Best gumsmiths in Canada

24 April 2009, 23:39

Hi I wonder if anybody can direct me to a few links of recommended gunsmiths in Canada preferably on the east coast

Hunting rifles
Tactical rifles
Benchrest rifles

thanks

25 April 2009, 02:31

N E 450 No2

Hunting rifles, Ralf Martini.

25 April 2009, 03:05

londonhunter

Can you post a link if this does not break forum rules ........../

which province ?

Thanks

25 April 2009, 03:08

Tetachuck

You might try posting the same question on canadiangunnutz.com

25 April 2009, 03:14

Tetachuck

martiniandhagngunmakers.com

28 April 2009, 01:07

canam

Ralf martini without question,he has done quite a few for me,all have been amazing.I have a little 350 rem mag he did for me,it always shoots into 3/4" at 100yds,and I mean with pretty much any load I have ever put through it.I have a custom 375 ruger that he did as well,it's the most accurate rifle I have ever owned.You simply couldn't go wrong with a rifle built by ralf!

28 April 2009, 01:09

Bill Leeper

For classic, somewhat Germanic, hunting rifles, Ralf Martini is doing very nice stuff. He and his associates also do some pretty decent glass stocked hunters. I think he and his mentor, Martin Hagn, are doing some of the nicest stocks you will see. Stylistically they are quite German (surprise!)but the workmanship is superb. In addition, they are very meticulous metal workers and the rifles function.
If one is looking for the tactical look stuff, there are a bunch of guys producing these. Keith Cunningham makes good stuff and so do a bunch of others. Some are gunmakers while others are parts assemblers. For those unsure of the designation; tactical rifles are black and/or green with giant scopes, bipods, big ugly bolt knobs,detachable magazines, and scope mounts which weigh in at around a pound and a half.
For benchrest rifles and other precision rifles, it's kind of hard to say since I don't attend many matches anymore. There are a few good barrel fitters and some decent stockers. Bill Macareth (sp?)in Burns Lake BC does some really nice looking work and I've heard they shoot too. He's very enthusiastic and takes real pride in what he produces.
Dennis Sorenson has been building rifles of all types for longer than most of today's shooters have been around yet his techniques are up to date and his work equal to any.
I'm not real familiar with any eastern 'smiths. I have trouble getting to far east of the Rockies; even virtually. Until my daughter ended up living in upstate New York, I wasn't real sure life existed east of Lake Superior.
I've made a few rifles myself and they're OK. Regards, Bill.

28 April 2009, 06:38

Dewey

Here in B.C., I would only have work done by Ralf and his crew, Mick McPhee and Mitch Kendall of Kamloops and there is a fabulous guy on V.I., Richard Gibbs, but, he won't do work for many people, I am told.

I have seen the work by about everybody here and owned a lot of it and there is one other 'smith I would also go to. He is an old phart, almost as elderly as me and dang near as ornery, too! This is Bill Leeper and his rifles are a LOT better than ...OK...

I would stress, I am about as picky, perfectionist and anal as can be and am willing to pay for work that meets my standards.

04 May 2009, 04:23

470 Mbogo

Ha Bill you are underestimating yourself here. I've had work done by gunsmiths that I've had Bill Leeper fix and make right. If your looking for a good quality rifle that functions, feeds and has good quality workmanship Bill can do it for you. Thank you for the work you did on my 470 Mbogo that Barry screwed up. There was something about the three position safety tearing the skin off your thumb that wasn't quite right oh ya and the dremmel tool crown,that was a nice touch. Thanks Bill for making my rifle the high quality that it now is.
Take good care,
Dave

04 May 2009, 21:10

chico1

I agree with others who say that Ralf Martini does excellent work. I had a very sick (would not hold POI) Kimber of Oregon heavy barreled 223 Rem caliber rifle that needed some work and after pillar bedding, free floating and trigger work the little rifle is shooting one-half MOA.

They are meticulous in their work and with their experience in working on bench-rest rifles l have no doubt that anyone wanting this type of work will be pleased with the results.

09 May 2009, 20:56

Monashee

quote:
Originally posted by Bill Leeper:
For classic, somewhat Germanic, hunting rifles, Ralf Martini is doing very nice stuff. He and his associates also do some pretty decent glass stocked hunters. I think he and his mentor, Martin Hagn, are doing some of the nicest stocks you will see. Stylistically they are quite German (surprise!)but the workmanship is superb. In addition, they are very meticulous metal workers and the rifles function.
If one is looking for the tactical look stuff, there are a bunch of guys producing these. Keith Cunningham makes good stuff and so do a bunch of others. Some are gunmakers while others are parts assemblers. For those unsure of the designation; tactical rifles are black and/or green with giant scopes, bipods, big ugly bolt knobs,detachable magazines, and scope mounts which weigh in at around a pound and a half.
For benchrest rifles and other precision rifles, it's kind of hard to say since I don't attend many matches anymore. There are a few good barrel fitters and some decent stockers. Bill Macareth (sp?)in Burns Lake BC does some really nice looking work and I've heard they shoot too. He's very enthusiastic and takes real pride in what he produces.
Dennis Sorenson has been building rifles of all types for longer than most of today's shooters have been around yet his techniques are up to date and his work equal to any.
I'm not real familiar with any eastern 'smiths. I have trouble getting to far east of the Rockies; even virtually. Until my daughter ended up living in upstate New York, I wasn't real sure life existed east of Lake Superior.
I've made a few rifles myself and they're OK. Regards, Bill.

If he's not too busy,you won't find a better smith in BC than Bill Leeper.Nice guy too! Monashee

16 May 2009, 21:49

Wookie316

As for Canadian made barrels, Ted Gaillard & Ron Smith are among the best!

17 May 2009, 00:22

Gatehouse

My absolute favorite rifle was made by Bill Leeper...

I've also have Dennis Soresen do some work for me and the work has been excellent.

I haven't used any other gunsmiths and I don't really see the need to at this point.

17 May 2009, 00:50

Wookie316

I have a rifle going to Dennis at the end of the month, and from what I hear, it will be flawless when it's done. Can't wait.