whts everyone's opinion on gunsmiths in wash. to build a rifle, 375 ruger on a pre 64 action and a tupperware stock.(i love wood but don't treat my rifles good enough I.E. scatch and dent)

The best gunsmith in Washington state doesn't work on tupperware stocks. I don't know who second best is.

If Wink is referring to Roger Biesen, make it a big +1, especially on a pre-64.

quote:

Originally posted by nyrifleman:
If Wink is referring to Roger Biesen, make it a big +1, especially on a pre-64.

I'm not sure Roger Biesen is the best 'smith in Washington State. His Father once held that title but Roger is far from his Father in talent.

Jim Dubell don't have any fleas!
Butch

So the list gets longer. I was thinking of Duane Wiebe.

Roger may not be quite the stockmaker that his father was but he is a better machinist. Duane Wiebe, Mark Stratton, Ed LaPour, Jim Dubell would do an equal job for you on the metalwork.
Stick it in tupperware yourself.

Being that I have had some work done by him, and have handled a few of his pieces Roger Biesen would be at the top of my list, especially where a pre 64 is concerned. As to the plastic stock Chic hit it on the head put it on yourself, but do yourself a favor and have Roger make you a lower grade wood one as you will be pleased with the result and it will be tuffer(?sp) and nicer looking than you think.

Dude....... tupperware? That pre-64 is deserving of at least a McMillan.

The others are right on the money regarding smiths for the metal work.

David, tupperware by any other name is still....................... You going to make it back to Reno?

For your work Jim Cloward would be the man.

10at6, is Jim still working?

Chic,
True words spoken about synthetics..

Gosh its been four years since I was last out there. I'm trying my best to get out there this year. Probably will know within the next week.

Poulsbo,

Like Idahoelk said, good walnut is pretty tough, doesn't melt when exposed to the elements and wears well.

Hope you make it. It would be good to see you again.

quote:

Originally posted by Customstox:
10at6, is Jim still working?

My friend had some M-70 work done and returned within the last 2 months, so I think he's still working. He does good work and in all aspects of the trade.

Ed Lapour:
1. Is highly skilled in metal and stocks
2. Fully understands the necessity of absolutely reliable feeding and extraction, and assures same in his products.
3. Is a gentleman, patient, and listens carefully to his customers.
4. Is a member of the American Custom Gunsmith Guild, meaning his work has been carefully examined by the best in the business.
5. Will not roll his eyes or sneer when you ask him for a synthtic stock.
Happy New Year

Poulsbo, if you live in the town bearing your name, you are not far from Ed. He lives in Bremerton. BTW, I don't think any of the guys on my list will roll their eyes when you ask for a synthetic stock. I would venture that most of them will fit your metalwork to a synthetic stock. Duane, may not want to do it but it would not hurt to ask, he is in Tacoma. Mark is in Lynwood. And all of them are equally skilled at feeding and are also all in the guild.

Keeps us informed of your progress, it sounds interesting.

I second the endorsement for Ed Lapour's metalwork. He is currently finishing a barreled action for me in 35 Whelen on an Argentine Mauser action. Full blown metal work with Krieger barrel, Blackburn drop box trigger guard, Blackburn trigger, square bridge scope bases, shortened tang with blind screw hole, welded thumb cut, and other work. Should have it in three weeks.

I also have a beautiful high power competition rifle in 6BR built by Cloward on a Pre 64 Model 70 with an english walnut Dunlop/Cloward stock. He does good work, but there are others in Washington who are better and are easier to deal with. I would have Cloward do work on competition rifles if I could avoid dealing with him directly.