Recomended Gunsmiths?

[Gearheadpyro]

I'm finally ready to drop the coin on a custom rifle. I'm going to go with a Surgeon 591 action paired to a 22" Bartlein or Kreiger Barrel chambered in .260 Remington. I don't need the other goodies to build the rifle (already have top of the line stuff), I just need a barreled action. Now to the question...

Who are some highly recomended gunsmiths with fair prices and short(er) lead times? I talked to GA precision and they are looking a year out!

 

[JHardy]

Easy answer. Al Warner, Al Warner and Al Warner. The very best of the best.

Jim Hardy

 

[dieselten]

therifler.com - Mike Burns. Just did a 6x47L for me with VERY short turnaround & excellent work

 

[Johnboy]

Dave Toolley from N.C. he is a great guy and built my 300 Ackley.and his woork is great.

 

[NateHaler]

Mickey Coleman. Find him on the gunsmith section of the Benchrest Central home page.

www.benchrest.com

Also, you'd be wise to use a gunsmith in your area, all other things being equal. Shipping is a pain, and talking to somebody face-to-face beats email and phone.

 

[deadlyswift]

To Start I will tell you get use to the waiting game! That may seem like a bad thing but good things come to those that wait! Be patient my friend. I strongly believe that quality only comes by paying attention to details! So any great smith will be slow but will give you his best! Seek a smith that has knowledge or has interest as yours. You don't want a gunsmith that wants to build varmint guns, to build you a bench rest rifle! You don't want a bench rest smith to build you a hunting rifle. "you will spend more than is needed" Choose your smith by what kinda rifles he likes to build , and what you want! His knowledged in that field will be his strongest, and provide you with what you want!

 

[Gearheadpyro]

Wow, 6 replies with 6 different smiths. That's great to know there's no shortage of top of the line smiths.

I went ahead and put in my order with GA Precision as we had talked many times in the past. Most of the places I called had similar prices/leads. I kind of followed deadlyswift's advice too, GA builds a lot of long range heavy centerfires, and that's what I'm getting.

I wound up ordering a Templar Action (I think GA makes them in house?)
22" Bartlein Barrel in .260 Remington, 1 - 7.7 twist (for the heavier bullets, 140 ish grains). I'm also having it cerakoted black.

Should be nice whenever I get it... Since I'm not getting a stock or having them do anything but assemble the barreled action they said 4-6 months.

 

[deadlyswift]

congrats gearheadpyro. Since you are dealing with GA. There is a guy that works for them. I'm not sure of his name off hand. He does custom paint jobs on the side. I can't think of his name! But he really does great work! If I can find the link I will post it. Or you can look for yourself. He is active over on snipers hide. One day I do plan on having him to do a paint job for me on my savage 10fcp. I just have got to decide on how much I want to deck it out before I do a paint job. I have read many post about GA and don't think you will be disappointed with their work.