Gunsmithing What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

[kimberyote]

Going on 19 months that my gunsmith has had my 2 rifles.
One is in for a rebarrel. The other is having trouble cycling.
What is the longest time you have had to wait?

 

[Layton]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Not that long for what you're having done. There are a lot good smiths on this board. You may want to get your rifles back and try one of them. You can get a complete custom built in less time than that.

L

 

[STR]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

I've heard some extreme nightmare's of up to two years. A long time ago I waited 8 months to have my first rifle built. That was too much for me, so now I just build my own. Not the wisest thing to do money wise, but I'm happy. Keith in Arizona has a way shorter turn around time, and so does Greg from Southern Precision Rifles which goes by Bugholes here on the Hide. There are other great ones here, but they are a little back logged I think.

 

[Magicman]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

+ What STR says. I still have a rifle and a handgun in a shop past after a little over a year and a half. It is no more than an amusement now. That is why i started doing my own also. Life is but so long and there are many guns to shoot yet.

 

[Layton]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

A year+ for a complete custom ok. 19 months for a re-barrel and a cycling problem is too long IMO.

L

 

[ORD]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

I've gone ~15mos for a complete rifle (and ~14mos for a pistol), but never anywhere even remotely close to that for a rebarrel and a troubleshooting job. That is just WAY TOO LONG for what should be relatively routine jobs unless your smith is just way too overbooked with work or you are getting the old run around. Hopefully you didn't give him too much money along with two different rifles!?!?!

Out of morbid curiosity...what line are you getting fed when you question him on the wait-time?

 

[kimberyote]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Called for the first time in a long time this am. (This is my 3rd inquiry.) His assistant said yeah, he had the barrel. And yeah, he pretty sure he knows what it will take to get the other rifle cycling again. I said that I thought 18 months, going on 19 months is a long time. He pleasantly agreed. I said I thought half that, 9 months was a long time. He again agreed. No finished date was mentioned.

 

[ORD]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Called for the first time in a long time this am. (This is my 3rd inquiry.) His assistant said yeah, he had the barrel. And yeah, he pretty sure he knows what it will take to get the other rifle cycling again. I said that I thought 18 months, going on 19 months is a long time. He pleasantly agreed. I said I thought half that, 9 months was a long time. He again agreed. No finished date was mentioned. </div></div>

Well...if they were my rifles, I'd damn sure be getting something firmed up at this point! You said "[n]o finished date was mentioned" but did you approach the subject? If not, you probably should! Now, whether you get told anything that you can believe at this point is a different matter, but at least then you have some idea of what's going on and when you might hope to have them back in hand. At this point, I'd say you are owed at least some sort of a reasonable explanation and a game plan for completing the work that's been in the hopper for over a year-and-a-half now! At least then you can decide whether to wait or to get your stuff back and take your business elsewhere.

 

[mark5pt56]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

I think it's more of them taking in work to more so insure future work. Lining up jobs, kind of like waiting in line to get a drink, question is-is it worth it?

Knowing a little, they like to do batches of the same task, saves production time.

I've used Hooper Ordnance and SAC, both held true to qoute time and wasn't that long, 4 months max, that's with melonite service also.

 

[jipper74]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Kimberyote -

I'm guessing the main reason you haven't fired your smith yet is because if you do, the clock will start again with someone else.

Ask the hide the question: "Which excellent gunsmith also a quick turn around time?" If you get a good answer, get your stuff and move on.

 

[themayor]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

I think my took over two years but that was with HD rifles I was lucky to even get it

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

That's unacceptable, go get your stuff.
I hope I don't step on his toes, as far as other customers go.

Chad Dixon has built 2 guns for me while I sat and watched, took them home the same day. Just make an appointment, and bingo! Both these guns were put in B&C stocks, he will not bed a B&C, or H-S stock with aluminum block in them. If he beds a gun, your turn around is slower by 2-3 days, painting the stock also delays things.

I just wanted guns to shoot quickly, and both, 6.5x47's shoot under 1/4" at 200 yards.

