Gunbuilders

[54Bucks]

I may be asking an inappropriate question.I appologize if that's so,but I've never seen the subject covered so here goes.
 Is it appropriate to search for a potential gunbuilder amongst the builders on this site,or is it only appropriate to do so personally one on one?

[t.caster]

To be fair, I think most builders would shy away from that discussion.
Better to contact someone offline and discuss your project.
If you ask who specializes in a certain school or region or time period, you will likely get a number of recomendations to choose from.
Hope that helps,

[wbgv]

  I might suggest going to the CLA site and looking at the artisans there..
http://www.longrifle.ws/

[Acer Saccharum]

I suppose you could ask for folks to supply you with pictures to your e-mail address. Those interested would be more than happy to supply you with appropriate info.


Tom

[Don Getz]

Not sure if this is going to answer your question, but, I were to look for a builder to build one for me, I would go to the
CLA show in Lexington, Ky.,    most of them are there.   There is some criteria that you must be aware of..#1....do you
know what a good gun (for the money) should be and look like?   You might find one that is affordable, but, is it really a
good gun?   How much are you willing to pay?   I would talk to some knowledgeable gun people and say, "who are the
good up and coming gun builders?.    For instance....several years ago a guy by the name of Jim Kibler appeared on the
scene, unknown, but doing outstanding work.   He would have been a good one to jump on right away.....he was a relative unknown, was not charging those high prices that come on with notoriety.  His prices I am sure are a lot higher
now than when he first started.  I would study guns, talk to good gun builders and find out what it takes to make a good
one.    A high gloss finish and shiny brass does not necessarily make a good gun..........Don

[Blackpowder Barbie]

We have a list of builders here at the shop that we recommend for having kits put together.  However, all I will provide is their contact info.  I find it best for each individual to contact several builders themselves, get a feel for what style guns the builder prefers to make, prices, time frames and overall personality.  Most folks will find a builder who can not only make what they want, but that they feel comfortable doing business with.  So I think it best to talk to folks at least over the phone rather than by email or chat boards.  Personal contact can help to prevent any misunderstandings, or quickly clear up those that do arise. 

[eagle24]

Don's advice is best if you are willing to wait till the CLA show (8 or 9 months).  Acer had a good suggestion that might work for you.  If you add a little information and tell what style rifle you want, maybe caliber, whether it will be for hunting or target, maybe what type wood you want in the stock, carved, inlays, etc.....  Then ask any builders who would be interested to send you their contact info by email or PM.  You might also ask for anyone willing to suggest a builder to contact you via email or PM.  Problem with the forum is that a lot of folks will be hesitant to make suggestions for fear of leaving somebody out or they just don't feel comfortable recommending one builder over another in a public setting.  There are a lot of really good builders and you could see their work if you went to the CLA show.  One other thing is that a builder who's work appeals to one person, might not appeal to another.  It might not necessarily mean he is a better or worse builder than the next, just that his work has a different look or flavor.  Look at the Contemporary Makers Blog and on here at contemporary rifles.  Find some rifles you like and give those builders a call.