Gunsmith work question

[ShtrRdy]

@DaveTooley -- are you going to chamber all of those? I was hoping to have you chamber a couple more barrels when I get them later this year from Krieger.

 

[LVLAaron]

I bet he's not building a tomato farm.

 

[Judd]

Want some help? lol

Careful, that will cost you 25k for a used one because you will want one. I could watch one chamber barrels for entertainment, it’s like art.

I started down this road to give me something to do when I retire in 10 years. I’m having fun building my own rifles and been saying no a lot, crazy how much work is available if you want it. I’ve got a good but stressful job, I wasn’t looking to have another lol

 

[LVLAaron]

I've already made the investment. The last .308 I did, shot 600-40 something, and I get them done in an hour plus some with a tuner.

 

[DaveTooley]

@DaveTooley -- are you going to chamber all of those? I was hoping to have you chamber a couple more barrels when I get them later this year from Krieger.

Chamber and more. I should have a window in November

 

[AlNyhus]

Dave, that's pretty humbling for a hacker like me. Damn.......

 

[dakor]

Question for the Smiths out there.
It has always baffled me on lead times for guns getting built. More so for new barrel fit. I've waited almost a year in some cases for a full build. All parts either drop shipped, sent, or provided by Smith.
On one occasion, may years ago, I asked if I could make an appointment to get a barrel chambered. The guy looked at me like the RCA dog in the old advertisement.
I owned a high end Automotive shop for 30 years and know a little bit about scheduling work. Would it be out of line to say, make an appointment for a chamber job say 6 months down the road and expect it done in a day or two? A week for a full build? Man splain it to me.

So since the work is being compared to the Automotive shop we will go with their rates. Shops around me charge about 150 an hour plus parts.

A barrel chamber and cut the crown or thread the muzzle the average time is about 5 hours. $750.


Cerakote barreled action 5 hours with the prep and baking time. That would be another $750.

Glass bed and inlet the stock lets 3.5 hours $525.

If you need any action truing 3 hours $450.

30 bucks for a hazardous waste fee and they love those fees.

We are at $2505 plus parts and tax. If you would like to schedule that appointment let me know and I will make it happen.

 

[gme]

I was sort of semi retired but here is my current problem.

View attachment 1461256

nice problem to have, let me know if we can help you out

 

[DShortt]

So since the work is being compared to the Automotive shop we will go with their rates. Shops around me charge about 150 an hour plus parts.

A barrel chamber and cut the crown or thread the muzzle the average time is about 5 hours. $750.


Cerakote barreled action 5 hours with the prep and baking time. That would be another $750.

Glass bed and inlet the stock lets 3.5 hours $525.

If you need any action truing 3 hours $450.

30 bucks for a hazardous waste fee and they love those fees.

We are at $2505 plus parts and tax. If you would like to schedule that appointment let me know and I will make it happen.

You're using shop rates which sound great but that's what a dealership charges and not what the mechanic gets.

If you attain 'dealership' level in the gunsmithing world you've accomplished something very rare indeed. Which means essentially you've attracted a clientele that's paying for your 'brand'.

 

[DaveTooley]

You're using shop rates which sound great but that's what a dealership charges and not what the mechanic gets.

If you attain 'dealership' level in the gunsmithing world you've accomplished something very rare indeed. Which means essentially you've attracted a clientele that's paying for your 'brand'.

this is my brand
mine is Sapphire Blue

 

[DShortt]

this is my brand
mine is Sapphire Blue


View attachment 1463704

I don't understand what you mean?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

You're using shop rates which sound great but that's what a dealership charges and not what the mechanic gets.

If you attain 'dealership' level in the gunsmithing world you've accomplished something very rare indeed. Which means essentially you've attracted a clientele that's paying for your 'brand'.

Having been in both lines of work, I can tell you have not.

 

[DaveTooley]

Just a funny as my mind went to dealership pricing. Porsche is one of the highest. Someone had to pay for my Porsche. I do my own maintenance. Mine's 9 years old.

 

[LVLAaron]

A barrel chamber and cut the crown or thread the muzzle the average time is about 5 hours. $750.

Are you also mining and forging the steel in that time?

 

[DShortt]

Having been in both lines of work, I can tell you have not.

True but I'm still missing your point. Porsche is a brand. You pay for that brand. Alex Wheeler is a brand. Dave Tooley is a brand. People pay for those brands. You are among the success stories and I am not attempting to diminish that. So I'm confused what the point of contention is. (?)

Edit to add - there is one individual in particular that frequents this forum that appears to be dying to achieve that 'brand' status. Personally I don't think it's being approached the correct way but it's something I simply watch.

 

[wkdickinson]

I am OK with a guy telling me the lead time is 6 months or a years - I get it. What I don't like is when I am told it will be 6 weeks and it's 6 months or more. When you inquire at 3 months, you find out he hasn't even looked for the parts.

 

[dakor]

Are you also mining and forging the steel

Are you also mining and forging the steel in that time?

No since my neck surgery (and I need another one at some point) I can only look down or up for short periods of time before I need to take a short break.

I dont get paid by the hour so it does not matter and is easier on the body.

As for building a brand mine is growing and is getting to the point that a Haas TL1 might have to happen.

 

[Walt Krafft]

The only way to build a brand is slow hard work, attention to detail, immediately addressing any problems, real or perceived. Make a product that performs for your customers, beyond their expectations, at a price they can afford.

 

[dakor]

The only way to build a brand is slow hard work, attention to detail, immediately addressing any problems, real or perceived. Make a product that performs for your customers, beyond their expectations, at a price they can afford.

I completely agree. I have been working at it for 14 years and counting. I have always had steady work but the last couple have really picked up to the point where decisions are going to have to be made.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

True but I'm still missing your point. Porsche is a brand. You pay for that brand. Alex Wheeler is a brand. Dave Tooley is a brand. People pay for those brands. You are among the success stories and I am not attempting to diminish that. So I'm confused what the point of contention is. (?)

Edit to add - there is one individual in particular that frequents this forum that appears to be dying to achieve that 'brand' status. Personally I don't think it's being approached the correct way but it's something I simply watch.

Well, at the most basic level your comparing an employee to a one man shop. Huge difference. And so far as the "brand" I promise no one is paying for my name. I still have to have competitive pricing and turn around times. Im still in the shop full time just like I was when I was a mechanic, not much has changed. Same goes for the dealer, no one goes there because they think its special. In fact everyone that goes there is pissed because their car is broke down and its going to cost them money or time.