at, just none I would have true an action or such...

Just my 2 cents...
 
#11
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

Hey, you gotta send it. A barrel can take 2 weeks -3 months to get. Why not talk to a smith, order the bbl in advance (there's 3 mos saved waiting) & pay for it, and send your rifle. Bob Green in PA did his work for me exactly as promised- time & quality wise http://greensrifles.com, Greg Tannel in Rifle , CO will do the same. This a great excuse to buy another rifle-think positive.
 
#12
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: WCW308</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This a great excuse to buy another rifle-think positive.
</div></div>

DOH!! Now you tell me. <laffin'>

Really, shame on the rifle looney who doesn't have at least one back up rifle to cover the one that's in the shop..........
 
#13
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

If you want a great gunsmith to do any work you want within a month, just PM me. All this 6 month lead time crap is ridiculous. I understand that GAP and the other popular gunsmiths are always swamped, but they quoted me 8 months to build my rifle...and I have every single part for it. They also quoted me $300 more. I can give you the name and contact information of a very good gunsmith that has very quick turn around times, and prices that would make most gunsmiths vomit. He is building my rifle for me, and told me exactly when he would be able to start working on it, and has my turn around time quoted to about three weeks. That includes action trued, lugs lapped, stock bedded, new barrel threaded and matched to the action, barreled action cerakoted black, and trigger tuned to 2.5 pounds. He likes to keep no more than five actions in his shop at a time, and he loves what he does.
 
#15
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

Have had quick turnaround with Dan Cowen in Renton, WA
and with Hart (of hart Barrel fame)..guns were great shooters also.
 
#16
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

Thanks everyone!

I'm in touch with some gunsmiths now, I'm glad I posted this. I didn't have much hope, but now I do!
 
#17
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jayman_10X</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Have you spoke with Jered Joplin and the great folks at American Precision Arms in Jefferson, GA? They are the best in my opinion. </div></div>

Yes I did, they quoted me a little shorter turn around time, but they wanted even more cash than GAP did...that doesn't mean they don't make quality stuff though. It just means they are always swamped with customers, and I'm impatient. So, I talked to a gunsmith that has a good reputation around here, and he is getting me all fixed up for less money, and a fraction of the lead time.
 
#20
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

The lead times for a new rifle is not a big deal. It is amazing to me that so many gunsmiths are so busy building $5000 rifles. What makes me mad is, If you Quote that a rifle will be done in 6 months or 8 months then that rifle better be done in that time frame. In my line of work every day your over the completion date you pay a fee back to the customer. It makes me think about the time lines I give for projects.
 
#21
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wdebo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The lead times for a new rifle is not a big deal. It is amazing to me that so many gunsmiths are so busy building $5000 rifles. What makes me mad is, If you Quote that a rifle will be done in 6 months or 8 months then that rifle better be done in that time frame. In my line of work every day your over the completion date you pay a fee back to the customer. It makes me think about the time lines I give for projects.</div></div>

Absolutely! And service timeframes.

I could not imagine how fast I would be fired and laughed at if i quoted 6 months to a customer on a network migration and then blamed a vendor because I delivered in 14. Its mind-boggling what people are ok with as "normal" in this industry.
 
#22
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

J.D. Thomas of High Speed Shooting Systems in Yakima, WA. He is a member here (HSSS). I have had him do a good bit of work for me. He is clear across the country from you but he is honest, knows how to get a rifle to shoot, and he will meet whatever timeline he gives you. I am sure if you contacted him , he would give you the straight poop on turnaround time.
 
#25
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

If you have all your parts ready to go, you might give Chris Mathews at Long shot rifles a call. He just barreled an action, cerakoted and bedded a rifle for me in about a week's time.
 
#26
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

Give Chad a Call at Long Rifles

He does GREAT work, and is honest about the turnaround times with great communication.

And well the work is top notch! No half ass stuff from his place.
 
#28
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

The problem with that is this. If custom rifle shops had that policy, we would have everybody and their mother saying "ok, I've waited my 6 months, build my rifle now" and it would all happened at the same time.

When I get a rifle, I break it apart, start the invoice, order parts that need to be ordered and then continue working on the current project that I have in front of me.

When its time for me to true actions, I have the action ready, so I can do them all in a day or two. It does not make sense to do them one at a time when you have 30 builds going on and 50% of them need it.

So by having all the components in hand, the builder can play his cards a little easier and plan his workload out more efficiently. Furthermore, you will start to get shooters that have a week or two between competitions and starts calling the shots on when he needs the rifle back. Add that on top of other builds coming due at the same time and then you're praying everything goes perfect and Murphy stays out of it.

It just does not work out well. But, then again it looks like there are shops that are willing to do so.

Just my experience and opinion.

Mark
 
#29
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

I can see the OP side easy enough and Mark Gordon's. I have No problem in gunsmiths making a good living. Some are highly skilled craftsmen. Some are machinist. I have no problem with waiting 8 months for a rifle, if that's the time I was told. But when it not in my possession in 8 months don't blame your vendors.

I use to have Subs and vendors let me down and would have to tell the homeowner something would be done on time. I have done away with those vendors and subs. My job is much easier when I am on schedule.

OT
Mark Gordon I see the line in your sig about Smirnoff. Have you ever heard of the game Iced?
 
#30
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

Any gunsmith that is not backed up with work is not an experienced smith.
If a smth tells you he will have it done in a week, it's a crap shot.
The smiths with a back up have it for a reason, they are good at what they do and their work is in demand.

Want it done fast, you may or may not get a precision job, as a retired smith, you want a smith with a name and a wait.
S&S Sporting, 208-313-1570, Master rifle smith, master machinest, quality wook, precision= nice small groups.

John K
 
#31
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

I don't think he cares about the wait, he just doesn't want to give up his rifle until they are ready to work on it. That seems fair to me?

A competent smith with a production schedule should be able to tell where you are going to fall in his line up and take your rifle accordingly.

Plus not having your rifle laying around the shop means it is less likely to get in the way.......
 
#32
Re: Looking for a gunsmith that won't hold rifle

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wdebo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Mark Gordon I see the line in your sig about Smirnoff. Have you ever heard of the game Iced? </div></div>

Yeah, some turds on this forum tried to ICE me at SHOT...haha. Well, I have no shame in not chugging a recipe for puking.

Mark
 
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