The Smith Shop (Happy Trails)

[Ray-500]

Would like to thank the folks that responded to my inquiry about the Uberti 1873. You folks pointed me to Bill English, and I am grateful. I was just able to get in under the wire before he retired.

The work he did on the Uberti (to me) was absolutely great. Am more used to .45 ACP semi-autos....all worked and accurized. I do know quality when I see it.

The Uberti is strictly for my own personal enjoyment. Have always loved the 45 LC....have a couple of Smith's in the same caliber. Just a personal thing I guess.

Bill not only did a super job on the rifle, he also showed his class when work was done. Had a "transfer" being done to him through a dealer in Florida at the same time I gave him the Uberti for work. When the 7-day wait here in RI was over, stopped in to pick up the piece. Turns out the Uberti was also done. Told him I did not expect it and did not bring my checkbook to pay for the Uberti work. His response.....just get a check in the mail. I was totally surprised.

This man, when I told him how hesitant I was to take the 1873 apart for cleaning, took the time to put the rifle on his bench, disassemble it and reassemble it....step by step. It was an educational session and all questions were answered. To me, this was golden.

Again, I thank the folks who pointed me to The Smith Shop (Happy Trails). I sincerely hope Bill enjoys his retirement. His caliber of person is much appreciated.

 

[stoneypete]

Bill is one of the best men I've ever had the privilage to know. They just don't get any better.

 

[Ray-500]

Bill is one of the best men I've ever had the privilage to know. They just don't get any better.

No argument from me. As stated, I was totally impressed not only with his work, but also with his demeanor and attitude. He had enough confidence in me when picking up the Uberti to tell me "just get a check in the mail". You know I went home, immediately wrote out a check and put it in the mail. I mean "immediate". Bill's class speaks for itself. Am very happy to meet him prior to his retirement. He is the type of person I try to be.

 

[Knob Creek]

Bill is the man. I'm glad I pointed you to him. He is one of the best Uberti Rifle specialist. He has done my Uberti 73, 66 and Henry, all my Colts and almost everything else.
Bill will continue to be involved in CAS and he and I are running the Zootshoot matches at Copicut Rfile Association.

 

[Ray-500]

Bill is the man. I'm glad I pointed you to him. He is one of the best Uberti Rifle specialist. He has done my Uberti 73, 66 and Henry, all my Colts and almost everything else.
Bill will continue to be involved in CAS and he and I are running the Zootshoot matches at Copicut Rfile Association.

Am glad and very happy you did. My Uberti is strictly for personal enjoyment.Will never compete in SASS, but that doesn't mean I don't want a good piece. Explained this to Bill, and he understood what I was saying. To me, he did a superb job. Grin, maybe he took pity on me because I was so unfamiliar with the inner workings of the 1873. I just (for whatever reason) am partial to the .45 LC.

He reminds me of Al Dinan....a "surgeon" with 1911's. (This probably dates me). Even though folks on the Army Marksmanship Team had the AMTU at their disposal, many of their own personal competition weapons went to Al. I was fortunate to have a couple of pieces done by Al. Always kew it was never the piece....only me (Bullseye 2700"s). Unfortunately, he was killed while backing out of his driveway. It was a great loss to the shooting community. I can see that the retirement of Bill English will also be a loss to the SASS community.

I feel fortunate having caught him just prior to his retirement and again am grateful for the reference.

 

[Chuck Would]

I've known Hap for many many years. He's the only man who I've let work on my Colt Single Actions. He did a '73 for me and currently has my '97 pump.

And his work with a 1911 is as good as it is with any of the above.

 

[Ray-500]

I've known Hap for many many years. He's the only man who I've let work on my Colt Single Actions. He did a '73 for me and currently has my '97 pump.

And his work with a 1911 is as good as it is with any of the above.

No argument from me whatsoever. I feel fortunate that I was able to get my 1873 to him before he retired. He went out of his way to give me a "mini lesson" on disassembly, and the Uberti was broken down and reassembled on his bench while I watched and asked questions.

As stated previously, went in to pick up a "transfer". Did not have my checkbook with me. His response: "Put a check in the mail". You know I went home and immediately mailed a check. Bill has the "old time" values that I personally subscribe to. No doubt in my mind that he will be sorely missed in the smithing arena.