Reputable Gunsmiths

[OFFSHORE]

I have a rifle project that I would like to make come to fruition and looking for a quality gunsmith with reasonable availability in lead time. I have looked over the list provided here on the forum (but not contacted all of them) and several others with reputable mention on the web. . .sadly for me, a lot of them are booked out for a year(s)+, are not taking on any new builds at this time, will not use customer supplied parts, no longer in business, or just not interested. And there were a few that were just “parts changers”, and I didn’t feel good about it at all. . .have to trust your gut.

I already have my action (R700 clone) and it is setup how I would like it (may need some minor work due to new heavier recoil lug and barrel fitment???), my stock, trying to locate a barrel of either a Bartlein, Brux, or Krieger, in a SS #4 or #5 with a 1/7.5 twist and fluting. Basically, need the barrel work done and fitted to the action ready to go shoot! This is a wildcat cartridge in 6mm with the 450 Bushmaster as the parent case so it will have my supplied reamer. I’ve sent my reamer print off to JGS for their review already, this is for the reamer and GO-GAUGE. Seems pretty cut-n-dry for a build, and I DO understand quality work is not fast and delivery dates are purely estimated. I live in north central Florida if there is a recommended smith within reasonable driving distance (4 to 6 hrs.), but I’m also not opposed to shipping the rifle out.

If the forum members have anyone you would recommend (still in business too) or if any of the smiths here on the forum are interested and available, please let me know. Gunsmiths on the forum, you can reach me with a DM here or email with any questions. capt.offshore@yahoo.com Thank you.

 

[ShtrRdy]

Are you going to install it in a stock or chassis?

 

[ISS]

Gre-Tan perhaps?

 

[OFFSHORE]

It is in a carbon stock presently, but plan to put it the Seekins Hunter Chassis. I have not handled one yet but I really like the looks of this chassis. I'm not a PRS shooter or tactical guy. . .I just like the hybrid look of it and feel it will be just right for my style of hunting and shooting.

Gre-Tan perhaps?

Thank you for the info. I will check them out.

 

[AlNyhus]

If the expectation is flawless feeding from a magazine, a wildcat based on that case is going to give most 'smiths serious reservations about taking it on.

More info about the action, magazine (if any) and final case dimensions are three biggies that a 'smith will want to know up front. Plus, how the cases are going to be formed, the dies to be used, etc.

Just an observation...things to consider before getting too far along.

Good shootin' -Al

 

[ShtrRdy]

If the expectation is flawless feeding from a magazine, a wildcat based on that case is going to give most 'smiths serious reservations about taking it on.

More info about the action, magazine (if any) and final case dimensions are three biggies that a 'smith will want to know up front. Plus, how the cases are going to be formed, the dies to be used, etc.

Just an observation...things to consider before getting too far along.

Good shootin' -Al

This is what I was thinking too. Along with the Rem 700 action if the Gunsmith can't square it up before doing the barrel work. Along with the other things there's just too much exposure to the Gunsmith for a bad outcome.

That said, you might give Fisher T&C a call to see if he would do the barrel fitting.

 

[OFFSHORE]

If the expectation is flawless feeding from a magazine, a wildcat based on that case is going to give most 'smiths serious reservations about taking it on.

More info about the action, magazine (if any) and final case dimensions are three biggies that a 'smith will want to know up front. Plus, how the cases are going to be formed, the dies to be used, etc.

Just an observation...things to consider before getting too far along.

Good shootin' -Al

These are good points. This will be fed from AICS standard mags and although the new case will not fit into the current chamber, it will pick-up from the mag and I can get the bolt to grab the base and then eject. As stated above this is a 6mm based off the 450 Bushmaster parent case (.284 Win Basic brass, grandparent case - LOL) and I have a batch of brass formed/prepped ready for fireforming. The OAL of the brass is 1.7250" currently at a 25 degree shoulder and left long in the neck for the shoulder to be moved forward and 40 degree shoulder after fire forming as not to lose the desired neck length, then I'll trim to proper fit of chamber dimensions. As far as dies go, I have cut down, honed/polished a few dies and have several bushings for a neck die that I use for the process, and I'm several thousandths shy all around for chamber fitment. I made a seating die from a 264 Win Mag die that will be perfect (at least so far on the roughed out current state of the brass), the when I have my three 5X's fired pieces they will be sent of to Whidden for FL sizing die to be cut.

