Just out of curiosity, I would like to know just how long some simple gunsmithing tasks should take.
I have been given from 1 year to 6 months turnaround time on a simple job here.

1. Chambering and installing a countoured blank barrel.
2. Trueing of Rem 700 action
3. Installation of a Sako extractor claw.

I realize that there is a lot of work backed up for some people but as far as I can see, in a workshop with the proper tools that job shouldn't take more then a few days with the work spaced out between reflective breaks, coffee breaks etc...

Whats the deal?

For me it depends on what barrel you are wanting; some, like Krieger, take 14-18 weeks delivery time. Also consider workload of the intended smith. I normally turn out a job like that, after I get the barrel, in 3-4 weeks.

Like Jim said. Backlog and waiting on parts. It sucks but thats life.

Not commenting on your specific situation but gunsmiths in general. I've come to the conclusion through experience that GOOD smiths will typically have your gun longer than not so good ones. This can usually be attributed to two factors. First is the simple fact that good smiths are in demand and have a lot of work. Second is that like any artist they tend to be independent and tempermental - working at their own pace rather than some clock watcher's, or calendar watcher as the case may be.

There are of course exceptions but generally speaking, good work can't be rushed. Then again there are those who are simply in over their heads and the end result will be no better in a year than if done the same day!

guy here wanted a 3-POS safety on a Mauser.....I waiter three months to get one from Brownells and I got two and neither of them fit.....so I used them elsewhere and now ordered three more.....

Putting one on takes normally three to five hours...in this case it took four months!

I talked to a smith here about putting a bolt handle on a rifle I have, he was honest with me and said it would be 6 months before he could get to it. just very busy. the good ones should be. some gunsmiths might know you or might because of what it is or what they are doing at the time slide a job in here or there. But I would guess that as the exception rather than the norm.

sad thing is there are not so great smiths that are also backlogged, just too much work and not enough people doing it.

What we really need is for CMT to piggyback off of there "Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders" reality show and start a "cheerleaders become gunsmiths" show. If my gunsmith was a sizzling hot woman I would then want the project to take longer, so I could keep checking on it

Red