level of finish on JF bottom metal

08 August 2009, 04:51

I bought a Jerry Fisher bottom metal from Midway. It looks to me the bow is fresh off the cnc machine. Is this normal? I don't think it is, I've never had a after market unit come this way. I'd return it for an exchange but they are on back order and experience tells me that could mean a LONG time. Midway has been cordial but I don't think they are your typical gun nut. They just quote "unit is in the white and ready for fit and finish". To me that means fit to the stock, polish to desired grit and blue not file or stone off tool marks. But maybe I'm off my rocker. I know it's not that much work to finish it but when I drop $500 for a bottom unit I expect more. What say you?

08 August 2009, 05:05

JBrown

The info on their site is questionable.

Those unit are made by Blackburn for Fisher. Blackburn has two levels of finish. I have always purchased the "unpolished" version and they look exactly like what you have there, except that the transition on the bow near the floorplate usually looks better.

I believe the Fisher is only available in the "unpolished" version.

Jason

"You're not hard-core, unless you live hard-core."
_______________________

Hunting in Africa is an adventure. The number of variables involved preclude the possibility of a perfect hunt. Some problems will arise. How you decide to handle them will determine how much you enjoy your hunt.

Just tell yourself, "it's all part of the adventure." Remember, if Robert Ruark had gotten upset every time problems with Harry
Selby's flat bed truck delayed the safari, Horn of the Hunter would have read like an indictment of Selby. But Ruark rolled with the punches, poured some gin, and enjoyed the adventure.

-Jason Brown

08 August 2009, 05:18

dempsey

Thanks for the info Jason. The rest of the unit is flawless. I enjoy wood work, I have to work at metal work, not my strong suit but this I can clean up. I'd just rather avoid it when possible.

08 August 2009, 05:50

SDH

I'll bet Jerry would be happy to talk with you about it, and could be ordered direct.

08 August 2009, 06:51

Duane Wiebe

quote:
Originally posted by dempsey:
I bought a Jerry Fisher bottom metal from Midway. It looks to me the bow is fresh off the cnc machine. Is this normal? I don't think it is, I've never had a after market unit come this way. I'd return it for an exchange but they are on back order and experience tells me that could mean a LONG time. Midway has been cordial but I don't think they are your typical gun nut. They just quote "unit is in the white and ready for fit and finish". To me that means fit to the stock, polish to desired grit and blue not file or stone off tool marks. But maybe I'm off my rocker. I know it's not that much work to finish it but when I drop $500 for a bottom unit I expect more. What say you?

If you're so darn unhappy with the product..send it back..

08 August 2009, 06:55

dempsey

SDH, this could likely be a case of my own limitations with steel and I'd hate to bother him with novice complaining. If this is the norm than that's just how it is. I thought I'd see if it is before returning it for an exchange since they are out. No offense to Blackburn but there is a history of long waits for product and I'd hate to return it and wait when in reality it's not a big deal, just for my skill set with steel. I do think for $500 it should be more finished. I really do like the concept though and am eager to try it out. The pic's in your B&W book sparked the interest.

08 August 2009, 06:56

dempsey

quote:
If you're so darn unhappy with the product..send it back..

I'm not so "darn unhappy" Duane just asking a question but thanks for your concern.

08 August 2009, 07:08

butchlambert

Looks like the bottom metal that I have received from Blackburn. Didn't know that it should have been polished.
Butch

08 August 2009, 07:30

JBrown

quote:
Originally posted by butchlambert:
Looks like the bottom metal that I have received from Blackburn. Didn't know that it should have been polished.
Butch

Blackburn did/does have a more finished(320 grit?) option on their bottom metal. I think the cost was about $50 or $80 more than the "as machined" option.

Part of the $500 cost is for the round bottom feature.

08 August 2009, 07:40

dempsey

Sunny Hill and Williams units don't come with tool marks. However, this thread is NOT about pissing on Blackburn or Jerry Fisher although I suspect some may want to turn it that way. Was I dissapointed? Yes a little bit but I'm also dissapointed when I order a large order of fries at a drive thru and open the bag five miles down the road and find a medium but not a big deal. What I was looking for from others was whether or not this is typical. If not I'd exchange it, if so I'd keep it and clean it up. Pretty simple really.

08 August 2009, 07:42

jeffeosso

for 500 bucks? i would call jerry and ask him if that was normal ..

08 August 2009, 08:31

TC1

A few stones, a little emory cloth and some beer....A few stones, a little emory cloth and some beer...A few stones, a little emory cloth and some beer....

Before you know it you'll have a nice piece of metal and/or a good buzz.

Terry

08 August 2009, 09:42

butchlambert

I wasn't knocking anything. I do have a Bud that is cheap to do the finish shaping and polishing.
Butch

08 August 2009, 17:45

tiggertate

Anytime something is made by one firm for someone else, two folks have to make a little money on it. So if Blackburn makes this for Fisher I would expect it to cost more than their own brand. In this case not only Fisher and Blackburn but Midway too.

I always try to order that sort of stuff from the source. Not so much because you get a break but because most of the money goes into the pocket of the innovator/originator.

08 August 2009, 17:48

tiggertate

quote:
Originally posted by TC1:
A few stones, a little emory cloth and some beer....A few stones, a little emory cloth and some beer...A few stones, a little emory cloth and some beer....

