Local gunsmith...Opinions wanted.

[Phil]

I am local to a guy i`ve spoken with over the phone only.

I am curious if anyone here know`s of him and his reputation as a gunsmith.

Lee six gunsmithing

Has anyone here had a rifle built by him?????

What was your experience????

Feel free to PM me if you don`t want to discuss this openly, i am NOT here to stir the pot or make trouble, just get some info before i spend my hard earned money.

Thanks

Phil.

 

[LHSmith]

Well, the Lee Six I have heard of is famous for his fiberglass rifle stocks, one of the early pioneers in the trade. I believe I spoke to him several years ago when Speedy G. referred me to him.
There's got to be info on Google.

 

[NateHaler]

I am local to a guy i`ve spoken with over the phone only.
I am curious if anyone here know`s of him and his reputation as a gunsmith.
Lee six gunsmithing

Lee Six was in ill health last I heard. He indeed was a pioneer in fiberglass stock making, and I believe that Kelbly's is now the source for Lee Six stocks. Lee had a guy in his shop who did barreling, etc. His name was Mel, and he had a good reputation. I suggest you post this 'want to know' request on benchrest central, and mention the San Jose, CA area in your subject line. Save your readers some time.

Whatever you do, I suggest you avoid Anthony Petitti in San Lorenzo. To say he's slow and unreliable is an understatement.

 

[Phil]

Never heard of Mr. Petitti, but thanks for the heads up...

Is there anyone you could recommend, highly, in the S.F. Bay area to build a custom rifle????

Thanks.

 

[BoydAllen]

I have shot with Mel at Benchrest matches in Visalia, and I am familiar with the quality of his work. It is excellent. If you have him do the stocking with A Six stock, you can opt for a gel coat finish that is more durable than paint and quite handsome to my eye. Mel really knows what he is doing, and his work shows it.

 

[NateHaler]

In the SF abay area you have in no particular order Anthony Petitti

As Nate has said getting your stuff back in a timely manner is always a tough thing.Most of the gunsmiths are either old or do this as a second income.Catch them in a good mood and a day later your barrel is on.Catch them in a funk and 6 months becomes the norm.

How about 3+ years and still no rifle? That's not a funk, that's a funking disgrace.

As to Bob Gamboa, who's primary business is Gamboa Body & Frame, he's not taking on rifle building work from new customers -- just referral work from previous customers. He's a Palma guy. An outstanding shooter and craftsman. His stock work is phenomenal.

 

[Phil]

I`m thinking a 20ppc with a Bat action and a wood stock, most likely a Pac nor barrel for a fancy varmint rifle, not a bench gun by any means...

My project is in the early stages so i can make changes as i like...for now.

I was thinking of contacting Bat machine and talking with them about possibly taking on this one.....

Phil.

 

[pauls]

Bob Green in PA is a name you need to remember. His work is excellent, his turn around quick, and he will answer questions and emails. He's done several for me and my friends, and to say all have been extremely pleased is an understatement.

Last gun, I sent him my parts,action, recoil lug,barrel & Jewell trigger), and had my barreled action back in 2 weeks. .17 Fireball.

Can't go wrong with him.

Also, Kevin Weaver built my no turn .20 PPC, entire gun & stock ), and it shoots great. Quick turn around, also. Good to deal with.