I can understand the OP's frustration. My last build didn't go as I expected. I won't go into details here,but the bottom line is this. Get a work order in hand right off the bat. Complete with the cost of each aspect of the build. Get all the 'Ts" crossed and the "Is" dotted. My smith took some liberties that I don't approve of. Unfortunately I left some grey area and by gum he exploited it. Also,if you are paying for a smith of your choosing to do your work,make sure he isn't going to utilize it as a training tool for a journeyman smith. I'm just pretty sure my rig was bedded (poorly) by an apprentice. Live and learn I guess. Maybe the inch of barrel is a moot point in real world velocities. Bottom line is he wanted a 28" barrel and didn't get it. For the cost of the blank,crowning,threading,chambering,fluting and maybe coating,it should be the right length.
I agree. It's the gunsmith's responsibility, much more so than the client's responsibility - in my opinion - to ensure the client gets what he wanted. And the smith should be cognizant of the likelihood that some client's may not know exactly what they want and strive to identify the final product specifications. The smith is being hired (in the role of the "professional") to provide a professional service. He ought to put out the effort to minimize the client's disappointments, as part of that professional service. If he can't, or doesn't, then adopt the "Fool me once shame on you - fool me twice shame on me" response and find another smith that puts out the effort to help ensure it's pleasing the first time around - or at the minimum - a smith that will correct the error/mistake/misunderstanding after-the-fact.
Barrel length is pretty basic. A lot of client's may not know all other aspects of exactly what they want, or might be best, for their custom rifle. But if they specify a barrel length, then they should at least receive that...
Having said this, I do agree with talking with your gunsmith to find out what happened, before crying out loud. Unless you've never before made a mistake in your life...
My last rifle build took 2 yrs and 3 months -
AFTER all of the parts were provided to my gunsmith. I'm serious. Every single part was in hand and I didn't receive a completed rifle for 2 years and 3 months. The journey became quite a fiasco. The smith refused to return a call. He was 2000 miles from my residence in Alaska. I felt fortunate to avoid a complete train wreck. For quite a period of time I would have been glad to have simply obtained all of my build parts back in their original form. I eventually ended up with a quality, complete, and accurate rifle. But only after a second gunsmith business in the locality of the first, offered to salvage, and complete my build. So it may seem like little consolation, but consider the possibility that it could have always turned out worse - much worse - if that helps you move on...
By the way, BAT Machine was the company that salvaged my rifle build, to give credit where credit is due. I experienced quality business practices and communications on BAT's part, in every respect.
