Good Gunsmith in Austin Texas?

28 February 2002, 10:54

Gringo

You did not specify what you needed done, but in the past I have used McBrides (Located on Lamar near 27th St) to install recoil pads and trigger jobs. The work was first rate and the cost was in line with other quotes I had received in Midland and Odessa. The owners are 1st class people; if their smiths can't do what you want, I am sure they will be able to put you in contact with someone who can.

Saludos

28 February 2002, 11:00

Mule Skinner

quote:
Originally posted by Gringo:
You did not specify what you needed done, but in the past I have used McBrides (Located on Lamar near 27th St) to install recoil pads and trigger jobs. The work was first rate and the cost was in line with other quotes I had received in Midland and Odessa. The owners are 1st class people; if their smiths can't do what you want, I am sure they will be able to put you in contact with someone who can.
Saludos

Thanks Gringo. I am looking to have various kinds of work done. From putting a recoil pad on my Marlin Guide Gun to some trigger work on my Ruger Blackhawk Bisley, to having a rifle rebarreled/rechambered to a wildcat cartridge. I have heard that McBrides is hit or miss when it comes to quality because they farm out the work to various smiths. I am glad you had a good experience.

[This message has been edited by Shark Bait (edited 02-28-2002).]

28 February 2002, 16:36

Wildcatter

I have lived in Austin since 1983. I used to work at Red's indoor range when I was 18. We recommended Hank Flemming quite a bit.. I've called him for prices on re-barreling and the like. He seems pretty reasonable. He works out of his garage, at least he used to, so I don't know how involved a project he would get into. I just built a house and my shop is full of stuff. When I get set up, I could do quite a bit, depending on what you want. I plan on getting a lathe and mill eventually and I'd like to put my skills to work to make extra money.

Hope this helps,

-Catter

01 March 2002, 02:12

<Dave>

McBrides for repairs.

For custom rebarreling: Dietz Range and Gun Shop and Hill Country Rifle are both in New Braunfels.

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Davis Chase

01 March 2002, 02:45

<338Lapua>

I agree with Dave, Howard Dietz is an outstanding gunsmith and has reasonable prices. He doesn't normally work on handguns though. For handguns, what about Ten Ring Precision in San Antonio.

Jim

01 March 2002, 05:02

Wildcatter

What types of work does Deitz do. I've never been out there. I should go and see the operation.

-Catter

01 March 2002, 05:19

<338Lapua>

Catter,

His shop is not much to look at, but he does have a VERY nice range (concrete benches etc).

He works alot on benchrest guns and builds his hunting weight rifles to the same standards. As a matter of fact, there is a picture of him in the book "Ultimate in Rifle Accuracy". He has ALOT of reamers which is a good thing. If you are thinking of a caliber he may already have the reamer for it. He also sells used BR barrel. I had a Ruger rebarrelled with one a few years ago. He sold me the barrel and installed it for $200. Not a bad deal considering those BR guys will change barrels every year or so, they are normally in really good shape.

I have had several guns built by him, his work is outstanding and he will back up anything he does.

Realize though he is, oh how to put this nicely, set in his ways, I guess. So don't get the wrong idea if you talk to him.

If you need more information on Howard, let me know.

Jim

01 March 2002, 05:37

Wildcatter

What calibers does he have in those take-off's? What chambering did you decide on for the Ruger you had done?

-Catter

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Shoot the largest caliber you can shoot well, and practice , practice, practice.

01 March 2002, 05:39

BFaucett

A little bit out of Austin but not far:

KDF Incorporated
2485 Hwy 46 N
Seguin 78115
830-379-8141 phone
830-379-5420 fax

01 March 2002, 06:38

<338Lapua>

Most of the takeoff BR barrels are 6mm, you can occasionally find different calibers though. He seems to always have used barrels though.

I went with a 6BR, I really like the round.

Jim

01 March 2002, 09:12

larrys

I have used Hill Country Rifles and they are the best rifle people in the business, IMHO. Give Matt or David a call and check them out. www.hcrifle.com

[This message has been edited by larrys (edited 03-01-2002).]

01 March 2002, 13:36

<Terry P>

I use Robert Bueltel. He used to work at McBride's but now works out of his house in his garage. He lives in the Buttercup subdivision in Cedar Park. He has reasonable rates and does excellent work. He has put on several recoil pads for me .....on 2 Merkel's.....one in 470NE and a 12 guage. He also rebarreled a 338 for me. If you want his number give me an email. tpringle@prodigy.net
Regards,
Terry