Before you know it you'll have a nice piece of metal and/or a good buzz.

Terry

My experience in that regard is two headaches in the morning; one of which usually isn't fixable.

09 August 2009, 04:26

JBrown

quote:
Originally posted by tiggertate:

I always try to order that sort of stuff from the source. Not so much because you get a break but because most of the money goes into the pocket of the innovator/originator.

Great advice.

09 August 2009, 05:18

22WRF

Maybe, and maybe not. If the originator sells them to a retailer he has his money now as opposed to carrying the inventory himself. There is a cost of carry on everything, as well as a cost of missed opportunity. If you have a bunch of inventory that isn't moving (say because of a downturn in the economy) that means that you don't have that same money to perhaps invest when there is blood in the streets, etc.

Moreover, once the inventor sells to the retailer the retailer takes over the job of advertizing the product, usually be putting it in a catolog that is distributed widely, or on the internet, thereby showing that product to many more people than would have been possible marketing that product as a one off.

09 August 2009, 05:31

JBrown

quote:
Originally posted by 22WRF:
Maybe, and maybe not. If the originator sells them to a retailer he has his money now as opposed to carrying the inventory himself. There is a cost of carry on everything, as well as a cost of missed opportunity. If you have a bunch of inventory that isn't moving (say because of a downturn in the economy) that means that you don't have that same money to perhaps invest when there is blood in the streets, etc.

Moreover, once the inventor sells to the retailer the retailer takes over the job of advertizing the product, usually be putting it in a catolog that is distributed widely, or on the internet, thereby showing that product to many more people than would have been possible marketing that product as a one off.

Everything you say sounds great, but how does it hurt the producer if he sells to the retailer who does all the advert., etc. and then I buy one of the units that the producer has on his shelf?

So, I lower his inventory, put extra cash in his pocket and still allow the retailer to do free advertising for the producer....

I would be interested to hear what Maggie and Duane think.

09 August 2009, 07:56

J.D.Steele

quote:
Originally posted by JBrown:
[I would be interested to hear what Maggie and Duane think.

I don't know what they think, but I think that if I paid $500 for bottom metal then I would expect either a good polish job on it or else a French maid to polish my silverware or something. JMO, I usually do my own bottom metal.
Regards, Joe

09 August 2009, 08:44

22WRF

quote:
Everything you say sounds great, but how does it hurt the producer if he sells to the retailer who does all the advert., etc. and then I buy one of the units that the producer has on his shelf?

It isn't going to hurt the producer.

But why would the producer want to keep that inventory sitting around if they could move it. If that was not the case manufactures would not sell to retailers.

Cash flow is the name of the game.

09 August 2009, 22:45

srtrax

Well, your floorplate went through 3 people. Each one has to make something on it, dollar wise.
I put on a wisner straddle floorplate on a MK/X bottom metal yesterday. Made the unit look a hell of alot better but its still a MK/X. Not the quality bottom metal you get from Blackburn, or Wiebe. If the price doesnt bother you, take a little time and finish it out.

10 August 2009, 02:27

tiggertate

quote:
Originally posted by 22WRF:
Maybe, and maybe not. If the originator sells them to a retailer he has his money now as opposed to carrying the inventory himself. There is a cost of carry on everything, as well as a cost of missed opportunity. If you have a bunch of inventory that isn't moving (say because of a downturn in the economy) that means that you don't have that same money to perhaps invest when there is blood in the streets, etc.

Moreover, once the inventor sells to the retailer the retailer takes over the job of advertizing the product, usually be putting it in a catolog that is distributed widely, or on the internet, thereby showing that product to many more people than would have been possible marketing that product as a one off.

I understand basic business models, thanks. And I have nothing against it. I was just stating a personal preference.

10 August 2009, 04:00

Duane Wiebe

J Brown: In the real world of trigger guards, Blackburn and mine are made from a ten pound block of steel...that;s not a typo...TEN POUNDS!

Sunny Hill uses components and welds them together..anything "wrong" with that? Heck no! Williams...I'm told uses castings...still nothing "wrong" with that either.

Blackburn does not pretend to provide you with a polished product...he calls it "stage I" and "stage II" You want polished? there's a pretty significant extra charge, but curiously, that will not come in much more than a Sunny Hill.

We will also provide a nicely poilished unit for $100.00 extra...this would bring the 1M (30-06 mauser) to $485.00.

I know Fisher round bottom involved some pricey tooling...so if you want a Fisher round bottom polished...it will probably sell for around $600.00.

We are all just trying to provide what the cusrtomer requires at a reasonable price, at a reasonable profit.

I know (and can prove it) that just to make bottom metal I'm into an investment of $65.000...Doesn;t take a rocket scientist to figure out that I'll be a long time getting my investment back..let alone a villa in Italy

10 August 2009, 10:21

JBrown

Duane
My question was: Would you rather sell only to retailers or would you rather sell to both retailers and end users or would you rather sell solely to end users?

10 August 2009, 22:47

Duane Wiebe

Pretty much of a no-brainer...though dealer discount will buy you a decent botle of wine, when you start selling product through suppliers like Midway, Brownells, etc...well...everyone has to make a buck!