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Post by macjalford on Feb 29, 2012 9:57:17 GMT -5
Thanks again guys for all the info. Don't get me wrong, I love both and have some of both. I love the mechanical perfection and amazing accuracy of my F.A. I love the feel of my 500 L. (John) with perfect grips by Dustin. Same with my Bowen 44 spl. I'm just trying to come up with a plan to eventually own one of all(don't yet have a D. Linebaugh, Harton or Gallagher), and best make use of time and money. Don't have unlimited funds, and wouldn't want all coming in at once. Just don't want to wait 2 yrs. for one, then have to wait 2 more yrs. for another. I'm sure some of you guys are much better at planning than me.
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Post by kings6 on Feb 29, 2012 14:08:59 GMT -5
I love it, another QUEST guy! Spread them out so you start one every 6 months or so AFTER you have bought all the special little pieces ahead of time as you can afford them. It spreads your costs out, lets you have some active involvement in the process and often reduces not only the cost but the time required on the back end. Also, don't send one off until you have mowed enough lawns or gathered enoughcans to have a pretty good down payment. Experience talking here
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Post by Thunderjet on Feb 29, 2012 14:58:01 GMT -5
I was sort of in the same boat as you. Would like to have a custom as my tastes in firearms has evolved over the years and now it is quality or nothing. Emailed a couple of the custom guys including Bowen and not one answered my email about how long for delivery.
Figured if they didnt answer my email they didnt want my business. So, on 17 Feb had my dealer order a FA Premier 475 Linebaugh, 6 inch octagon barrel along with the action job, 3 pound trigger pull, and the red dot sight mount. Told me delivery is about 8 weeks.
I would still like a custom or two down the road but I'll look for a used one.
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Post by macjalford on Feb 29, 2012 15:40:52 GMT -5
kings6: Thanks, great idea! Just what I was looking for. By parts and pieces I guess you mean barrels, sights, grips, etc. Is there a source for ss oct. bbls? I saw the ones for sale by Gallagher, but really wanted 5.5"-6".
thunderjet: What a coincidence! That is exactly the configuration F.A. I was looking for, with micarta grips. Like you, I called one of smiths (D. Linebaugh) a couple days ago to ask a question. Got his recording and haven't heard back yet. I'm happy for the custom gunsmiths that they have so much business, but I would like to ask a few questions. May be better to write.
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Post by Thunderjet on Feb 29, 2012 15:54:50 GMT -5
I looked for a used FA 475 with the 6 inch octagon barrel for about 6 months. The few I did see the owners were asking more than what my dealer charged me to order a new one. In my experiences the online vendors all wanted full MSRP when selling these on auction sites. But local dealers will often cut you a break and order one for under MSRP.
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Post by tek4260 on Feb 29, 2012 16:14:45 GMT -5
Speaking of customs in MS, Trader had 3 Reeder revolvers(2-500L's and a 41GNR) on his table last weekend at the gun show in Jackson. His price was too high, but they are worth looking at if nothing more than to get a feel for Reeders.
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princeout
.375 Atomic
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Post by princeout on Feb 29, 2012 16:37:48 GMT -5
Thunderjet, Sorry to hear of the lack of response from your emails. I've emailed Misters Bowen, Clements and Harton and all have responded promptly. Alan seems to be quicker if you just call - no computer out in the shop. This week I've had quick Q&A emails with with both Hamilton and Mr. Clements and received answers within hours. Might try again - my computer eats emails all the time! Maybe they have a similar problem. Tim
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Post by macjalford on Feb 29, 2012 17:03:47 GMT -5
tek4260, I saw those Reeders at the gun show and did handle them. They were really nice, but a little high at 600 over the conversion cost. The round butted bisley grips (at least at the rear) felt very good. I may have to give Reeder a serious look. I know they are not linebored and blocked, but I could definitely see myself with one. One more added to the list. Where does this stop?
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Post by 500fksjr on Feb 29, 2012 17:56:30 GMT -5
It is interesting about the e mails...I have learned a phone call is much faster and better results...regarding Dustin does not always call back so you need to be persistent...Then if you do get him to do some thing plan on 18 months to 2.5 years I must admitt the wait is awful the results are wonderfull...gives you plenty of time on other projects...
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groo
.327 Meteor
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Post by groo on Feb 29, 2012 18:16:03 GMT -5
Groo here I might suggest a call to Andy Horvath in Lagrange Ohio.
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Post by albundy on Feb 29, 2012 18:44:58 GMT -5
I would suggest a call to Jack Huntington in northern Ca. His turn around times ar about 1/3 of what some others quote. Prices are great also.
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Post by Thunderjet on Feb 29, 2012 19:52:53 GMT -5
Thunderjet, Sorry to hear of the lack of response from your emails. I've emailed Misters Bowen, Clements and Harton and all have responded promptly. Alan seems to be quicker if you just call - no computer out in the shop. This week I've had quick Q&A emails with with both Hamilton and Mr. Clements and received answers within hours. Might try again - my computer eats emails all the time! Maybe they have a similar problem. Tim Don't be sorry:) It is my personal opinion that no custom can beat the FA for accuracy or feeling that sensation of how well it is put together when you cock the hammer. Feels like a tank built like a swiss watch. Plus the FA is cheaper:) When (if) I buy a "custom" it will now be on the used market.
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Post by whitworth on Feb 29, 2012 20:36:24 GMT -5
Accuracy? Most high-end customs are line-bored just like the FA and put together with tight tolerances. The FA offers no advantage in this regard, IMO.
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Post by kings6 on Feb 29, 2012 21:11:31 GMT -5
Mac, give John a call and ask him about his next run of octagon barrels. He may also find a SS 5.5-6" one tucked away someplace. You are right about the parts. I'll snag a bisley parts set then a Bowen sight then maybe a Belt Mnt base pin and if it going to be an old model, I'll call David Clements and get on his list for his next run of OM bisley hammers and triggers. Tos in buying a Stroh front sight and maybe a Max cy linder if I want a long cylinder gun and over time it is like a pygmy in Africa eating an elephant. One bite at a time and soon the elephant is gone!
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Post by Thunderjet on Feb 29, 2012 21:12:17 GMT -5
Accuracy? Most high-end customs are line-bored just like the FA and put together with tight tolerances. The FA offers no advantage in this regard, IMO. Not saying that at all. I said "no custom can beat the FA for accuracy ". I would expect accuracy from either to be equal for the most part.
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