How to Choose a Gunsmith

[Kittitas George]

Finding a real gunsmith is difficult. A real gunsmith is 1/3 fine machinist, 1/3 artist and 1/3 listener, communicator. The number of years of QUALITY EXPERIENCE is a big factor. I'd like to shoot a gopher way over yonder, not spray the area. Also I want my project completed in a timely manner, not wait for years. I was told a Rem. 700 trigger exchange would take 3 months, a half hour job, he didn't last 3 months. Poor business skills. I've known and used quite a few over 60 years, personality and politeness do count. Talking about your project and hobby should be a good, ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE, not upsetting. Get references, look at previous work, it is YOUR decision if it is GOOD ENOUGH, you are paying the BIG BUCKS. I've been using Blagg Rifles in Pendleton for a number of years, very good work, re-barrels, in a timely manner.

 

[jackieschmidt]

Keep in mind that many craftsmen who hang out a shingle saying “Gunsmith” are really barrel installers.

Judging from the various threads on that subject, there is a huge demand for nothing but that.

 

[DGP4]

I found a very good local gunsmith by stopping by for a very small repair. We ended up talking about his background and experience and it became clear he knew a lot and had gone to a proper school. I am only sorry that I shouted his praises to all my friends who promptly flooded him with work!

 

[Bob3700]

Gunsmiths, to me, are folks who can manufacture parts if necessary. They can make the part, heat treat it, case harden it etc. Fabrication as well as machining.
Today, as Jackie indicated, many specialize in assembling a competition gun. That is a different skill set.

I believe the same qualities apply to stock makers. Most folks have no idea what it actually takes to make a stock from a blank. The work is labor intensive and the skill set is unique.

 

[Tommie]

You can do all the homework in the world and still get hosed.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Mike ---- I get where you're coming from. You're not looking for someone to build the house. You're looking for someone reliable, fix a faucet, wire a new light fixture. The operative word is RELIABLE.
Sadly, those kinds of gunsmiths are few and far between anymore. I blame it on our throwaway society. I had one of those gunsmiths that you're thinking about. I told him one day that I thought gunsmithing would be a good profession for a young person to get into. He laughed at me and said that people don't want to pay your price for the work.
Now most of the so called gunsmiths are just parts installers. Hell, I can do that.
In my town, there were quite a few good gunsmiths, but now they've all died out

EXACTLY! Thank you.

 

[Tesoro]

I knew a retired colorado school of mines real smith who worked for weatherby for 25 yrs. He had a shop but no shingle. He only liked to work on triggers anymore. I brought him my fav rifle, a mid 80’s Oregon Arms Chipmunk 22lr. He turned the junk trigger into a crisp 2.5lbs and did some magic on the action! Shoots 2in groups at 100 with minimags. Same as my old Anchurtz.

 

[Jon Leary]

Beware of A "Gunsmith" who learned thru the mail.

 

[LVLAaron]

Keep in mind that many craftsmen who hang out a shingle saying “Gunsmith” are really barrel installers.

Judging from the various threads on that subject, there is a huge demand for nothing but that.

Mark Novak says:

You're a gunsmith if you can make a screw. Otherwise you're an armorer.

 

[pavementends]

I always try to at least have a conversation with the "gunsmith" When looking for a local smith I had him do some work on a MAS 22 rifle that had been worked on by ??. I wanted the scope mount removed, the holes that were off center filled and drilled correctly. I got the rifle back with the mount still off center and the screws epoxied in. Wound up fixing it my self. Point being get a job done that is not overly important to you to judge the workmanship and communication before spending serious money or parting with a family heirloom to be repaired.
I have talked to several well regarded "gunsmiths" who were great with Remington type rifles but had never seen a Mauser. I would probably value good communication over ultimate skill. I.e. it helps if the smith honest about what he can and cannot do. No tolerance for smiths who keep an action for months before deciding they cannot barrel it. I once lived in a town with a local stock maker who was well regarded. I was in another town at a gun shop and saw one of his stocks and commented on it. The shop owner replied that the "stockmaker" sold stocks made in his shop rather than making them him self. Be careful.

 

[butchlambert]

A local gunsmith is the way to go. I can see by where you are located, it is probably not a gun friendly area to support a gunsmith. The internet will make any gunsmith available, but you will probably have to add $100 to any job to cover shipping to and fro.

Probably not much cheaper than your time and gas. I do most of my own work, but I do not hesitate to ship mine and I don't stay in my craftsman's ear.

 

[Bc'z]

You can do all the homework in the world and still get hosed.

It really was supposed to be a simple bedding job

 

[Pyscodog]

I had three gunsmiths that I use to use. One retired, one passed away and the third will never touch one of my rifles a long as I live. A large store in Tulsa has an in house smith. I don't remember what exactly I needed done but I wanted to talk to the smith. Store owner said just write down on a piece of paper what you want done and leave the rifle. Nope! If I can't talk face to face with the smith he's not touching my rifle.

 

[Bill Norris]

(Hint) be careful with some of those "big name" guys. Might not be as good as a good ole honest everyday guy that can and will do great work. I know one of those. - Old Dominion Custom Rifles

 

[Bc'z]

My local smith is golden. In his shop full of machinery he can manufacture about anything your heart may desire. And one of the few left who will parkerize or hot blue. Here is a pic of a Mod52 Win he just re-blued for a friend: View attachment 1671157

The fella up the road from me does a Lil bluing as well.
From 1911's to old mausers to modern component assembly "where the $$$$ is at" barrel work.

 

[gmr4]

I’ve got a great gunsmith however I fear he will retire in 4-5 years… yes he fabricates stuff if need, chambers, beds….. no pistal work.. he take his turnaround time seriously. My prior gunsmith would take in my gun and ghost me for month.. then pull it put by doing a good job.
He is also a serious LR benchrest shooter which I think gives alot of cred

 

[LVLAaron]

"Gunsmith" is too broad a term, to be honest.

 

[Mike in Oregon]

Thank you all for contributing and giving me some insight.

 

[shortgrass]

"Gunsmith" is too broad a term, to be honest.

Now days it is!

 

[Tommie]

It really was supposed to be a simple bedding job

You are a cruel, cruel man.