[El Tejon]

Gentlemen, today I had the bittersweet experience of picking up two rifles that I have not seen in a couple of years from a colleague of mine. Earlier I had posted what had transpired. The incident transpired before the individual's medical condition disallowed him to complete the work I requested to these weapons. I got them back in roughly (they are both a little dry) the same shape, but at least I have them.

I need trigger, barrel crown, sights, bedding, bolt slick, and a stock reduction work (apparently all stocks are made for people even more long and lanky than yours truly). I plan on taking both to Tejas this April so I would like quick turn around so I can work out with them. The weapons are a Mauser M66 and a Ruger RSI.

Who would you recommend? I thank you for your time.

[Robert inOregon]

Let me look into my crystal ball. I see a new rifle in your future. ;)


Here are some smithing prices to put it all into perspective.

Trigger work using existing parts is $60
Crown is $65
Sight is $40 minimum per hour plus parts
Bedding is $200
Bolt slick is $40 minimum per hour
Stock reduction is $40 minimum per hour

That is over $450 in labor and no parts. Rifles are not worth that. Those guns are good to learn the craft yourself. Or sell them and get something nice that is a turn key.

[El Tejon]

Robert, thanks. I'm aware of the price. I've had work done before. To learn it myself would take time, time I do not have.

[echo3mike]

Gotta give a plug for TFL's / SH's own Celt (aka Jeff Hicks) (http://members.tripod.com/Hicksdesigns/) , right there in BFE Indiana. Does top notch work.

I don't know if he'll be able to do everything you're looking for, but he'll probably now someone who can.

S.

[El Tejon]

echo, thanks much.

Why no physical address on his website? Wouldn't a business want people to know where it is located? No address so they are tactical? Maybe no one writes letters or sends money orders anymore?

[Nero Steptoe]

Check out Terry Clifton at cliftonrifles.com. He's located in Grand Ridge, FL, and is a regionally welll-known rifle builder. He cut 1/2" off the barrel of my VLS and recrowned the barrel for a grand total of $25. He's one of the best-kept secrets around.

[Art Eatman]

Where, in Texas?

Permanent move?

Art

[cratz2]

Well, if you're familiar with Plainfield Shooting Supplies (just west of Indy) there is a guy that works on Mondays that does some good work on a limited numer of firearms. Can't remember his name but Bob can tell you who he is. He is known for is Ruger trigger work. Don't know what all he can or will do, but it's a start.

Phone number is 317-839-6095 and like I said, he only works Mondays or every other Monday or something like that.

[El Tejon]

Nero, thanks much. Yes, I have heard of Mr. Clifton. I'll check it out.

Art, Mountain Home, Tejas. Real County. Doc SWAT and I are taking GPR at TR, Inc. Part of usual biannual trip to the RoT. Not permanent--although every single time I go down there, I kick myself for not considering that AUSA gig in Houston after grad skul.

Cratz, that's near MPFreeman's `hood. I'll give BobbyBob a call.

[Art Eatman]

Hokay. I've ratted around 'bout every dirt road in that part of Texas, back in the old daze. Graduated high school from Schreiner at Kerrville. Had a buddy who guided hunters on the old YO, back in the Charley III era.

Still love liveoaks, limestone and cedar. Shame I couldn't swap my 1,000 acres at Terlingua for 1,000 acres along a Hill Country creek. :) It's the 20:1 price disparity which is discouraging.

:), Art

[Bainx]

Yeah, I see a new rifle in your future.

[El Tejon]

Bainx, why a new rifle? Another M66 or RSI, or both? Do you know I'm going to buy new guns at the show in Indy soon? What gives?

[Tamara]

Do you have trigger & sight parts in hand, and will you be able to hand-deliver & pick up?

That'll give much better chances within the 11-week period between now & 4/1, depending on how busy/backed up/fast/slow the 'smith is...

[Bainx]

Bainx, why a new rifle?

I don't know, cause it's funny

[VG]

Why no physical address on his website? Wouldn't a business want people to know where it is located? No address so they are tactical? Maybe no one writes letters or sends money orders anymore?

Did you follow the link to the new site? http://www.hdrifle.com/
It shows both mailing and shipping address.

[nipprdog]

Shogun Gunsmithing & Sales,
Monon, IN


(219) 253-8555

have heard people talk highly of his work.