I was wondering if anyone had a technique they use to regain their patience when it starts to run low. I got my CZ Safari in .375 in early June. I researched and found a gunsmith with a good reputation for quality work. I phoned him, talked about what I wanted (seal the stock, bed it, add crossbolt and trigger job) he quoted me an approximate price and said "6-8 weeks". So I box it up, UPS it, watch the tracking number, and see that my deposit check was cashed. Well 6-8 weeks, was 6-8 weeks ago (he got it June 13th). I last called in mid August (the original ETA)to add a set of rings, the ring maker had this gunsmith listed as a dealer, 'smith said "I should have it done buy the end of the month". Thats a month long gone.

I hate to be cry baby, but is this normal? When you send your rifle in should you just not expect to see it until it shows up one day out of the blue? I had hoped to use it this fall, but hunting is about 5 weeks away, and I've not even shot it, and have to work up a load. (I've got a bunch of break in rounds ready)

I sent an email a week ago, no reply. Should I call and start bugging the guy or just try to pretend I never bought the rifle?

I usually figure on double the estimated time so to be safe. You have this whole craftsmanship thing going on that can get in the way of schedules. The really top craftsman often seem to miss schedule the most. We deal with a lot of artists and it's the same deal so I've learned to live with it.

They should be left alone to there own devices.

With my two projects I have done I just hand it over and wait for the e-mail to say it's complete. Its true these blokes are like artists.

Brendan: Bullshit. I know �smiths are artists, but I developed a good method: paying for each hour of working. This seems to hurry them enough. By the way, here is a good recipe in my BRNO 375 (almost the same gun): 82.0 grains of I.M.R. 4350, Winchester cases, Federal 215 primers and Speer 270 grains softpoints. Muzzle velocity in my rifle is 2.700 f.p.s., grouping under 1" at 150 meters.
Good luck

Call him back, and ask him for a status. I mean, exactly what remains to be done. Remind him that he is way behind his promised delivery date. (Sometimes, there are difficulties getting parts or sub-contracted services performed, and some allowances can be made.)

If the job is nowhere near done, tell him to ship the gun back (with your original parts), and find someone else to finish the job.
Then, come back and post his name here, so the rest of us can avoid the asshole.

If it's almost done, tell him you want it finished ASAP, since you have a couple of thousand 'friends' waiting to see what kind of work he does.

George

Wouldn't you just know it! I got an email today saying "...will about finish the rifle up, I expect to be shipping the late part of next week
..." So I'll be calling next week with my credit card to pay the balance. Hopefully it will ship next week. I should have held on for just a couple more days before posting.

All is good again in the world...

OR, he reads this forum, too!

Let us know how the gun turns out.

George