Sure is alot of blacksmiths in these parts. Does anyone know of a competent gunsmith (in central Calif) who can perform simple tasks with precision? Had a 'smith(aka butcher) shorten a barrel to 22.2". I measured it yesterday - it is 21.75"! This chump was from Modesto, Ca., there is alot of em in this area! Do I have to ship everything out of state and wait 4mos? I apologise if I sound crass but this crap is getting old (and expensive)Thanks,MtnHtr

For the past 3 years I have been using Ernie Paull at Paull Firearm Specialties. Has has done first rate work for me inlcuding rebarreling, actin blueprinting, piller bedding, and converting a VZ-24 Mauser 98 into a beautiful hunting rifle in 270 Wby . I don't have the phone number handy, but he is located in the Sacramento area.

[ 06-09-2002, 01:25: Message edited by: David ]

Thank you, I don't think there is a decent 'smith within 100mi of here. I saved your recommendation and will check him out(fingers crossed) MtnHtr

MtnHtr-
Just a guess but your shortened barrel might really be 22.2". Gunsmiths normally use a BATF measurement that includes the portion of the barrel threaded into the receiver. If you measured the barrel forward of the receiver and got 21.75" it's probably about 22.2" legal length.

Hi,
Go to my site,www.shooting-hunting.com,type in gunsmiths, and california.
1geejay

For about 10-11 years I've used Nimrod Custom Rifles in Diamond Springs, CA., in the foothills just north of you. He's built about a dozen rifles for me, maybe more, plus some crazy stuff in chambers, and has always done a good job. He is primarily a rifle builder rather than a gunsmith. Telephone 530-622-2508.

MtnHtr,
Hey bud, hows married life treating you? I've got you covered. My gunsmith is named Craig Maroviov located here in Woodland. He should be able to do anything you want. I've used him for a number of projects and am saving up for a custom rifle on a Remington action. He is NOT cheap and his work takes time. He is very busy and sometimes can come across as a bit arogant but he does quality work. Here's the number, (530) 668-4867. He is open Tue-Fri 12-5. Tell him I told you about him and he'll treat you right. Good luck, let me know how it goes.

NoCAL

[ 06-11-2002, 00:33: Message edited by: NoCAL ]

Guys,
I feel sick to my stomach. I had several friends look at the Win 70 barreled action the 'smith botched. The barrel measures 21.95" from the middle of the safety vent hole on the forward receiver all the way out to the muzzle end. Hope I explained that right. I can live with this length I guess. Read on.

I also requested a recessed target crown with a 60 degree chamfer(similiar to Rem or a Weatherby Accumark) What I got appears to be a 3 step crown, instead of two levels there are three.

Now for the grand finale! I requested the scope mount base holes be drilled and tapped out to 8-40 threads. I bought 8-40 X 3/8 Torx screws from Brownells and finger screwed em in to check for fit. Guess what, the screws are wobbly and loosely threaded. With the screws threaded in you can wobble em side to side, up and down - a real sloppy fit. I called Brownells and they had me measure the screw's thread dia., the screws are not undersize. It appears the holes may have been drilled too large or somebody was wobbly starting the tap. I'm afraid the threads may collapse if I tighten down the screws, if not the first time maybe down the road if I ever rebarrel. I did order some Leupold 8-40 Torx screws hoping they may be of slightly larger tolerance but I doubt it.

The situation gets worse, the 'smith left on vacation and won't be back until July. This rifle was a brand new Win 70 SS Classic in '06 which comes with a 24" tube. I specifically stated to cut & recrown barrel at 22 1/8" in writing. So now I was looking forward to this project instead I'm depressed about the sloppy fit of the torx screws. I don't think anyone makes oversize 8-40 torx screws. Several friends feel the 'smith should buy the botched rifle from me, refund my $90.00 labor charge and pay the FFL transfer as well. What do you guys think? Will I have to go to small claims court on this one? Hunting season is closing in as well, I wanted this rifle as my backpacking set-up to go kill a big bear with. Thanks for listening, MtnHtr

P.S NoCal, how about burning some powder next month? E-mail me when you are ready.

[ 06-11-2002, 08:26: Message edited by: MtnHtr ]

MtnHntr:

Bummer on your M70, but I bet you have to go the small claims route. The problem is that good gunsmiths are busy and expensive, but not as expensive as a botched job.

Actually, there are several world class gunsmiths in Central California. Check the American Custom Gunmaker's Guild for member names. Warning, these guys are busy and expensive.

In your shoes, I would start by trying NorCal's recommendation of Craig Moroviav. I have also heard that his work is excellent.

Loc Tite makes an epoxy compound that will fix up your threads, that's what it is designed for, and you'll never know it's there. As for the barrel, well, I'd go down and measure it in front of him. Give him a chance to make it right before you call in the lawyers. - Dan

As for the screw holes, I think you can use Acraglas gel or loctite to make a permanent mount. You probably won't be able to get them out but they should be stable. Another route would be to weld them shut and redrill. That is not an option I gather since it will ruin the finish. As for the barrel I doubt you'll see too much of a difference in velocity. I know though it's not what you wanted. The screw holes are a much more immediate and important problem. You might want to give Craig a call and ask if he has any advice. He also has huge sets of screws and is set up to fabricate screws. Maybe he could fashion something for you.

I'm guiding a buddy up on the Sac this weekend, will email about doing some shootin' sometime next week.

NoCAL

Took the Win 70 barreled action to the local gunshop here in town. The clerk had 8-40 screws in Forster & Leupold brand. Both brand's screws fit sloppy so the holes are botched for sure. I'll give Craig a call and go from there.Thanks guys, MtnHtr

http://www.kizlers.com/

[ 06-14-2002, 04:54: Message edited by: Celt ]