I am thinking of maybe having some gunsmith work done on a rifle. Drilling, tapping and fixing 'scope mounts to the top of a receiver that has NEVER been previously drilled.

So. I'm in the Midlands. What experiences have you of say Norman Clarke, Garlands and anybody else in this region?

I have no experience of Garlands - they don't have a reputation for riflesmithing so I would approach with care as it sounds as if the rifle might be precious.

Norman Clarke is expensive but did very high quality work for me on my Sako AII when re rebarreled it using my Border blank and reblued the whole thing. Probably the best work I've had done on a rifle but very expensive. I was pleased as it too was a unique rifle that I held very dear and had spent a long time speaking to smiths before I settled on him. I would reccomend them.

Thank you for replying. The rifle isn't precious...except of course that it is better to get the job done right the first time!

would not go to garlands as i know they would hav to send it away to a gun/rifleSmith anyway
Norman is a good bloke with a great bunch of folk that work for him and Mick will do a grand and specialist job that will work and last
Rhino barrels in Nantwhich are just as good with less overheads and half the cost
you pays your money and takes your chances but be happy to recommend both

If you're based in the Midlands then give Mike Norris (Brock and Norris) a call. Based near Telford. Excellent rifle work. Several people on this forum have rifles built by him. If you look on the UK Varminting forums there is a .308 built by him for a chap to take to South Africa. Judging by the results it was very accurate. His number is 07971169829.

Regards

Gareth