The below loaded dummy round pic is of a 109 ELD-M with the shank seated to the neck/shoulder junction (boattail seated below neck), and in just the case body portion (no powder into the shoulder section, cut-off body section weighed 150.5 grs. empty) holds 41grs. of VV N540. Thank you fellas who have sent me some leads on a smith, please keep the info coming.

 

[Hondo64d]

I have a rifle project that I would like to make come to fruition and looking for a quality gunsmith with reasonable availability in lead time. I have looked over the list provided here on the forum (but not contacted all of them) and several others with reputable mention on the web. . .sadly for me, a lot of them are booked out for a year(s)+, are not taking on any new builds at this time, will not use customer supplied parts, no longer in business, or just not interested. And there were a few that were just “parts changers”, and I didn’t feel good about it at all. . .have to trust your gut.

I already have my action (R700 clone) and it is setup how I would like it (may need some minor work due to new heavier recoil lug and barrel fitment???), my stock, trying to locate a barrel of either a Bartlein, Brux, or Krieger, in a SS #4 or #5 with a 1/7.5 twist and fluting. Basically, need the barrel work done and fitted to the action ready to go shoot! This is a wildcat cartridge in 6mm with the 450 Bushmaster as the parent case so it will have my supplied reamer. I’ve sent my reamer print off to JGS for their review already, this is for the reamer and GO-GAUGE. Seems pretty cut-n-dry for a build, and I DO understand quality work is not fast and delivery dates are purely estimated. I live in north central Florida if there is a recommended smith within reasonable driving distance (4 to 6 hrs.), but I’m also not opposed to shipping the rifle out.

If the forum members have anyone you would recommend (still in business too) or if any of the smiths here on the forum are interested and available, please let me know. Gunsmiths on the forum, you can reach me with a DM here or email with any questions. capt.offshore@yahoo.com Thank you.

Jon Beanland
Beanland Custom Rifles

 

[AlNyhus]

Looks like you've given this a lot of thought and have already done the heavy lifting.

Cool project! -Al

 

[OFFSHORE]

Looks like you've given this a lot of thought and have already done the heavy lifting.

Cool project! -Al

This is what happens to me when hunting season rolls around and I have hours at a time up in my treestands or sitting over peanut/mellon/cotton fields. . .my mind drifts into "tinker mode"!!! It's a 6 Dasher on steroids and knocking on the heels of the 6GT and 47 Lapua (at least on paper and design - fingers crossed). This thought was originally designed for one of my Howa Minis that I have, but then decided to switch gears to take full advantage of the case with bullets in the 103gr. to 110gr. class and went the standard short action route. I wanted to use a Rem Model 7 action, but these are more money than I care to spend (when you can locate one) on this project when I can get a custom action for just a little bit more, so I'm sacrificing an action. Reamer is a 6 to 12 week wait and still waiting for a barrel I want to be available somewhere. . .its kill'n me!!!

 

[Judd]

I will say one thing, you like brass work way more than I do

When I saw it I thought…a little bigger 6GT. Good luck!

 

[OFFSHORE]

I will say one thing, you like brass work way more than I do

When I saw it I thought…a little bigger 6GT. Good luck!

My process has been slimmed down quite a bit since the start. . .now I can do a completed case ready to fireform in 5 minutes +/-. That is annealing twice, dies and bushings, inside neck reaming, then outside neck turning. Yes sir, it's a labor of love. After I have several fireformed and know I will not have to do any adjustments, then I'll do a big batch of 300 to 500 and I'll be set for a good while. I hope!!!

 

[Kevin1990]

I don't like to give smiths names cause I don't know if they would take it on, nor do I want to speak for them. That said, Alex Wheeler is in florida, and in my opinion, there is none better. Super nice guy, and very patient with all my questions on builds. I ship barrels for him to chamber from NY, and Hart barrels is 1 hour from me. Take that for what you will.

Good luck with your project, that seems like a very cool round!

 

[OFFSHORE]

I don't like to give smiths names cause I don't know if they would take it on, nor do I want to speak for them. That said, Alex Wheeler is in florida, and in my opinion, there is none better. Super nice guy, and very patient with all my questions on builds. I ship barrels for him to chamber from NY, and Hart barrels is 1 hour from me. Take that for what you will.

Good luck with your project, that seems like a very cool round!

I couldn't agree with you more on Mr. Wheeler. I've paid close attention to a lot of what he posts on a few forums over the years. . .unfortunately a few weeks ago, his website states he is not taking on any new work at this time. I probably should touch base with him and see for how long.