Lead times, How long is too long?

[T&Es_Dad]

I am currently waiting on my first semi custom rifle build to be completed from a well known smith that i would rather not mention at the time as to not cause any waves.
October 2023 i was quoted a 3 month lead time upon talking with the smith about my build, assuming that was once all parts were in hand.

Here is a timeline so i can get your guys thoughts:

Nov 16, 2023 Donor barreled action shipped and deposit paid for carbon barrel.
Nov 21, 2023 Donor barreled action confirmed delivered, carbon barrel length confirmed for order.
Nov 24, 2023 Carbon stock ordered and shipped to the gunsmiths address
Jan 29, 2024 Carbon stock confirmed delivered.
Jan 31, 2024 Scope rail and rings ordered and shipped to gunsmith
Feb 02, 2024 New scope shipped to gunsmith
Feb 07, 2024 Scope, Rail, and rings confirmed delivered
Feb 19, 2024 Carbon barrel confirmed delivered. I was also told approx. 3 weeks out from starting my build.
Mar 26, 2024 Checked in on progress, was told should be getting to it soon.
May 23, 2024 Checked in on progress, I told the gunsmith i was hoping to use this rifle for the upcoming deer season, Aug-Sep. I was told it was coming up soon.
Sep 24, 2024 Checked in on progress, I was told it would be started that week.
Sep 25, 2024 Asked for pictures, once the build gets started as it was my first rifle build and wanted to see the steps taken as it goes through the process. Was told no problem.
Oct 10, 2024 Still no word from the gunsmith, no updated pictures as i sit here writing this...

How long do you guys typically wait on custom/semi custom rifle builds?
How long should a guy go in betweeen contacts with the builder to check on progress?
I understand these things take some time, im pretty frustrated, Ive been frustrated for months now, but at the same time want to see this build through.
I would hate to ask for all my parts back just to start over somewhere else with another lead time ahead of me.
What would you guys do if you were in my shoes?

 

[David_h]

Your frustration is completely understandable. At this point you are looking to get it ready for 2025 hunting season? If so, perhaps you can afford to wait it out with this individual. He might have had numerous repeat customers that got put ahead of your build. Tough choice for you but good luck on the eventual build.

 

[FEENIX]

I am currently waiting on my first semi custom rifle build to be completed from a well known smith that i would rather not mention at the time as to not cause any waves.
October 2023 i was quoted a 3 month lead time upon talking with the smith about my build, assuming that was once all parts were in hand.

Here is a timeline so i can get your guys thoughts:

Nov 16, 2023 Donor barreled action shipped and deposit paid for carbon barrel.
Nov 21, 2023 Donor barreled action confirmed delivered, carbon barrel length confirmed for order.
Nov 24, 2023 Carbon stock ordered and shipped to the gunsmiths address
Jan 29, 2024 Carbon stock confirmed delivered.
Jan 31, 2024 Scope rail and rings ordered and shipped to gunsmith
Feb 02, 2024 New scope shipped to gunsmith
Feb 07, 2024 Scope, Rail, and rings confirmed delivered
Feb 19, 2024 Carbon barrel confirmed delivered. I was also told approx. 3 weeks out from starting my build.
Mar 26, 2024 Checked in on progress, was told should be getting to it soon.
May 23, 2024 Checked in on progress, I told the gunsmith i was hoping to use this rifle for the upcoming deer season, Aug-Sep. I was told it was coming up soon.
Sep 24, 2024 Checked in on progress, I was told it would be started that week.
Sep 25, 2024 Asked for pictures, once the build gets started as it was my first rifle build and wanted to see the steps taken as it goes through the process. Was told no problem.
Oct 10, 2024 Still no word from the gunsmith, no updated pictures as i sit here writing this...

How long do you guys typically wait on custom/semi custom rifle builds?
How long should a guy go in betweeen contacts with the builder to check on progress?
I understand these things take some time, im pretty frustrated, Ive been frustrated for months now, but at the same time want to see this build through.
I would hate to ask for all my parts back just to start over somewhere else with another lead time ahead of me.
What would you guys do if you were in my shoes?

