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Frustrated with Gunsmiths....

I

IaCraig

New Member
I have to vent for a minute. I live close to Des Moines and I wanted to get an old muzzleloader of my dads drilled and tapped for scope mounts. (he is 77 and has problems seeing open sights) One gun shop told me to call a guy in Dallas Center, but after 5-6 tries I could never get in touch with him. So sometime before Memorial weekend I took it to another sporting good shop who said they would have it done in 2 weeks. Well here it is 2 1/2 months later and their gunsmith (Jack) had not even picked it up yet. I took it back home last night because I doubt if he picked it up now that I would get it back for dad before early season.

What is the deal? No gunsmiths in the yellow pages and the local gun shops can not connect me with a reliable person either? Has anyone else had problems finding someone to work on a gun around DesMoines? Maybe I need to go to school to learn the trade.
 
I faced a similar problem last year when I was trying to get my muzzleloader adjusted. I had a hard time getting aholdof anyone willing to help me. I ended up calling a guy in story city (Jacobsens). It took several calls to get ahold of him but he was a big help. We have to keep in mind that this is the busiest time of the year fr them as hunting season approaches.
 
nginth, Thanks for the reference, I might give him a call after hunting season.
This may be the busiest time of year for gunsmiths, but I started on my quest last January! This gun sat on a shelf for 2 1/2 months gathering dust in 1 gunshop during that time. I could tell even worse scenarios I have had over the last 10 years, it is just that I am finally fed up with it. It seems like either I am looking in the wrong places or else the only gunsmiths we have in the Des Moines area are too busy or are only working part time.

I am very serious that I am going to do some investigation as to what equipment is required and what education is available to do my own work and maybe some for friends & family . If I enjoy doing it I might even open my own shop in a couple years.

IaCraig
 
Try Vaughn Truman in Waterloo, its a long drive for you, but he usually gets the work done in a few weeks.

Jim Dow of Cedar Falls also has a good reputation, but I have never utilized his services, but have heard several good things.

Good Luck!
 
What I try to do is find a gunsmith were I buy all my gear. That way the store's reputation is on line. Gander Mountain in Cedar Rapids had a good one, but he got tired of working on shotguns and moved out West.
 
IaCraig,
Try Chuck Westberg in Boone.He work's out of his garage/shop and has alway's done me right.He should be listed in the Boone phone book.
Hope this help's.
 
Sir

Jack Foster of Valley Gunsmithing in Webster City will do your weapon in only a few days. It might be possible to have it done while you wait if you schedule an appointment. His number is 515-832-5102.

The number is for Sports World. Ask for Jack.
 
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