I have never met Fred (or Lisa) Moreo and have no axes to grind. When I decided to have a full custom benchrest rifle built, using one of the country's highest-rated gunsmith's and top-of-the-game equipment at all points, I was told the process would probably take two years. It did. I believe some of the top shooters, who make your products and your work look good, get better treatment and so what.
Just for the record, the "big name" gunsmith lied to me, cheated me, delayed me by telling me pieces were back-ordered, etc. Finally, I called the manufacturer and was told that gunsmith had "nothing on order" with them. I still hear him referred to as just a shade or two under God on this forum, but to me he's crap and always will be.
Thankfully, one of the "real" top 'smiths stepped up, was sick to see how I had been treated, and built one of the best firearms in the world for me.
From conversations with people who I trust, I think Fred and Lisa have had personal and health problems and, if you don't already know it, sometimes life gets in the way. It's still a "one-man" shop and set-up time and changeovers can eat up a lot of your day. I think it's time we all understand that Fred is one of if not "the" best Savage mechanic in the world. His schedule is what it is. If you don't want to wait, don't use him. Either way, I think it's time everyone stopped venting about Sharp Shooters Supply and making derogatory comments about Fred. As other posts have said, the situation at SSS is well documented, and probably not going to change much until Fred just gets sick of it and quits.
Every gunsmith I'm aware of who is involved in custom hunting and competition guns is snowed under and backed up. It's because of the popularity and increasing technology available to us. Most of the top 'smiths are not comfortable "farming out" some of their work or hiring assistants that usually end up leaving and competing against you.
I can deal with th wait, but not the constant lies. I was on the "list". They said 6 months and I was #X, say 35 for argument sake. In 6 months I called, and I was # 45. I called in a couple more months and I was #65. The numbers are not the exact numbers, but you get the idea. Kevin will get it right in and right out. I think my LRPV will go to our own Rustystud, for a try. To say Fred is the best would be a real stretch. There are plenty of smiths that can work a Savage over. The ONLY advantage to Fred is the trigger, and I have seen a couple of guys modify a Jewell to work in a Savage. Screw me once shame on you, screw me twice, shame on me.
....Why, it could be the death knell to the Custom action market.
