Finding a reputable pistolsmith in my area?

james.seto

September 08, 2002 20:10

I am looking for a pistolsmith in my area to build me a custom STI carry gun. I live near the CT/NY state line. I am new to this area and have no one to ask for references. Is there a resource out there that can help me find a reputable one? I'm looking at spending over $2,000.00 for this and don't want some pistol-quack to mess it up or give me bad suggestions/advice. Thanks!

James

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  Blokey

  September 09, 2002 10:59

  When I used to live in CT, I took my guns to Scott Moss Gun & Tackle in Norwalk, CT. The gunsmith ("Hardball Custom Gunsmithing" was the name, I think) at the shop did excellent work for me; they specialize in 1911s and Hi-Powers but I was very pleased with the work performed on my Glock.
  
  Couple of caveats worth considering:
  1) This was about 6 years ago, I'm not sure if "Hardball" is still there.
  2) I had some pistol work done there, I didn't have a gun built so I'm not sure if they do that type of work.
  3) I'm not sure how close you are to Norwalk but they're located off of exit 15 on I95.
  4) Scott Moss Gun & Tackle may have changed the name to "Field & Stream" or something like that.
  
  If 1 & 2 are affirmative, I think they're worth looking into. Good luck!

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  crisisbill

  September 09, 2002 11:08

  If you want a "Top Notch" guy give Chris Ruger a call, here is the link to his site.
  He is in Kingston, NY thats in Ulster County, when you call just tell him that Crisis Bill sent you.
  
  http://rugergunsmith.com/
  
  If you Fail to Prepare, Prepare to Failfreetog@ulster.net

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  james.seto

  September 13, 2002 22:26

  Thanks for the info everyone. I will look into it.
  James

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  Rembrandt

  September 14, 2002 03:10

  If you're planning to spend that kind of money on a nice handgun, I wouldn't limit my selection based on geographic location. Here's a web site for STI and their custom shop, check out the magazine articles.... http://www.stiguns.com/

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  james.seto

  September 14, 2002 07:45

  Rembrandt,
  
  I've been to www.stiguns.com and have seen their production pistols. Nice, but not exactly what I wanted (although their new "spycam" shows one that I wouldn't mind having). I found www.dawsonprecision.com in Texas. He's a distributor, retailer and a custom gunsmith for STI guns. I may go his route but it will take 3 months to get a custom gun made.. I don't know if I an wait that long!
  
  Thanks for the suggestion,
  
  James
  
  
  "When the going gets tough... the tough gets a bigger gun"

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  mballai

  September 15, 2002 07:45

  Three months for a custom gun is not that long. If you depend on your gun, you should have a backup. Some smiths will expedite work if you can make a case for your rush. If a gunsmith has a backlog, that's usually proof that most people find the delay worthwhile if not desirable to endure...
  
  Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead

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