I purchased a preowned custom pre64 M70, 300H&H. It is a beautiful rifle with a dropbox magazine and regardless of what was attempted it would not feed from the magazine to the chamber. It seems that I had purchased a very expensive bolt action single shot. Over the course of a year three differnt gunsmiths had looked it over and attempted to fix the feeding problem with no success. I had know for some years about Mr. Echols work and reputation. I had reached the end of my technical ability and contacted him, but thinking since this was not one of his rifles I would be declined. How surprised I was when he asked me to take some magazine box measurements. After exchanging information he stated that the problem was in the mag box and for me to ship my rifle to him for additional diagnostics. Once he had the rifle in his hand he promptly wrote me that indeed when this rifle was "customized" the wrong mag box was used. He was able to cut off my old box and install one with the proper dimensions for the 300H&H, it now feeds as smooth as silk. He also alerted me to the fact the stock had a hairline crack in the grip area, my trigger had been improperly altered and the safety did not work correctly. Mr. Echols was able to quickly repair all these defects. My many THANKS, to Mr. Echols for his quick turnaround, attention to detail, fantastic craftsmanship and ability to fix things properly.

Always nice to hear from a happy customer, enjoy your rifle.

While Echols and company are in the business of making their own rifles, rather than fixing mistakes made by others, when D'Arcy does accept a job his attention to detail is impressive.
While he was simply installing one of his stocks on my pre-64 M-70, that had been re-barreled by someone else, he noticed that the extractor cut-out was not up to his standards so he removed the barrel and re-cut it. At no extra fee!!
His prices may look steep compared to many local gun-plumbers - but their hourly rate is no higher than most auto mechanics. Considering that you are hiring an expert, world class gunsmith, they are a real bargin.

quote:

Originally posted by 458Win:
While Echols and company are in the business of making their own rifles, rather than fixing mistakes made by others, when D'Arcy does accept a job his attention to detail is impressive.
While he was simply installing one of his stocks on my pre-64 M-70, that had been re-barreled by someone else, he noticed that the extractor cut-out was not up to his standards so he removed the barrel and re-cut it. At no extra fee!!
His prices may look steep compared to many local gun-plumbers - but their hourly rate is no higher than most auto mechanics. Considering that you are hiring an expert, world class gunsmith, they are a real bargin.

Amen brother! It is odd that most folks don't flinch at paying plumbers, auto repair, and electricians $60 + an hour but balk when it comes to custom 'smithing.

I've not had work done by D'Arcy but have heard nothing but the highest praise in all regards about him.

I agree, and you know if you send it to D'Arcy you won't have to send it to anybody else, his attention to detail is second to none and he knows how to fix the things he sees. Very analytical mind combined with great skill. you also know if you ever meet him he isn't full of shit and will tell you straight, whether it's what you want to hear or not he won't waste your time or your money.

Red

+1 We need more people like D'Arcy in the world!

quote:

Originally posted by Bobster:

Amen brother! It is odd that most folks don't flinch at paying plumbers, auto repair, and electricians $60 + an hour but balk when it comes to custom 'smithing.

Yeah, or plumbers. But they want to pay next to nothing to have someone barrel their rifle which will be containing 60K PSI mere inches from their face.

quote:

It is odd that most folks don't flinch at paying plumbers, auto repair, and electricians $60 + an hour but balk when it comes to custom 'smithing

When I was a telephone tech, I charged $125 and hour for legacy equipment and $150 for VoIP and while the customers at times flinched, they always paid and were happy with the level of work they got. Gunsmiths work at a fraction of that rate and even those who are close are responsible for a whole lot more important stuff than call routing!

quote:

Originally posted by Bobster:
It is odd that most folks don't flinch at paying plumbers, auto repair, and electricians $60 + an hour but balk when it comes to custom 'smithing.

Maybe because those you mentioned don't finish the job three years after they start it.







ETA, not directed at Mr. Echols, but at the stero-typical custom gunsmith.

OUCH!!! that gave me a good laugh.

I'd rather fix my plumbing myself and spend the money on my guns! I've been very fortunate the last few years I have friends in most of the trades, but I pay when I need to and have learned often I'm better off paying than doing it myself.

Red

Lynn Gordon,

Your good report on D,Arcy comes as no surprise.

may I ask,was your custom rifle orig. built by a well noted smith?..and what about the guys that tried to fix the thing before you sent it to D'Arcy, were any of them well noted custom smiths?