You guys are way out of my league, my gunsmith works out of a tin building and is the same guy that built the bumper for my hunting buggy.

I will say this, you guys got taste.

Gentlemen,

One more question, do any of you own a rifle made by the makers that I pointed out.
If not, was the knowledge acquired through literature, by word of mouth or other sources.

Thank you all for your help,

Roland

Jim Dubell or Duane Wiebe. Sorry, but none on your list rates as well as these 2 in my opinion, except David Miller.

As far as I know, Bruce Russell isn't working in the trade any longer, I'd be curious to find out otherwise. It might be difficult or delayed to get a walnut stocked rifle from D'Arcy.
My hands down choice from your picks would be Steve Heilmann who would do both the metal and the wood in superb fashion.
You would get a fine rifle from Duane Wiebe or Gene Simillion. Wiebe does a takedown version as well. Either is quite capable of doing both wood and metalwork.
Something tells me this is a dream project rather than a serious decision.

They are all fine names. I'd go & meet at least some of them & see who I could work with & conversely them being willing to work with me.

It only takes 9 months to have a baby, a custom rifle can take as it did in my case 2 years or more. You have to be able to get on with them cause there needs to be good communication. I say them cause I had a metalsmith & a stockmaker.

Also has to suit the timing of when you need to use that custom for your big hunt?

You'll know who - when it feels right.

Regards
JohnT

Roland1

Tom Burgess and Jerry Fisher or Hagn & Martini

Cheers
/ JOHAN

D'Arcy Echols

If I were going to select from your five gunmakers, I'd choose David Miller hands-down if I wanted a scope-only rifle. Since Dave will only built either an iron-sighted rifle or a scoped rifle, you'll need to go with someone else if you want scope and open sights, possibly with detachable mounts. In that case, I'd go with John Bolliger.

If I were going to order a .375 H&H from anyone I wanted, I'd go with D'Arcy Echols. Period.

AD

Assuming you had the choice between the following 5 makers, building a 375 H&H.
Which maker would be your choice?

John Bolliger
David Miller
Bruce Russel
Steve Heilmann
Frank Wells

Roland

I'd follow Mr. Day's advice as his advice sure worked for me with my custom rifle, now if Mr. Penrod will get it finished!! Thanks again Mr Day!!

Huntr

I would definitely go with Duane Wiebe. I know he's not on your list, but he is a master.

Take a look at the rifle that was raffled here last December, and Forrest Bruch's post about a month ago. Also loud-n-boomers 458 Lott.

Not only is Duane a master gunmaker, but he's a grand gentleman also.