i have never use dthe school,actually never even thought about it.i was using gary alvey in grand jct.,but he is out of the smith biz now.i always tried to stay local as well[it just seems easier that way],but bill shehane referred me to billy and he is a great smith as well as a great guy,between myself and a friend we have three 6.5-284's,chambered by him and they all shoot very well,and i mean VERY WELL.i was looking for a local smith but now i have just accepted the fact that i will have to send out of state to get the quality i want.there seem to be alot guys calling themselves "gunsmiths" here in co. but i wouldnt even trust them to adjust a trigger[not that i need the help]but i think u get the point.actually right now im thinking about sendind some work to chris matthews for a 300wsm. project-good luck-dave