Where have the gunsmiths gone?

[358Goat]

Over the last few years years I've had the need for a gunsmith for a few minor, I thought, issues. The first was to have a couple holes drilled and tapped to mount a receiver sight on a Rossi 92 in 357. I eventually found a young man who has a shingle hanging saying he was a gunsmith. While primarily a parts changer he managed the project though he admitted that he free handed the hole locations. The sight works as it should but I'm not likely to use the services of the young man again.
I need to have a recoil pad installed on my 7600 in 35 Whelen by first shortening the stock the thickness of the recoil pad and then the pad ground to fit and don't know who to turn towards. I also have a rear stock for a Marlin 336 that needs to have the hole drilled for the tang screw. Again, I don't have a clue who could do these projects for me.
I would really like to use someone in Central Louisiana but am willing to ship them. In both cases I would think that all that is needed to be sent would be the rear stocks.
If anyone has a suggestion I'm all ears...

 

[JD338]

Williams Gun Sight
7389 Lapeer Road
Davison MI 48423
Rob Canze
(810) 653-2131

JD338

 

[Aberhan]

Over the last few years years I've had the need for a gunsmith for a few minor, I thought, issues. The first was to have a couple holes drilled and tapped to mount a receiver sight on a Rossi 92 in 357. I eventually found a young man who has a shingle hanging saying he was a gunsmith. While primarily a parts changer he managed the project though he admitted that he free handed the hole locations. The sight works as it should but I'm not likely to use the services of the young man again.
I need to have a recoil pad installed on my 7600 in 35 Whelen by first shortening the stock the thickness of the recoil pad and then the pad ground to fit and don't know who to turn towards. I also have a rear stock for a Marlin 336 that needs to have the hole drilled for the tang screw. Again, I don't have a clue who could do these projects for me.
I would really like to use someone in Central Louisiana but am willing to ship them. In both cases I would think that all that is needed to be sent would be the rear stocks.
If anyone has a suggestion I'm all ears...

You don’t need a gunsmith for either of these projects. A carpenter or general handyman could do them very adequately. I have done both and don’t consider myself anything above average in capability or competence.

 

[3 Meter Para Bellum]

I wish I could say I could do it, I had taken some gunsmithing training and became an AR-15 and Glock armorer, but life changes and sickness have kept me from getting a finished education. I think Aberhan's advice is good though, in the case of some of your needs, you probably can find someone who isn't a gunsmith but has the appropriate skills.

 

[PJGunner]

I've done a few recoil pads and sling swivels but ir was a long time ago. I did swivels for several M94 Winchesters and still have one. Ffankly, never saw the need for a recoil pad on a 30-30 but it does make a difference on the .35 Whelen. I have three and yes, they all have recoil pads.
The sad truth is most of the really good old time gunsmiths have either retired or passed away. I worked with one of those old timers back in the 1970s and he passed around 1978. He was well into his 80s but kept on working. Another here inTucson did almost all my gunsmithing work and he passed two years ago. Mh .280 Remington custom was built by Sterling Davenport. My rifle was one of the very last one he did. Dunno if he's still alive or not.
There's still some good ones around. Randy Lawson has done a few rifles for me. He's cut back on a lot of work as well as he's not a youngster anymore. He may only be doing custom work these days. I have a job for him if he's willing.
PJ

 

[3 Meter Para Bellum]

If anybody is curious about learning gunsmithing, check out the American Gunsmithing Institute. They are who I will be learning from when I get together some funds and a space in the garage. They are true gunsmiths that teach actual function, not part swapping, and you learn from videos at home, so very doable for almost anybody who wants to learn. They are the ones that I recieved my armorers certifications through. We need more gunsmiths.

 

[jimbires]

there are a lot of gun smiths in Pennsylvania .

Joel Russo , was a stock maker , He now has Terminus rifle actions . I'm not sure if Joel still does stock work , since he started building actions . he is in the Harrisburg Pa area . I've never used Joel , but I've seen some of his work . what I've seen was flawless . I'm with the other guys though , I really don't think you need an expert for these couple of tasks , but using an expert could save you a headache .


I kind of remember seeing a list of Gun Smiths by state , but I can't find it now . maybe I'm thinking of a list of , FFL's for places like Gunbroker .


I googled this , and this is what I found ;




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Finding Gunsmiths by State in the U.S.​

If you want to locate gunsmiths in a specific state, there are several reputable directories that organize professionals by location and allow you to search by state, city, or ZIP code.
1. GunsmithLocal
A national gunsmith directory with 2,347 active listings and a 4.9 average rating. It pre‑screens professionals, verifies Federal Firearms License (FFL) status, and matches you with specialists for services like cleaning, customization, Cerakote work, and maintenance. You can browse by state to find verified gunsmiths in your area www.gunsmithlocal.com.
2. GunsmithSeek
Offers 50 states of nationwide coverage and lets you search by state, city, or ZIP. Listings include FFL transfer fees, service descriptions, and ratings. You can compare gunsmiths and their pricing, and some listings are sponsored with featured services www.gunsmithseek.com.
3. GunsmithUSA
Provides a state‑by‑state search for qualified gunsmiths. You can click on any state to see a list of gunsmiths in that location, along with contact details. Gunsmiths can also list themselves for free GunsmithUSA+1.
4. USA Gunsmiths Directory
A comprehensive directory with state‑specific pages for every U.S. state and Washington, D.C. Each page lists gunsmiths and suppliers with addresses, phone numbers, and websites. It also includes county information and links to adjacent state directories gunsmiths.regionaldirectory.us.
How to Use These Directories

• Search by State: Go to the state page in your chosen directory and filter by city or ZIP if needed.
• Check FFL Status: Ensure the gunsmith is FFL‑verified for legal firearm work.
• Read Reviews: Look for recent customer feedback to gauge quality.
• Contact Before Visiting: Confirm hours, appointment policies, and services offered.

 

[Slimfinn]

I'm with the other guys though , I really don't think you need an expert for these couple of tasks , but using an expert could save you a headache .

+1

 

[remingtonman_25_06]

A lot of backyard smiths who claim they're smiths...Doesn't mean much to me really. If you're anything like me and want the best for your rifles, you source a highly recomended smith who takes pride in their work and does it right the first time.

A lot of smiths specialize in a certain area also. A lot of guys who cut/chamber/thread and are good with metal, are not very good with stock work and bedding, and vice versa. I know a few really good smiths who would rather outsource the stock work/bedding after they've done the chamber job and metal work.

I've learned a few good lessons over the years on these backyard smiths and never again...

 

[TackDriver284]

A lot of backyard smiths who claim they're smiths...Doesn't mean much to me really. If you're anything like me and want the best for your rifles, you source a highly recomended smith who takes pride in their work and does it right the first time.

A lot of smiths specialize in a certain area also. A lot of guys who cut/chamber/thread and are good with metal, are not very good with stock work and bedding, and vice versa. I know a few really good smiths who would rather outsource the stock work/bedding after they've done the chamber job and metal work.

I've learned a few good lessons over the years on these backyard smiths and never again...

I have been in the same boat, I won't say names, but this recommended gunsmith who says he is part of the US Shooting Team did two bad chambers ( 6 BR and then offered to do 6 Dasher chamber free of charge ) on my 6 BR with a new Impact Precision action. It was a year and a half that my rifle was out of commission. Finally got rid of that guy for good, and found another smith who set back / rechambered my rifle back to 6 BR and got it back in 3 days. Been winning some local matches with it. Learned my lesson on who to trust these days.