Re: Picking a gunsmith
Local is fine if local does what you want them to do. I do a lot of local work, I do as much work shipped to me though as I do local if not more.
However, EVERY gunsmith out there has pissed someone off, wether by accident or on purpose or whatever the case may be.
Mistakes and misunderstandings happen, and despite the 'science' of gunsmithing, there are few steadfast and set rules on most projects and every smith has a way he does things that other smiths and some customer may not agree with, wether it works or not.
Be careful about giving TOO much creedence to what some people tell you. There are people that will tell you that I was 'a icehole or a smartice' or 'it took me forever.' DON'T call me and tell me how to do my job and ask me how it should be done in the same sentence! If you know SO much than why TF did you call me? Some projects take time and parts are NOT ALWAYS available when I call and order- it is beyond my control. No amount of explaining or being 'nice' will work with some people.
On the flip side of the coin there are a lot of people that will tell you I 'built a tack driver' or 'I had that thing runnin' like a sewing machine' etc.
It's a service like mechanics, or dry cleaning or anything else, even doctors- So ask around, get some feedback, see what people say and look at examples of his work. Ask him HOW he will do the work you want performed. Make clear to him your desires for specifics and requests. If there is an option he cannot or does not perform as him if he farms it out and to who. Does he have a work order he fills out or does he scratch it on a notepad and stick it to the wall?
This is a little view from both sides of the fence. Hope it helps