Winmag did you have smith do everything? Order barrel, stock, muzzle break etc.. or did you. Otfrr parts and send Smith parts?
Being that it was my first build, I had a lot of questions for him. He had good advise, & alot more knowledge than me, so I did my best to adhere to what he said.
I had a list of what I wanted done, & he helped me choose Quality components.
For example;
I wanted a 26"min fluted bbl, but not a boat anchor taper. He pointed me to a couple bbl makers that offered what I wanted. I chose Hart, partially because he had a working relationship with them, & partially because they fit what I was looking for.
I knew I wanted a Mini Muscle break from Jim See already, so that was easy, he just called Jim & ordered one.
He didn't flute Winchester bolts, so he sent it to Idaho to have it done.
Just a long combination of coordinating Quality components for the build.
I chose what I wanted, & he ordered it. I figured it'd be easier for him with his contacts.
If I could offer any advise, I'd recommend;
-talking to a few smiths, & see who you mesh with the best.
-before the build starts, have an idea who/what your smith recommends.
-pay an initial deposit, but do not pay for the whole project before it is complete.
**my smith never asked me to pay up front.** I chose to pay up front anyway. 100% my fault, but I would not choose that route again. You have no flex whatsoever if he has no real incentive to finish your project. The completion date can keep getting pushed further & further. This creates tension, & is not good for business. Plus you never know what your going to get back as a finished product. You may be thrilled, you may be absolutely Livid.
-have a solid idea of exactly what you intend to do with your rifle. (Example Elk @ long range, or Whitetails from a tree stand or whatever)
This will help keep your choices, & your smiths recommendations focused in 1 direction. It's easy to get de-railed with endless possibilities of cool stuff.
-have loading components (Brass, Bullets, & Dies etc) so you can send some dummy rounds for throating, unless you want factory saami spec chamber
Also compare your longest COAL to other bullets you may choose for a different application. I sent one of each dummy round with a 200 gr accubond goal, & made sure it wasn't so far out there that I couldn't shoot 180's.
Good luck
