I can't speak to the liability aspect of it. From the consumer view point I would say it depends on your location. A good gun mechanic/smith in a location that is gun friendly should work unless the market is saturated with 'smiths. A lot of folks - myself included - don't like sending stuff 5 states away unless they have to. A retail store is almost a must in order to support you while your gaining a reputation.
I worked for a 'smith one day a week for a while (to gain some experience). 75% of his work was "fixing" broken guns. Many were low end family firearms that had sentimental value. He specialized in restocking shotguns with high end wood. I did a bit of the metal work. Retail sales is what kept him afloat. 5 customers a year would come in and buy a Perazzi, and before it left the store they would have him put $5000 wood on it! You will also have to do things that go against your nature. I once polished and blued a Win mdl 54 that was in 95% condition! The elderly woman's husband died and she wanted to give the rifle to her grandson. No matter how much I reasoned with her on destroying the value, she wanted a "nice" looking gun to pass down. I did the work with a heavy heart.
I worked for a 'smith one day a week for a while (to gain some experience). 75% of his work was "fixing" broken guns. Many were low end family firearms that had sentimental value. He specialized in restocking shotguns with high end wood. I did a bit of the metal work. Retail sales is what kept him afloat. 5 customers a year would come in and buy a Perazzi, and before it left the store they would have him put $5000 wood on it! You will also have to do things that go against your nature. I once polished and blued a Win mdl 54 that was in 95% condition! The elderly woman's husband died and she wanted to give the rifle to her grandson. No matter how much I reasoned with her on destroying the value, she wanted a "nice" looking gun to pass down. I did the work with a heavy heart.
