Hi All,

After have re-read the Taffin's book, after have searched on all forums, similar topics, I can't have a real position on this subject!!!! I think replies to this post could interrest many other guys like me.

I have seen any bad comments for work of John Linebaugh, David Clements, Hamilton Bowen and Jim Stroh.

I have seen any bad comments for FA.

I have seen some good and bad comments for work of Jack huntington, Phil&Rodg, Gary Reeder, BFR and few others.

From my personal experience (up to now); I know only the quality of FA, but I have on order 2 guns at custom gunsmith listed above.

What do you consider to buy a FA or custom guns for the same caliber?

If FA doesn't chamber a caliber what do you consider to buy a gun made by this gunsmith or an other gunsmith?

-name?
-cost of finished gun?
-time to build the gun?
-quality of work?
-looking of finished gun?
-accuracy of gun built?
-minimum tolerances?
-lined bore or not?
-metal use for the conversion?
-bad/good comments posted on the forums?
-.....

I ask you that to know how I can avoid to be disapointed for these guns.

It is hard for me to understand to like a gun you need to like the gunsmith who will biuld the gun before. As some of post I have seen were partial and not objective.

I thank you in advance for replies you will post.

Have you considered the czechish Picra by Ivo Picek in the bottle-necked .308 Picra? It's a really top-quality gun and has collected quite a number of world championships in silhouette shooting in the last three years. It's price is about 2500 euros, I think.

The finest revolver that I own is a Silver Seville in 357Max. It is absolutely perfect. I can't find a blemish on it or anything that I would change. A buddie of mine has a Linebaugh made 475. It is a very nice gun. Operation is smooth, finish is excellent and accuracy is better than expected. I like the looks of the Bowen front sight better though. That is my only complaint about his 475.
For a custom revolver, I would choose lineboreing first, then personal options and last price.
lar