looking for a gunsmith

[44thumper]

I'm looking into useing either David Clements or Gary Reader to work on my ss SBH,and a 1894 ss marlin both in 44 mag. Anyone used either of these guys ,and if so what did you have done. Was the quality of the work good? My plans include action jobs on both, shorten barrel 5 1/2" on the SBH,plus new fiber optic sites for both. Any other sugestions or imput would be appreciated. Oh the SBH will also get the grip frame rounded and a free spin cylinder and belt mtn. base pin.

 

[Robb Barnes]

I have no experience with Mr. Reeder but David does great work. Ihave a 44 Mag bisley he installed an octagon barrel on, linebored a 357 Max cylinder to 44 for greater OAL, barred the front sight and overall tuned, tightened etc. As fine a piece as any of the other top notch guys can do. I also have Davids OM bisley hammers on each of my old model Rugers.

This is the 44 mag he did.

Here one of his hammers on a Bowen #5.

 

[BlkHawk73]

I use Gallagher myself who does fantastic work as well. I believe it's Forkin that does some really good lever gun work. Reeder...well he's nobody I'll ever use for anything. Attitude and personality go quite a ways with me and his ruined any prospects a long time ago.

 

[foxtrapper]

Blwk have you ever had a gun built by Gary Reeder? If I may how long ago did you have your conversation with Gary? I have had several calibre conversions over the last ten years or so by Gary, full blown customs and am very satisfied. Great shooters and Gary is a pleasure to do business . I also have had a Marlin 1895 gone over by Dave Clements who also did a great job. So 44 thumper either one of the smiths you asked about will make you happy. Good luck

 

[BlkHawk73]

Nope. I'd considered it but after his wonderful personality took effect, I swore off his stuff for good. Seems that if you don't agree with all he says and does, you receive the ego and harsh attitude. Also seemed that unless one was part of his little clique following, you were one of the "others". Great to have a service provider call you an (expletitive)* and think it's good customer service. I'm sure the end results are very good (aside from the hideous and fugly laser engraving) but I'll deal with those that exhibit some personal class of themselves as well as their work.

* I had mentioned how it was a shame to rip up perfectly nice SRM's for his conversions and was told, in short, I was an idiot and an (expletitive) for questioning the superior ballistics of his proprietary cartridges.

NO THANX!

 

[Axehandle]

Reeder does seem to polarize the crowd... I found an example of his work here a few years ago... Dang good price on a 5 shot 45 Colt... To good a price not to take a chance. That one gun did it for me. I have yet to have him build me a new one but while I cull the examples with more risque etchings I buy all his stuff I can afford. Hard to beat his price and delivery schedule. Bought a Few Encore barrels this year. Go to his forum and hang out a bit... Make your own decision..

 

[Axehandle]

Oh yeah... Let's not slight our buddy David Clements.... Dave is a favorite!..

 

[BlkHawk73]

Very nice ROA! It looks stout with that octagon bbl on there.

 

[44thumper]

Guys I really appreciate your input. I did talk to dave the other day and he is a really nice guy. He was very willing and helpful on my project. I am really leaning towards him. Oh, Axhandle those are some really great looking guns. That 1st one with the octogon barrel really caught my eye. What barrel length is that? Plus is there any thing in particular that you guys would do again or not. Thanks again, aside from my enjoyment, my goal is to have something special to leave my sons. A family heirloom if you know what I mean.

 

[BlkHawk73]

Only thing I'd have done differently is not to ponder and wait thinking a different idea might come to mind. Had I acted when the idea first came to me, I'd have a completed model of what I wanted in hand right now. The waiting and procrastinating...
Also, if you decide you want XYZ, but the wallet can only afford X, save and then go for it. Do it how you want the first time.
If it helps, some of the smiths allow paying 1/2 up front and then not requiring the balance until it's done. I know Gallagher does this.

 

[Axehandle]

That ROA is a 50 Cal too!
The first octagon barrel gun I posted is a 38 Special Single Six... I think the barrel measures 5 inches. From what I understand putting an octagon barrel on a Single Six is a very labor intensive task...

Personally I find that my tastes constantly evolve. As a result I find myself constantly planning the next project. Some simple, some complex. It is a wonderful hobby...

 

[44thumper]

Another couple of questions. Does the free spin cylinder help when loading and unloading? plus I'm leaning towards a fiber front sight since my ageing eyes dont pick up things close any more. I was evan tossing around a the idea of a mini red dot like the JP, leupold, or burris. But I dont think it will make the SBH look right, maybe on the marlin.

 

[Axehandle]

Free spin pawl help loading? Most people think so... Makes a difference when a bullet jumps crimp too.. Find someone who has one you can hold.. FWIW The Magnum Research BFR comes with a free spin pawl..

On the seeing the sights thing, I find that a good flat target blade rear and a patridge front make a lot of difference for me.. Flat black too... Of course I'm not old but at 58 on bad days I finally understand what those old farts meant when they said they couldn't see their front sights! 8)

 

[44thumper]

Thanks again Axehandle. I'm with ya on what the old farts said. On the free spin pawl, I was refering to the fact that if you did not catch it on the click just right you had too spin it all the way around. Seems like being able to spin it both ways just makes a whole lot of sense. That is, if that is what the free spin pawl does; I was assuming. P.S. 50 something aint old yet in my book. Maybe, my kids or grandkids.

 

[Axehandle]

Free spin does exactly what you are thinking...