For me that is way too long of a wait for an agreed upon completion date. Some GS, prioritize their workload as:

1. Paid full
2. Part is a L payment/deposit
3. In good faith

 

[csrcharlie]

I would go there in person, if your stuff is still there, get it.

 

[brcfo_outdoors]

At this point I would get your items back. If you need an alternate gunsmith and are willing to drive over to LA county, Randall Rausch does quality work out of his backyard machine shop. I can PM you his number if you are interested and he is not the smith in question. I have used him for various services before, but not a full build.

http://700barrels.com/

 

[BSPPC]

I would tap the brakes on getting upset. Sometimes good work is worth the wait. This time of year they all are busy.
Some are great gunsmiths AND business people, others are good gunsmiths.
Repeated contact just slows down a one man shop…..

 

[ShtrRdy]

Man, that sucks. Some gunsmiths work their own priority list. Since there was an original agreed upon completion time frame and the GS has stated the work would start in a matter of days, ((several times), I would get the pieces and start over. If you can't pick them up It might be difficult to get him to send them back so in the mean time start looking into legal steps. Maybe one of our members can chime in on what legal Avenue you have.

 

[Beluebow]

Seems long to me.....but I have a great world class gunsmith.

 

[Deputy819]

So, a 3 month part accumulation time and now an additional 8 month waiting period combined with unmet promises/expectations. Totally understand your frustration. My first full custom build took almost 9 months to the day…..BUT in the end that .243 was absolutely WICKED accurate.
If I was in your shoes (at this point) I would personally go there and ask to see the build. If it hasn't even been started on I would take my toys elsewhere.

 

[lancetkenyon]

If you ORDERED parts, some can take 8 months.

If he has all parts in hand, anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 months+ depending on his backlog and where you fall in line. Some guys don't jump lines for anyone.

 

[Jnm300ultra]

I've been in your shoes. My vote is to wait it out. You believe and thought he was the best and many others believe the same. Just remember what ever a smith tells you on the lead time it's not always accurate. I know I'm going to hear it, but this has been my experience with 2 of the 3 top notch smiths I have used. If they tell you it's a year you probably not wait, and the next smith says 3-6 months and then he's a year, same as the honest guy. I believe the more you call or email the lead time goes up, and they might slow down or jump on another project. I have always been happy with the job so I always come back and just learned to except it. The alternative is to buy something that is as close to a custom and not have the lead times that you are experiencing. This is just my experience and I'm sure not all the smith's are the same with the lead times they say.
Good luck with your build.
Jason

 

[MagnumManiac]

As a one man GS (retired now), I can tell you that what is going on is not correct.
If he is swamped, then he needs to inform you of such things and REDUCE his intake.
Back in 2018, prior to Covid here, I had a great problem obtaining stocks of any description, informed all 4 of my clients and 2 of them went elsewhere. 12 months later I was contacted by them both and they wanted me to finish their jobs because they knew I finished the other 2 jobs in the extended time I told them I would.
Great gunsmith or not, courtesy outweighs anything else when a CUSTOMER has paid/supplied parts and is waiting without being told the truth. I have never done that, ever. Problems arise, my mill broke down 10 years ago, parts had to come from Britain, out of action for 10 months….

Cheers.

 

[Phil Rizzo]

Dishonesty is hard to swallow.
I understand how things can occur, one of my local Guys here has had both elderly parents in the hospital for months, his Mom just passed away.

He's going to be straight with you though, a very honest Man first and foremost.
Some of these guys speed up when they need money and coast after that.

Procrastination is not acceptable, I've snatched parts out of a shop before, and had no regrets about it. I'm not going to beg or pressure somebody to finish what they agreed to do, so I can pay them the money they told me what would be charged for the job.!

 

[Phil Rizzo]

And I learned long ago, bring all parts with you when a project is agreed on, to remove that excuse for delays and/or chance that something gets changed.