Customer Relations. Good Gunsmith, Bad Gunsmith
 

After many years away from shotguns and hunting I'm getting back into it. I checked for a local, or relatively local gunsmith, to have a gun shipped to and inspected, and to be my gunsmith thereafter. He basically told me to drop dead. I was quite surprised at his response. Contrast that to my next gunsmith contact, Brad Bachelder. I stopped at his shop. He came oit and we talked for a couple of hours. He answered all my beginner questions. I stopped by again yesterday with some follow up questions and again he talked to me for quite a while and gave me his opinion on several guns i was l looking at. He volunteered saying, have any gun sent here and we'll be glad to inspect it for you. We even continued our conversation after business hours.
Thank you Brad

Tell us who the other guy is so we won't trouble him with our business.

I don't really want to drop his name. Rather give the congrats to Brad

Mr. Bachelder is an exceptional craftsman... and gentleman.

Both are qualities we need more of. Not less.

It is a real shame that so many feel they cannot share their bad experiences.
In my opinion, it speaks much move volume than the good experiences.

Brian, a gentleman's way is exactly what MR. Sauer is doing. A bad experience, if constantly repeated, will spread like wildfire throughout our small but significant community and that speaks louder than any post. Never lower ones self to the level of ignorance that one encounters as the general public cannot tell the difference between the two. Jim

I understand this way of thinking, but.. if you can prevent someone else from having a terrible experience or possibly having a firearm screwed up.

personally- and its just me- if there is no intention of mentioning the other "smith"

(and i do understand, and to a limited extent agree, about shaming on a board)

whats the point of bringing it up

just give Brad B his well deserved praise and let the other experience go

just thought from someone not so experienced with having them

Point well taken. The main point was indeed Brad

I've dealt with Brad for oh, around ten years. The only one time I felt something wasn't quite right he took care of it to my satisfaction with no questions ask. The only problem I now have is that more people have found out about him and his turn-around is a bit longer. He does good quality work. Now, if I could just get back the four guns he has.

Actions have consequences.
Just MHO but I say let the man be known by his deeds and his name.
Kudos to Mr. B.

Paul, you've got to figure out how to keep Kurt out of there, chewing the fat with Brad.

I walked out with mine. But he did say doing a Damascus barrel would be about 6 months

Here are two he did for me a while back. Within reason, his work is worth the wait.

I am sure there are many fine gunsmiths out there. But there are certain things I would only send to Brad. I know it takes time to do good work. I have a smith in Connecticut that is the same way.
Don't get hung up on turnaround time. Think of it as Christmas when it arrives.
Most of us have plenty or too many guns to shoot in the meantime.
Just chill.

You can share the names of bad gunsmith's, you just don't do it on any public forum. I don't even do it in a private message on this forum, and I have a good story to share. There's just no gain for anyone whatsoever to putting something like that on this forum when it can be done in private.

I have switched all my work to Brad as well and am very happy with the work and turnaround times.......need to go to the other gunsmith I used in the past and pull two that have been there for four years for re-jointing and one to tighten up the rear stock....I am willing to wait for good work but four years is too much for me....

Brad has done many jobs for me and I have been very pleased with his work, yes the turn around time is long, but with his craftsmanship we all knew it would not take long for him to have many clients. It takes time to do a gun right, The only problem with a lot of us is we are the low end of the hour glass, Gary

Brad is a craftsman. Rather than just getting the job done and sending my barrels back to me. He wasn't happy with the first browning and rebrowned them
Took longer but they are immaculate

Brads turn around times are pretty good if you ask me. He restored a complete 8 ga for me in under 6 months.

I am always hesitant about sending one of my beloved vintage guns out for attention. I sent a Parker to Brad for evaluation and repair of a light front trigger pull. Fortunately all the gun needed was a good cleaning and lubrication. I was very happy with the courtesy and professionalism of Brad's son Parker and the attention to detail with respect to my desires concerning the repair and shipment of one of my prized guns. I would recommend their services based upon my recent experiences. Craig Larter

All of Brad's work on my Parkers has been timely and exceptional. The Bachelder family is a pleasure to do business with and God willing and the hour glass doesn't catch up to me anytime soon, I would love to meet them some day.

Brad is a pleasure to talk to and very accommodating. Their love for guns and their work is readily apparent.

Brad Bachelder, is a true artist when it comes to restoration, and repair,,, simple as that!!!!!

I have more gunsmith horror stories than anybody I know.

I wish somebody would have warned me off these guys beforehand.

My go to guy these days is Brian Dudley, he's never failed me.

DLH