Need a new Gunsmith, so need advice.

Dean2

Dean2

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
104   0   1
Location
Alberta
My old smith is now gone so I need to find a new one. Would prefer to stay in B.C., Alberta or Saskatchewan.

I found these two so was looking for recommendations and experiences if anyone has used one or both. By published background and experience Jan K has some pretty impressive credentials but I have seen other smiths with great credentials that turned out pretty shoddy work. Thus looking for advice.

(I am looking to do a make over on a Rem 700 SPS that now weighs 6.5 LBs. I want to add a light contour 7x57, 21" barrel, spiral flute the bolt, and True the action, recoil lug and bolt as well as bush and centre the firing pin. Goal is to get the weight down to 5.5 LBs in the factory stock, which weighs a tad under 2 lbs. Will probably add a McMillan Ultra light, 24 ounce stock later.)

Trevor Tumac Canadian Precision Gunsmithing

http://www.canadianprecision.ca/prices/

Jan Kolenbrander

http://lightweight-hunting-rifles.ca/custom-rifles-rebuilding-conversions-brakes.php
 
There have been a few threads about Canadian precision where some guys tried to get some work done by him maybe they will chime in and give you the scoop about how he runs his business .
 
I just wish that these guys would provide less glowing personal reviews of themselves on these business websites, and, show more of the actual work they have done in the past and with customer references.
 
Well after searching Canadian Precision on here and following the threads to some other posts on other forums I can say for sure he is off my shopping list. Got to love the internet or you would never find this stuff out till it was way too late. Thanks a BIG BIG BUNCH for the heads up.
 
Have had a couple of PMs strongly recommending Jam. Have also had a few PMs recommending smiths other than the two I asked about so thanks for that.

Just so folks know and don't have to do all their own checking: In getting prices from various top rated smiths to do the work there are some really large price differences. As an example, $275- $300 seems to be the going rate to thread, ream and mount a barrel, and about $300-$350 to accurise a Rem 700 action. A couple of the smiths I was in contact with however were quoting prices more than double that and the really expensive ones are all located in Alberta. I am beginning to think that all those years of lots of oil money has affected the price of gunsmith services here. It would appear that it is well worth my time to ship the gun a little further to get quality work done at better prices.

Do these price ranges ring true with those of you who have used a smith recently for this kind of work?
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom