Where are The Customs?

[Encore64]

I'm throwing in the towel on my third, and probably last, attemp at a custom project.

I waited 5X the estimated time on a project before giving up. The one I'm trying to retrieve now is just about there too.

When I thought about it, I haven't seen a forum member post a custom build in a long time. Either they're not getting any, not posting or my memory is fading as fast as the rest of me.

I'm talking to friends waiting years on the smallest of parts. This is stuff they've paid in advance for. Customs are basically unavailable and appear to be on hold.

So, until I see customers getting their projects finished in a reasonable amount of time, I'm just stopping with the ideas.

A couple FAs and BFRs pique my interest. I'll just focus on those.

It's a sad world we live in fellows. Deaths and retirements have made reliable service a thing of the past.

[bushog]

I’ve been having no problems and expect 2 new ones any time. Just sent 2 more off, made arrangements for another and one at the engraver…

Depends on who you get to build your guns and how you’ve treated them.

I’m not saying you haven’t treated folks well….

[rjm52]

...you sold me one of the last Customs I was interested in having built...the SINGLE-FIVE .38 Super/9mm TRAIL GUN...had already asked Jack about the build...

Currently have a Reeder Ultimate .41 Hunter, Clements USFA SM .41 Special and a JRH Uberti Cattleman .41 Special... Other than maybe a stainless Mid-Frame Flat Top in .41 Special that is it...and since I already have a FA 97 that fills that bill can't really justify it...

Everything else is covered by the current stock of FA, Ruger and Colt...

Bob

[Encore64]

I've had no issues with them, just not seeing any new ones posted. At one time it was common on here.

Clements retired, Linebaugh passed away, Bowen seems to have slowed down and Harton seems to focus on Colts these days.

We're old guys and revolvers seem to be an old guy's game and we're seeing the effects.

Has been discussed for years this day was coming. The list I leaned to has always been small and they're slowing down.

I hate it, but everyone deserves to slow down or retire.

[clintsfolly]

I had a Single Five 10mm was given the a time frame of 12-14 months and got it in 10 months.

[Encore64]

It's even been amazing to watch the wait times at Freedom Arms increase.

At one time, I just ordered which BFR I wanted. Now, we get on a waiting list and hope.

People are waiting on brass for months if not years on brass.

I'm glad to hear a couple success stories, but it's not the norm these days.

[pleadthe2nd]

What is/was the expected wait time for a custom revolver, I've never had one done, but have hopes for one, hopefully soon

[bushog]

Mar 14, 2024 20:09:50 GMT -5 pleadthe2nd said:

What is/was the expected wait time for a custom revolver, I've never had one done, but have hopes for one, hopefully soon

A year or two…?

[Encore64]

I've been talking to guys that are at 3+ Years lately.

Greg is right and it depends on your relationship with the builder to some degree.

A few years back is I was told 6 Months for a FA Order. It took 7 Months and I received a thorough explanation as to why it took longer. Of course, it wasn't a problem.

Now, that wait has tripled...

I'm seeing Flattop Rugers sell for 4X what I paid for mine a few years ago. Ruger #1s are going for big bucks.

The World changed, or was intentionally changed, with Covid 19...

[boxhead]

Remember when Hamilton sold them complete on his website, $1700 then. Grips by Harton.

[bushog]

Mar 14, 2024 20:29:01 GMT -5 boxhead said:

Remember when Hamilton sold them complete on his website, $1700 then. Grips by Harton.

I’ve bought a pile of those guns

[Encore64]

Yep, the good old days...

[potatojudge]

I think the factors above plus an economic downturn play a part. Inflation has been a killer for anyone not getting regular pay increases. Add to that increasing cost of gunsmithing and the relative price of a custom is much higher than inflation would suggest.

In the last decade factories have made more and more of what were once custom as production models, so the need for custom work has decreased. Factory mid frame 44 specials, factory 454 and 480 negate a real NEED for a custom build. BFR and FA substitute some of that need also.

As much as I like a full custom, my needs are fully met with tuning and some parts upgrades.

Going on I think 9 years for my Dustin gun... at this point I'm just curious if I get the 2015 price I put down a deposit for to or the 2024 price, or if I ever get the gun at all. 

[kings6]

You will get it I’m sure. Mines going on 10+ years and I get to help work on its grips when I go out to Cody in a few months if everything goes as planned.

[CraigC]

I got my new Horvath gun in 2yrs. I know Jack started on the one I sent him 2yrs ago. I've got three Uberti's I need to send out and I'd like to do another mid-frame Ruger .44Special.