How do I find a good Gunsmith?

[7mmaniac]

I've talked to Chris at Longshot Rifles. I know he has a great reputation. Only problem, he's 6 months behind. I know that's a good sign but it doesn't help my situation.

[Ernie]

7,
Many of the smiths mentioned will have somewhere between 3-6 months, sometimes more.
Sometimes just waiting on parts to come in will hold things up combined with being popular since they are turning out a quality product.
Chris does good work. If that is who you want to use be content to wait.

[Varmint Hunter]

If a gunsmith didn't have any work backed up wouldn't you be concerned as to why?

At one time I used Mike Bryant from Wheeler Texas to build my guns. Mike builds some unbelievably accurate shooters and my last 6.5x284 was one of them. The only problem was that it took him over 1 year to get the rifle done. That's too long for me. Six months for an LSR rifle sounds pretty reasonable to me.

Actually, LSR is shipping my rifles this week. Not sure how long Chris has had them but it was less than 6 months.