 

[Wheres-Waldo]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

2+ years from Lawton Machine & Tool to barrel a custom & supplied action and fit a supplied muzzle break.

All in all, maybe a few days work.

 

[former naval person]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Bugholes. GAP.

 

[Jmilera]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

27 months for a 308 from texas brigade armory. When I got it george had to fix an issue with improper bedding and firing when bolt was closed on live ammo.

 

[jipper74]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

See could be worse Kimberyote, poor virulentus waited over two years for a shitty job.

Don't let this be you.

 

[Ballistic Artist]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Well, Ask him what is taking so long? Sometimes shit just keeps happening. Ive had a 1911 build going for way longer than that but my customer wanted a matching slide for a frame in which the company that made it was running me around on getting a slide. After 3 years I finally was able to get him to let me get a Caspian and now the damn thing is moving again. This is the only gun that has made me feel like a total JERK. Especially cuz the customer is a friend of mine. Now, Im not defending your smith, Im just giving you an example of what can happen. Maybe he had a hard time getting your barrel? Maybe he is that backlogged? (That would be nice lol) But he should have told you he was that backed up when you brought him the guns. There seems to be something wrong though. I mean I get bitched at by my customers if I cant fix their damn gun while they wait lol. You have been VERY patient with your smith and he in return should get your stuff done DAMNIT!!! Sorry for the rant. Im just tryin to show you both sides. Definately find out what his reason is for takin so damn long. Hope this helps.

 

[Jmilera]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Well I sent in all my parts to TBA. Along with full payment, I don't like to be rushed or rush anyone. I am the type of person that if you tell me it will be three years, then expect a call at the end of three years. I understand shit happens , but that was ridiculous because for most of that time it was pure excuses from him. I believe it was my mistake for sending a full payment. On the bright side it was a blessing in descised because that is how I ended up talking to GAP.

 

[Ballistic Artist]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ballistic artist</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Well, Ask him what is taking so long? Sometimes shit just keeps happening. Ive had a 1911 build going for way longer than that but my customer wanted a matching slide for a frame in which the company that made it was running me around on getting a slide. After 3 years I finally was able to get him to let me get a Caspian and now the damn thing is moving again. This is the only gun that has made me feel like a total JERK. Especially cuz the customer is a friend of mine. Now, Im not defending your smith, Im just giving you an example of what can happen. Maybe he had a hard time getting your barrel? Maybe he is that backlogged? (That would be nice lol) But he should have told you he was that backed up when you brought him the guns. There seems to be something wrong though. I mean I get bitched at by my customers if I cant fix their damn gun while they wait lol. You have been VERY patient with your smith and he in return should get your stuff done DAMNIT!!! Sorry for the rant. Im just tryin to show you both sides. Definately find out what his reason is for takin so damn long. Hope this helps. </div></div>
This post was meant for the OP but thats B S that they didnt give you a good reason.

 

[culater]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Call Chad Dixon he ll set you up.He got my H-S TTD rifle done with threads at the end on my 2 barrels and paint in a week.The barrels where guled to the forend and no other smith would do it.He call me same day my rifle came to his shop and had both barrels off in 30min and email me that eve with the progress.I Know I just got to pay him on friday and my rifle will be back to me next week.Now just got to save money for a CAN

everything done and back to me in 2 weeks Give him a call he always looking for work.

 

[sawman556]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

I know all about getting backed up with work but 19 months is crazy. You could have had two kids in that amount of time!!! Get your shit(if the guy can still remember where he put it) and your money back and send it to someone who will do the the work. What are the rifles we are talking about?

 

[kimberyote]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: sawman556</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know all about getting backed up with work but 19 months is crazy. You could have had two kids in that amount of time!!! Get your shit(if the guy can still remember where he put it) and your money back and send it to someone who will do the the work. What are the rifles we are talking about? </div></div>

The rifle for rebarrel is a kimber montana in 243 win. The other is a BAR in 270 win.

 

[rojkoh]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

What kind of rifles? A 14 type doesn't take that long if he has access to a lathe or knows the other ways of truing the shoulder.

