Need advice for selecting a gunmaker

[Smokey]

Hi.
 
I’m new here. I’m trying to select a gunmaker to build a French fusil.

When interviewing a builder, what questions should I be asking and, of course, what info should I be getting from the builder?

Also, what do you look for in a gun maker?  Thanks.   

[rollingb]

Smokey,.... first let me welcome you to our TMA site. 

As for naming names of a good gun builder, please be aware there are quite a few who would and could build you a French Fusil, I won't mention names because some else will surely feel slighted if their name isn't mentioned (and I want to avoid that).

I'd suggest you visit the American LongRifles Forum, and post your questions there, just state what you're wanting built along with how much money you're willing to pay, and you should get numerous PM's (private messages). Just be careful if you get a message from someone with the initials JB, as his builds can often be disappointing (although his prices are very attractive). 

[Smokey]

Thank you for welcoming me, rollingb.

To be clear, I'm not looking for names of builders. Rather, I need advice on how to select a builder, after I've identified a couple of candidates.

What do people here look for when selecting a gun maker?
What questions do you ask the maker when deciding whether to hire them?   

[rollingb]

Thank you for welcoming me, rollingb.

To be clear, I'm not looking for names of builders. Rather, I need advice on how to select a builder, after I've identified a couple of candidates.

What do people here look for when selecting a gun maker?
What questions do you ask the maker when deciding whether to hire them?

Smokey,.... I'm sorry I'm not much help as I've either build my own guns, bought semi-custom guns, or bought upper-end guns from other people.

A fella by the name of Prairie Dog had a rifle built not too long ago, maybe he'll notice this thread and will give you some pointers regarding your questions. 

[Smokey]

Thank you again, RolingB.

I’ve got a couple of possible candidates picked out. Question is, how to decide which maker is best for me.

[amm1851]

Avoid Jackie Brown.

[Smokey]

Jackie Brown.  “JB”.
Is this an inside joke or is there really a builder named JB I should avoid? Such a person is not even on my radar so, not really an issue.

[Bigsmoke]

JB = Jackie Brown

No personal experience with him, but there have been problems associated with his builds.

[rollingb]

Jackie Brown.  “JB”.
Is this an inside joke or is there really a builder named JB I should avoid? Such a person is not even on my radar so, not really an issue.

Just be careful if you get a message from someone with the initials JB, as his builds can often be disappointing (although his prices are very attractive). 

[amm1851]

Jackie Brown.  “JB”.
Is this an inside joke or is there really a builder named JB I should avoid? Such a person is not even on my radar so, not really an issue.

My experience with him was no laughing matter.

[Keb]

Alex Efremenko is the go to French gun guy.

[Smokey]

Thanks, Ken.

Have you ever bought a gun from Alex?

Has anyone here ordered from Alex? How was the experience? How did the gun turn out.

[rollingb]

Smokey,.... one of the things you can bank on is, if Alex Efremenko wasn't a reputable builder or had any dissatisfied customers, those of us who are heavily into the sport of traditional muzzleloading would have surely heard about it. Word travels fast in our little circle. 

[Smokey]

Thanks. RollingB. Makes sense.

[Eric Krewson]

It depends on how much you want to pay, most of the builders have websites with pictures, the good ones have a long waiting list.