I am posting this in the Alaska Forum because most of the Alaska residents on the board visit here.

Any one have any experience with any of the local gunsmiths. I have heard lots of 2nd hand stories about several but would like to get some input from actual customers. I am going to have a 375 H&H rebarreled and would like to get it done locally if I can find someone that I have confidence will do a good job. I prefer Fairbanks but would also consider someone in the Anchorage area. Feel free to send a PM if you prefer. Thanks

JD

AKJD - I have had 'smith work done here in Anchorage by several guys and recommend Stan Jackson - you can reach him at 907/349-3854 - before Stan, I used Dave Caboth who ran "nitro gunworks at chimo guns" in Wasilla - Dave left Alaska and now 'smiths for Waffenfabrik Hein in eastern Washington state - Dave is the best you will find anywhere and can be reached through http://www.rifleactions.com - Had wild west guns do some work about 8 years ago and the actual work was fine, just didn't like the "attitude" I got from the owner. Also attempted to have work done by "v b" but he was extremely busy and he "did not get to my work" and then lied to me about the situation - I know several folks that have had "vb"do work for them and I have viewed / handled the completed work and it was very high quality - but I won't send my work to someone that is not truthful to me - So if you want to stay in state, call Stan Jackson as he is a up front guy, does very good work and his pricing is good - I am sure that other 'smiths exist, but I am not looking beyond Stan for my work now - to be clear, I am referring to rifle work only - good luck and let us know how things work out - KMule

I second Stan.

-Ron

I've used Arctic Gunworks a bit here in Fairbanks. Once you get past the "blustery exterior" Gary is a pretty decent guy. All the work he's done for me has been satisfactory and completed in a reasonable amount of time. He has some nice examples of his work in the shop that will give you an idea of what he can do.

Stan Jackson all the way. Grizzled ol cuss but he sure knows what he is doing and his prices are lower than most gunsmiths in the lower 48. I believe Stan charges $150 to chamber and fit a barrel to the action.

Over at DownUnder in Fbks. either Doug or Mark can easily fit your barrel and are generally no-nonsense about matters at hand. Mark used to work and trained with Beretta for many years and both say if it is "out" of their capabilities they most assuredly will let you know. Their is also Gary and I have used his services before too, Arctic Gunworks is quite capable as well of doing your barrel install and too his turn over at this time of year should be quick - considering. For special requests and tooling I would ask also Gary and if he cannot do it then he would let you know. Hope you find your "smith".

My experience echos that of the others:

Stan Jackson: a no nonsense guy that is good at what he does and is reasonably priced for basic machining and gunsmithing (blueprinting, rebarreling/rechambering, trigger adjusting, etc.).

Wild West: too much enlarged ego and attitude in one place for me. My own personal experience with the owner have encouraged me to give my business to others.

Dave Caboth: hated to see him leave Alaska. By far the best I have used. Top quality work, reasonable prices, and a great guy. Great single shot guy. I highly recommend him for custom work.

Homer Strickland (Accuracy Arms): The accuracy guru. Homer is not shy about sharing his opinions- some don't like this. But I have found his opinions to be pretty accurate, like his guns, and based on a wealth of experience. He just tells it like he sees it. I can live with that.