Big name or no name Gunsmith question

[Biggabe]

Would like to get some opinions on this question about gunsmiths. If you're having a benchrest gun barreled up with premium components would you be more apt to go with a well known name gunsmith paying $400 or so for the job or go with a local gunsmith who doesn't have the reputation but has done dozens of barrels along with blueprinting actions. Essentially he has the skill, knowhow, and tools but only charges $200. Then using the left over $200 to add to the cost of a premium rest, scope or whatever you might need.

 

[jonbearman]

I would guess it would depend on if he stands behind his work and who's reamer he will use. I would suggest calling PTG and talk to Dave Kiff about what you will need and for the type of bullet to be used etc.

 

[Biggabe]

He definitely stands behind his work. He would be using my reamer from PTG.

 

[Charles]

Talk to as many people as you can that have used him base your decision on their recommendation but Do Not base your decision on Price. Good Luck

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Talk to as many people as you can that have used him base your decision on their recommendation but Do Not base your decision on Price. Good Luck

+1

References are priceless when trying a new smith.

 

[Keith Glasscock]

Price does not make a gunsmith good. The correct equipment and a dedication to getting it perfect does.

Go get some references from benchrest or F-class shooters the smith has done barrels for. If their rifles are shooting the way they should, you'll know you have a good smith.

I learned the hard way about gunsmiths. Mike Bryant absolutely spoiled me on my first build. I compare all of the work I get back today to the work he did. Since Mike closed up his shop, I've had a bad chamber job or two from other smiths, but knowing what it is supposed to look like makes it easier for me to help a smith stand behind his work.

I haven't run into a single smith that won't fix a mess-up.

Good luck, and remember, it is a business.

 

[Steve Blair]

If you use Bob Green of York, PA, you'll get reasonable prices, good turnaround and impeccable work. Since Bob started doing my metal work, I've had no incentive to look elsewhere. But, as Charles noted, do not base your decision on price, quality is what matters.

 

[areaone]

Bob Green.....excellent work, timely, fair pricing, What more could you ask for.

 

[jrm850]

My opinion is that if you are familiar with the different chambering methods and know what you want, you can find a newer smith that you can be comfortable with. If you don't know anything about the process, it might be sane to send it to someone with a proven reputation. Just my opinion.

 

[Uthink Uknow]

You don't need a big name to do excellent gunsmith work. You need someone that speaks the same language as you. I also think you need some one that shoots the same game you shoot as he is more likely to understand your needs and wants. As I shoot bench rest, I have gravitated to the smiths that shoot bench rest. I know of one smith that is renowned as a shotgun smith but he scratches his head a lot when it comes to rifle work. So, I don't go to him for bench rest rifle work. So, if you can find an excellent machinist close enough to home that you can communicate with him face to face, that would be the way to go. Having your own reamers is a great first step in the right direction.
Oh, and also, never fall in love with an old gunsmith or bullet maker. They get too soon too old.

 

[carlsbad]

Need to look at his work and confirm he does good work. I'm a no-name gunsmith. I'd put my work up against anyone. But I wouldn't do it for $200 unless I was just trying to get my name out there and make a name for myself. When I have time I've sometimes taken jobs cheap here to build my reputation. But if he's taking shortcuts to save time and that's how he achieves $200, that's not good.

There are some videos on youtube of guys cutting chambers in a heck of a hurry and I wouldn't let them touch my stuff.

So if you can figure out what you are getting from him, I'm all in favor of helping the new guy develop a following--as Bob Green above obviously has.

--Jerry

 

[wilbur300wsm]

I have a "no-name" local gunsmith do all my chamberings, on both benchrest and hunting setups. Ive won several championships with his work. Hes chambered other winning rifles for people. Imo, as long as you trust him, he's understanding what you want, go with him. There are a lot of "no-name" smiths out there that do amazing work.

 

[Biggabe]

Thanks for all the replies. I've known the local smith for 30 years and we've been good friends. He's been gunsmithing for all that time. Actually went back to school and got an engineering degree, then went to work for a tool and die manufacturing place, quit there and went to work for Remington for awhile all the time gunsmithing on the side. A couple year ago he decided to open his shop up full time. He's barreled up a 700 for me in a 6br and did a fine job. It shoots 1/2 inch groups with a load I just threw together. With some development I'm sure it would shoot better yet. I guess I'm wondering if I go to sell it one day would I realize a return for the extra cash outlay or be better off taking the money I'd save and add it to price of a good rest or scope.

 

[Ggmac]

Usually a gunsmith does'nt become well known UNTIL a good, great , dedicated shooter , uses one of his rifles to win a big match .

 

[people]

Usually a gunsmith does'nt become well known UNTIL a good, great , dedicated shooter , uses one of his rifles to win a big match .

Very true.

 

[Phil]

IF he has a good reputation and you know he stands behind his work, give him a go, it`s only a barrel.....


Phil.

 

[Steve3]

Usually a gunsmith does'nt become well known UNTIL a good, great , dedicated shooter , uses one of his rifles to win a big match .

ditto...

 

[Shynloco]

If you use Bob Green of York, PA, you'll get reasonable prices, good turnaround and impeccable work. Since Bob started doing my metal work, I've had no incentive to look elsewhere. But, as Charles noted, do not base your decision on price, quality is what matters.

I may have missed something, but if I were involved in or using the subject rifle for serious completion, I would definitely be talking to Bob Green if I wanted a barrel change. That comment is, in no way, meant to shortchange your "no name Gunsmith." I do not compete, but shoot strictly for pleasure and ULTIMATE accuracy. My Gunsmith has been in the business for over 40 years and has more than adequate talent, tools and the proven ability. And as others have said, if you allow finances to dictate your decision, you may be shortchanging yourself. Gotta have faith in what you shoot and the person who fixes it.

Alex

 

[CSM19Z5M]

As in all things, price is only one factor in the decision process. Write down exactly what you want done, get references, check out his tools and equipment if possible, look at past project results, search for feedback from reliable people, and make a choice based on all variables, not just price. And remember, if you take the lowest cost option, and the rifle doesn't perform, you now have to pay someone else to fix it. Frankly, price is an arbitrary number that has little to do with ability. Good luck to you on your project.

 

[dreever]

Bob Green does all my work.

Danny