Reputable Gunsmith

There are many good options. Look at the Custom Rifle Blueprint thread...lots of info.

I use Chad Dixon or Long Rifles Inc...he builds a nice rifle, and has some great pricing right now with the snipershide.com group buy.
 
On my last build I used Dennis Olson out of Plains Montana. A little cranky but he did outstanding work at a fair price with quick turn around time. He fitted and head spaced a deep chambered Lothar Walther heavy barrel chambered in 22-250 Rem to my Sako AII action. He also bead blasted the barrel then script engraved " 22-250 Rem" the barrel above center line. Then he tuned the Sako trigger down to 2.5 pounds safely. I choose Mr. Olsen because he is experienced in machining that hard 17-4 type stainless Lothar Walther uses in their barrels. A lot of Smiths don't like to work with it because it is so tough. That is why I choose a Lothar Walther barrel because they offer long barrel life. Shoots great I'm going to re barrel my Sako 220 Swift with another Lothar Walther Barrel. If you want Mr. Olsen's contact info send me a PM. Grizz

 
Use a big name if you're a good shot and discerning shooter.

Kevin Weaver of Peyton, CO builds some super accurate hunting rifles. He is also good at metal work and has made some stuff work for me that I dreamed up.
Chad Dixon and Greg Tannel are great smiths also.

It's worth the wait and the extra $100 to have it done correctly. I have a friend that builds 6-8 a year, and he is seldom happy with them, because he always uses some self-proclaimed no-name gunsmith. He always tells me how rare 1/2 MOA rifles are, and I remind him I've got a safe full of them as well as a few that regularly do 1/4-3/8. I guess some folks never learn lol.

Good luck and choose wisely.
 
Thanks to everyone who shared their input. I'm not against having an out of state gunsmith build my rifle. I'm just looking for feedback on one who has a good rep and can build a rifle that shoots better then it looks.
 
Not sure if this is your first custom build or not, but I would suggest asking lots of questions, both from guys that have built a few, as well as interview potential smiths. I wouldn't limit myself to in-state smiths only. I have never had an in-state smith build me one. I'd rather pay shipping and get a quality rifle than "settle" for someone because they are closer to me.

Just my 2 pennies
 
critter 123,,,You are probably fairly close to the St Louis area, you might consider taking a short drive over to Exit 199 on I-70 in MO and looking up a Mr Hohn..He lives just a few houses south of the St Louis Benchrest Club and builds rifles for several in the metropolitan area as well as competitors at the club..He's a super nice person and a really good gun smith for custom work...If you look up the club's website, there is a map for how to get there...He would be an excellent person for advice and information on your project..
 
Grizz I guess I should clarify. Kevin isn't $100 more than everyone else. He's reasonable.

What I'm saying is when I see a $100 bedding job or a $100 chambering I take a step back, because I know I wouldn't do quality work for bottom dollar like that.
 
I think you're just wanting to argue bud, and that's not my cup of tea. I'm not sure how you're so certain he's that much better. I have ever used Olsen so I couldn't tell you if he's good or bad -- or better or worse. One thing to clarify is when I posted after you originally it wasn't intentional but rather a coincidence. In fact I just read your post for the first time. Sorry if you thought I was attacking your guy, wasn't the case.
 
Oh he11. Don't you know when someone's yanking you chain a little bit Son. I looked at Weaver's site. Looks like he knows what he's doing. In fact I may use him one day. Olsen's older and I don't know how much longer he's going to want to work. This is how the custom Sako Olsen re barreled for me shoots. Grizz
 
Cool, I feel better now.

Yea I called KW and made the joke that no matter how many times I shoot my 6 WOA, I can only get it to hit paper once.
I need to get a photobucket so I can post some groups and gun pics also!
 


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