ARs are easy.

Heck, I just changed a barrel on a '03A4 last week... took an hour at most.

 

[kimberyote]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Im sending some emails out to some smiths for time & money estimates. My smith is usually 3-4 months for any work I have taken to him.

 

[AfghanDM]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Sent in my factory new Remington 700 .338 Lapua for a full custom build in July, 2011. Still waiting....

 

[Cinch]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

A touch over two full years. Full custom 375 AllenMag.

 

[milo 2.0]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kimberyote</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Im sending some emails out to some smiths for time & money estimates. My smith is usually 3-4 months for any work I have taken to him. </div></div>

If your smith is 3-4 months, why did you take your stuff to this other guy?
Give Dixon a call, explain your situation, he'll do your rebarrel in a week.

 

[T J]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Cinch</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A touch over two full years. Full custom 375 AllenMag. </div></div>


I bet I know who that was

.

I waited 16-18 months on a hack job 6-284, custom? yes. Professional? no. Thankfully I found other options.

I would also have to +1 Milo's advise. Chad has taken VERY good care of me.

 

[gbp]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

2-3 years from various smiths

 

[el gordo2]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Not a rifle build just a simple bolt knob installation. A gunsmith /vendor here on the Hide took 3 months to complete.

 

[DOA]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

about 3 months. I guess the gunsmith was having medical issues.

 

[nobearsyet]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

4 years for a custom small ring mauser in 257 Roberts Improved. But, had to wait 3 months on a barrel, then 10 weeks for a semi inletted wood stock, then 3 more months on a bolt shroud and 3 more on a side safety, did I mention the smith was a buddy of mine and we ordered parts one by one as I got the money? That shit there is ridiculous. Find a different smith.

 

[LR-WSM]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Still waiting, has had my components about 20 months.

 

[MER0828]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Go to Robert Gradous gunsmith class, learn how to build your own, bypass the system for next time and take your gun home that weekend.
His builds shoot unbelievable.

 

[ctharv117]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

Those are some long wait times I average 2 to 3 week turn around on complete builds in my shop. As long as im not waiting on parts.

 

[bhoges]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

I sent Chad a very simple job a few years back that was supposed to take a week. Just needed to open up the neck in fully chambered and threaded barrels. Took months. Never again.

 

[ugsly]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

I waited 4 years once for a smith to finish one. After that I bought a lathe and started doing my own work and work for others.

I will say this first, I am not the fastest person to build a rifle. It takes me about 2-3 days ruffly to build a rifle start to finish.

Kc

 

[dangerdan87]

Re: What is the longest time a gunsmith took?

It took aver a year for a custom gun maker to work on my 1909 Mauser. I already had most of the parts to replace/install.

All he did was true the action, install bolt handle, install barrel, barrel band and sights, custom contour scope bases and some other minor work.

I'm going on about 6 months from HCS on my Mk13 Mod 5. I don't even think they have gotten to work on my gun yet.

 

[MosesTheTank]

I had a new barrel put on a Mod 70 and it took a shade over 2 years. The original estimate was for 6 months. At the one year mark I demanded the rifle back, but he blew me off for the next year. When I did get it back it shot 6" 3 shot groups a 100 yards. That was Fred Zeglin. I had to send it to another smith to fix it.

My build with tactical rifles (David Rooney) is a year since that deal was struck, and 6 months past the promised delivery date. God only knows when that gun will show up. Yes, I now realize what I got myself into with that one so no need to rub it in.

Right now I have a rifle with a smith to have the barrel threaded and a bolt knob put on. Having run a month past the delivery date he promised I began inquiring what the delay was. He didn't respond to emails or phone calls. Then I said please keep the money and just send me the rifle. He said he would ship the next business day. That didn't happen either. And now no more response to email. This is a very uncomfortable situation. I won't mention his name as I am giving him the benefit of the doubt, at least for now. Sometimes things happen in life and I realize that.

I have had a recent and very good experience with Accurate Ordnance. When (if?) I get the above rifle back it's going to them. When you find a good smith stick with'em and spread the word.

