this my take on it , we live in the world of the internet, good or bad its here . I have come to the conclusion that every person can make a post or reply .Do youwant to put your safety in their hands that is your choice . mine is that just because you read it on the internet or even on this site that it's a god give ... throuth. WE LIVE IN THE ERA OF THE KEYBOARD WARRIOR , I CAN TELL YOU !!!!!!!!HOW TO TO DO IT ,,,,,(ie but i have never done it my self ,,,,but i read about it on the web ) nothing in life or other wise is cheap ,,, quality of work always cost . so always check the rep of the guy who is doin the work .... . i served and completed my apprentice ship as a mechinist also certified as a welder (all by the age of 21 )
Posing as a gunsmith?
- Thread starter bdotson
- Start date
Raythemanroe
Bullet Whisperer
I used a local smith before I knew enough to ask the correct questions, He came highly recommended from coworkers and locals. I was gonna build another rifle and was asking him about indicating off the bore. He said I don't do that, I just indicate off the OD, Custom barrels are usually within a thou or two.. I guess all the locals were good with pie plate accuracy. Looking back I would have been better off having my uncle who has chambered a few barrels for us in the past do it, Machinist by trade, they always shot good.
I thought the forum does have a SMITH directory.
Ray
I thought the forum does have a SMITH directory.
Ray
The way I judge a GUNSMITH THE REAL ONES, is when I get two chambered in the same cal. I can take fired brass from one and put in the other! And if they are not that close he is not the guy for me. My guy has done seven for me and they all are the same. Gunsmiths are like DOCTORS if they take on too many patients you're not going to get the care you pay for.
Joe Salt
Joe Salt
Raythemanroe
Bullet Whisperer
http://www.accurateshooter.com/technical-articles/gunsmithing/gunsmiths/
Ray
Ray
Original OP, it sucks but you made a poor choice, with the age of the internet it does not take long to research a smith and determine if he has the reputation and qualifications to build your custom rifle. Most of the guys in this thread understand what it takes to build an accurate rifle, the machines have less to do with it than the workmanship and dedication of the individual doing the work. That said you still need a shop with machines. I have tore apart rifles from many different smiths, some were exceptionally well built and others were lacking in more than one area in quality workmanship. Typically you get what you pay for but I have also seen guys charge a premium for crap, but base it off a certain number of people will buy the most expensive item thus creating a perceived quality premium that may not exist.
As far as the Accurate Shooters gunsmith list! I would take that with a grain of salt, over the years there was at least one smith on that list that scammed dozens of customers out of there money and parts, and over the years there has been a couple on the list I would not recommend. I was never on that list, because I didn't advertise or donate to the forum, that's how the list is created.
As far as the Accurate Shooters gunsmith list! I would take that with a grain of salt, over the years there was at least one smith on that list that scammed dozens of customers out of there money and parts, and over the years there has been a couple on the list I would not recommend. I was never on that list, because I didn't advertise or donate to the forum, that's how the list is created.
+1 for Mr. SEE.
butchlambert
Site $$ Sponsor
+2 for Jim.
dcali
Bullet Maker
I disagree that you get what you pay for in a smith. Gunsmithing is one of the strangest markets I've ever run across. You see guys with 4 year waiting lists charging not much more than others with a three week turn around. (You can bet that if I had 4 years of demand in my business, I would raise my rates until I didn't). Butchers selling $8000 rifles and 30-year proven veterans turning out consistent work for less than half that. It's crazy.
With a lot of things, price is a pretty good indicator of quality. I have not found that to be true for gunsmithing services, which appear totally random in their pricing.
With a lot of things, price is a pretty good indicator of quality. I have not found that to be true for gunsmithing services, which appear totally random in their pricing.
butchlambert
Site $$ Sponsor
damoncali said:
After you have been around some time you will find some,not all, of those behind do not have a work ethic. Doesn't mean they do any work to speak of.
Raythemanroe
Bullet Whisperer
butchlambert said:
If I had a 4yr waiting list, I would add some equipment/employment.
Ray
damoncali said:
If you wait 4 years for a cheap gunsmith, then you did get what you paid for. I just hate to pay anything so I can stand around and wait. That SOB should be free!
The 'Butchers" selling stuff for $8000, well I know a few smiths who do, they spent years building a clientele who expect certain things and can afford them, yes there are some guys who can do the same quality who charge less, but they have not built the name recognition, business reputation, or client base. They are a work in progress you might say.
Then you have the jack wagons who don't have a name and charge a metric shit ton, those are the ones who wish to give you a lump of coal at diamond prices. Watch out. Do your research.
there are 3 things you wish from a smith:
Quality
Good price
Fast turn around
You can only expect to get 2 of the 3
Jim, ever notice that the ones, who have all the quick solutions, are never the ones who are actually in the trade?
Overcharging for work and poor workmanship are unfortunate realities in all of the trades not just gunsmithing. Do your research, ask for references and discuss turn around times.
Overcharging for work and poor workmanship are unfortunate realities in all of the trades not just gunsmithing. Do your research, ask for references and discuss turn around times.
Raythemanroe
Bullet Whisperer
I thought $4k was a high priced BR rifle. $8k and I'm driving to get my new lathe. lol
Ray
Ray
I have a talent for killing threads so here it goes. First of all quality work is up to the individual there is no set standard but there should be.Just because I like sex upside down on the chandelier does not mean you do!There are ONLY a few things a smith can control.Set the barrel up square for a good crown and chamber,unlike the fellow hanging his keys off of the crown .Cut the tenon to give a desired bolt nose clearance again individual preference,Cut head space with in 2 thou. of desired length.Throat within 10 thou.Cut a square shoulder for a good fit between barrel and action with a class 3 thread, again individual taste .Time the high end up on the muzzle put a beveled edge for easy feeding and polish,and that's about it.For those that will say "well I polish the fifteenth thread so that makes me better " SO what!
Raythemanroe
Bullet Whisperer
I feel it depends how your setup in the lathe. Some guys can indicate all day long and as soon as they pop the barrel out it's gonna spring back to whatever..
Ray
Ray
Good point Ray!
Yes Ray, tell us how you do it.
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