I was truly amazed at the variety of builders people recommended when I posted this question the first time. I had expected 4 or 5 common names. The number of high end builders is truly astounding. I can see I have my work cut out researching the name already provide.
That said, it became clear from reading a lot of other posts on this forum that not many people have $10,000 to plunk down on one gun, not matter how fine a weapon it might be. In light of that I am re-posting the same question with a much lower spend limit. I assume that will eliminate a lot of builders that were previously recommended and may bring into play some newer entrants to the field of Flintlock building. The info will help me and lots of others who read these forum.
If you only had $2,500 to spend on having an American Style long rifle of the late flintlock era, say 1820 or so, who would you pick to build the rifle for you. If from a kit, who's kit, if from scratch would that change your choice of builder? Look forward to your thoughts.