 

[hawk_ce]

Man I feel luck I just picked up my barraled action today only took 6 weeks for a thread chamber and muzzle break. would have been done sooner but the smith had to wait for a reamer.

 

[jeo556]

I understand that this isn't precision rifle related but I once had a Polish Tantal build by a local guy that was highly regarded amongst the AK building community. IIRC I was initially told that the build would take 5-6 weeks. Well about 11 months later with every excuse in the book exhausted in the first 6 months I finally got my rifle. Unfortunately the man refused to return a phonecall or email and completely ignored the cerftified letter I sent him that he signed for. Because he had a receiver that I paid for I decided to let the local ATF office know about the situation which was the catalyst for me receiving my property back. Bad expierence to say the least. Hated to go that route and I'm not suggesting that you follow it by any means.

 

[JGorski]

Going on 19 months that my gunsmith has had my 2 rifles.
One is in for a rebarrel. The other is having trouble cycling.
What is the longest time you have had to wait?

It was like 2 weeks, maybe less, it took sooooo long, was ready to give up, then Chad called and said it was done, shipping as we speak, on my doorstep in 2 days, jeeze, it's about time, hahaha!!

 

[MosesTheTank]

Ok, Gorski... I did have to chuckle at that. But your perfectly horizontal camo is gonna get you spied awful fast when the boogey man glances in your direction. Should have had the smith take another 6 months to break up that pattern a little bit

 

[nashlaw]

Had a jackleg local 'smith take 2 years for a Mauser rebarrel and when he finished he had goobed up the specs. Wanted a straight taper, Shilen, SS, .257 Roberts. Ended up with a .257 R, but with a Douglas ( I like Douglas barrels and have 3 that shoot great, but not what I spec'd), CM, with a heavy shorter taper.

I know he knew what I wanted because we went over the specs several times during the wait time. Last work he did for me.

 

[Some Day]

Been two years this month.started out to be eight months. First build to,Your suppose to be all excited about it.I was til the first year went buy.I see some guys say the wait was worth it "NO IT'S NOT" It sucks the excitement is gone. Stillers called me almost a month ago to tell me my Tac 338 was done.Had to call them yesterday to find where it was.It was still there not shipped.It was paid in full and had the ffl info but still there.Just don't have no luck at this Game.

 

[JGorski]

Ok, Gorski... I did have to chuckle at that. But your perfectly horizontal camo is gonna get you spied awful fast when the boogey man glances in your direction. Should have had the smith take another 6 months to break up that pattern a little bit

Have to save it for arctic warfare, eh? The next 6 creed Chad is going to build will have a desert camo no doubt.

 

[andrews1958]

Go to Robert Gradous gunsmith class, learn how to build your own, bypass the system for next time and take your gun home that weekend.
His builds shoot unbelievable.

Five day or less when you go this route and you know everything will be perfect with it before it leaves his shop!

 

[Jhnmdahl]

If you are simply asking if your case is the worst one out there, take a peek at the Sniper's Hide 2009 build thread. Many people still don't have anything, and many that do have had serious problems with the rifles received.

 

[Red_SC]

Nearly every smith I have dealt with went significantly past their estimated completion date. One exception was Accurate Ordnance. A buddy and I both had cycling problems with our rifles (one bolt, one semi) in a match and sent them home with Dave and Mark. The rifles almost beat us home.

 

[mdesign]

Have a couple that took 2 years...both shot well but had minor issues when I finally got them and were an indication of the state of the shop doing the work. The first 2-year build was the result of a poorly managed shop that ended in bankruptcy, the second was with a great shop the clearly over-book their capabilities and started pushing things through to try and catch up. The owner of the 2nd shop clearly did everything he could in the end to make it right but it was a lesson learned on my part.

From my experience, a quality shop does a couple of things when they see the lead times stretching out. (1) They stop taking orders or limit what they take on. (2) They clearly communicate lead times so people can make informed decisions...i.e. "I'm really booked and it's going to be 2 years". In either case, I would have sent my work else where.