Could anyone recommend a good gunsmith in the NY-NJ-CT area. Thanks in advance.

I only say this because you have so many views and no replies:
You're going to ship it anyway, and the cost difference is enxt to nothing compared to good smithing.
Send it to John Ricks in WA. He'll make you happy.

I will second this. I tried a local smith, now I send my firearms a few states away for work, I think for a barreled action with insurance UPS charges come out under 15 bucks. Considering the peace of mind knowing it is going right I feel it is more than worth it. Not to mention the shipping charges are probably less than you would spend on gas constantly driving to "check on it". :-)

I have only conversed with John Ricks through e-mail, he was very professional and seemed to not only be knowledgeable, but nice, and that is always a bonus. I have heard that he does great work.

Red