Lloyd and other knowledeable participants,
When I was deciding who would build my 475 Linebaugh pistol it was relatively easy; I had John Linebaugh build it, the creator, the brains behind the concept. No regrets, his work was beyond reproach, excellent! Now I face another project, but with a whole other set of questions as to who should build this project gun.
As you know I am going to have a 50 Alaskan built into a lever gun (likely a Marlin) and now I have decided after much review to have the lever gun fashioned into a "breakdown" model. Other then the names of the smiths I know little to nothing of the work that they do in comparison to each other. Thus far, I have an interest in the following smiths: Dave Clements; Regan (?) Nonneman; Ben Forkin; and Jim West. Little question exists that the four smiths just named as well as several not named smiths are certainly qualified and that is my differculty.
All input into these gunsmiths will be appreciated. I want to have some basis on to which I can hang my hat when choosing who will take on my project. The Most Important Factor without any doubt is the requirement of First Class Work. I want to be as proud of this lever action as I am with my 475 Linebaugh.
Please feel free to communicate with me off-line if some of what you have to say might be uncomfortable to publish in the open.