Too many gun dealers profess to be gunsmiths but they are not. Can someone make a recommendation of a good gunsmith (primarily handguns) in Western Mass. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.![[grin]](/xen/styles/default/xenforo/smilies.vb/041.gif "Grin [grin]")
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Western Mass Gunsmith
- Thread starter Ultra-Armed
- Start date
Mike Larocca is in Worcester (I know, that's not Western MA) and very highly regarded as a gunsmith on handguns. He advertises in The Outdoor Message, so if you are a GOAL member you should have his info handy.
Sorry but I don't know anyone else in that neck of the woods.
Sorry but I don't know anyone else in that neck of the woods.
Thanks LenS. I sent Mike an e-mail this evening.
Has anyone ever sent a gun to Dan Burwell for work? I see his name a lot and all of the feedback about him is very good.
Has anyone ever sent a gun to Dan Burwell for work? I see his name a lot and all of the feedback about him is very good.
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- Mar 25, 2007
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I can recommend "Swift River Gunworks" in Belchertown,Ma He is a full service gunsmith. His web-site is www.sr-gunworks.com
He has worked on a couple of my rifles. Give him a look see.I know he does handguns as well.
He has worked on a couple of my rifles. Give him a look see.I know he does handguns as well.
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My mileage did vary, greatly. I had him do some work a few years ago and found that he was a third rate gun hack. I wouldn't let him shingle my doghouse.
There is a brand new gunsmith on East St. So. Hadley. Going north on 202 turn right on East St. about half mile on the left, dirt driveway and a sign at the entry.
Stopped at Swift River for a trigger change on my Walther, wanted to keep the gun for 6 months. I left.
Stopped at Swift River for a trigger change on my Walther, wanted to keep the gun for 6 months. I left.
boilermaker
NES Member
These are the guys in Hadley:
Home | Dark Horse Gunsmithing
I don't know anyone who has been to them yet. I have heard poor reviews of Swift River and would look elsewhere.
Home | Dark Horse Gunsmithing
I don't know anyone who has been to them yet. I have heard poor reviews of Swift River and would look elsewhere.
SwampYankee42
NES Member
Resurrection incoming. Apologies if I didn't look hard enough.
Anyone have a recommendation for a gunsmith that will pin and weld a compensator/ muzzle brake on a complete upper somewhere in the pioneer valley?
If not I'll make the drive to Newtech, or possibly try it myself, I certainly have enough tools to attempt it
Anyone have a recommendation for a gunsmith that will pin and weld a compensator/ muzzle brake on a complete upper somewhere in the pioneer valley?
If not I'll make the drive to Newtech, or possibly try it myself, I certainly have enough tools to attempt it
K L Hooten is in Palmer. Both my son and I have used him for some small jobs, did good by us. His place is a little interesting to get to.
klhootongunsmithing.com
K.L. Hooton Gunsmithing - Home
Come here to satisfy all of your gunsmithing needs. We run locally in Palmer Massachusetts...
klhootongunsmithing.com
SwampYankee42
NES Member
Very close to work for me I'll check him out. Thank you!K L Hooten is in Palmer. Both my son and I have used him for some small jobs, did good by us. His place is a little interesting to get to.
K.L. Hooton Gunsmithing - Home
Come here to satisfy all of your gunsmithing needs. We run locally in Palmer Massachusetts...
I also used kl hooton. The weld is a bit ugly because he ran outta gas but was very cheap so can't complain.
Don't bother with swift river gun works he told me "I don't work on black guns" and the classic "that's not legal to build and I won't touch it"
Don't bother with swift river gun works he told me "I don't work on black guns" and the classic "that's not legal to build and I won't touch it"
Asking for swift river to do compliance work on an AR is like bringing your Honda civic to a classic Bently mechanic.
I’ve also used KL Hooton before… guy goes good work.
I wouldn’t let Swift River touch anything I own ever again…
They seriously misdrilled some holes in my Mark 2 and then sent it back like nothing was wrong.
I wouldn’t let Swift River touch anything I own ever again…
They seriously misdrilled some holes in my Mark 2 and then sent it back like nothing was wrong.
413dan
NES Member
hooten isn't bad, nice gentleman. canted a front sight post on an a1 upper build I needed done that didn't come with dimples on the barrel from the barrel maker. he fixed it but the gas block shows it. used one other time before that and was pleased.
not sure Swift River is open anymore. but I know for certain Dark Horse mentioned earlier in this thread is no longer open.
not sure Swift River is open anymore. but I know for certain Dark Horse mentioned earlier in this thread is no longer open.
Did you bring this to his attention or is this a online forum only complaint?
I assume you did reach out and would be interested in the remedy/response you got. Swift river is open. I dropped off in August and was told his backlog was out until Spring 2023. Personally not impressed with the backlog, but there is usually a reason why a shop is selective about work they take on/have a significant backlog. Good sign for quality work in my oppinion.
I'm sure you wouldn't like the hourly rate for that Bently mechanic to work on your civic mentality should be kicking in here.
Not this guy is lame because he won't glockify my ar. Think about it....
Not this guy is lame because he won't glockify my ar. Think about it....
