straightshooter1965
New member
This is a solid question. Recently my beloved father-in-law “tasked” me to resuscitate a 1921 Colt Woodsman or find someone who could. I’d say it’s about 70%, not too bad for being old as dirt! It does NOT function properly though and is going to require some serious TLC and re-finishing. It has since been dropped off at, to the best of my knowledge, one of the most “reputable and competent ” folks in the S.F. Bay Area. He is overwhelmed with work/orders, so fortunately, there is not even a remote “rush” on the Colt. I told him “do it at your leisure”; he responded, “Oh, I will”.
Here is the dilemma; I attempted to have three of my rifles serviced yesterday (dust, clean, lube, inspect, adjust), however, the 2nd most reputable “smith” I know is backlogged until mid-august and didn’t even have the room to accept my guns. I was in no rush; I just wanted them on his “list”. They never made it to his safe, instead I returned home with guns in tow. Where have all the Reputable Gun-Smiths with the competitive rates gone? It’s like the twilight zone. I am in the South S.F. Bay Area, and we have millions living here, except the Gunsmiths seem to have left? Is there no longer profit in that Vocation? It seems with all the cool new stuff out, some one is installing it? Just because someone shoots, doesn’t mean they know how to properly clean or “fix” their firearm. Some folks (like me) are just plain lazy and are willing to pay someone else (qualified and competent) to help with some of the required maintenance tasks.
Anybody have any solid recommendations on Reputable and Competent Gun-Smiths in the Southern S.F. Bay Area, California?
I have a feeling any responses will be short, sweet and did I say short? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Peace all,
JD
Here is the dilemma; I attempted to have three of my rifles serviced yesterday (dust, clean, lube, inspect, adjust), however, the 2nd most reputable “smith” I know is backlogged until mid-august and didn’t even have the room to accept my guns. I was in no rush; I just wanted them on his “list”. They never made it to his safe, instead I returned home with guns in tow. Where have all the Reputable Gun-Smiths with the competitive rates gone? It’s like the twilight zone. I am in the South S.F. Bay Area, and we have millions living here, except the Gunsmiths seem to have left? Is there no longer profit in that Vocation? It seems with all the cool new stuff out, some one is installing it? Just because someone shoots, doesn’t mean they know how to properly clean or “fix” their firearm. Some folks (like me) are just plain lazy and are willing to pay someone else (qualified and competent) to help with some of the required maintenance tasks.
Anybody have any solid recommendations on Reputable and Competent Gun-Smiths in the Southern S.F. Bay Area, California?
I have a feeling any responses will be short, sweet and did I say short? Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Peace all,
JD
, starved them.
A reasonable hunting rifle with scope is available for about the cost of a car payment (only one payment). In the past a good rifle was built for the hunter. Cost was near the price of the whole car. The Gunsmith had a fairly large clientele, was able to charge fair prices for the work done, and made a reasonable living. 