I used to take projects to a number of smiths back in the day, but now, not so much. Unless you want something so unique that only a customs experienced smith can do it, it doesn't seem to make economic sense when $1400 is approaching a budget that can buy you outright a fine turnkey rifle like a Cooper.
Now before the smiths all start flaming me, I'm not saying never take a rifle to a smith, obviously there are many reasons to do so. I'm only saying, on my budget, I can't justify spending 5, 6, 8 or 14 hundred dollars on a weapon, UNLESS, the work adds that much value or causes it to perform a task that nothing else will satisfy.
Example: the last rifle I took to smith was 7.65 Arg. As it was presented to me, I have a good shooting mauser in a caliber I like. The tab for the work however, was close to $900.00 and I suspect the rifle might sell these days for about $400.00 IF I wanted to sell it.