The gunsmith that was building my custom rifle has decided that he is too busy to finish my custom build. All that is left is to bed the action to the stock. Anyone recommend a smith between Houston and Victoria?

Between yourself and Midway, it can be done without a gunsmith.

What kind of shoddy gunsmith gets through the entire assembly of a custom and decides on a part he should be able to do in his sleep that he’s too busy. I hope he gave you a substantial discount for bailing on the build.

Maybe his wife has cancer or maybe he initially overestimated his limitations. Who knows? At least he informed his customer to move on. I’ve dealt with worse, and would have been happy to have the rifle in pieces inside of 3 years to be finished by someone else.

Unless he’s lying to his customer, he told him he “was too busy” to finish his gun.

Too busy can mean a lot of things. I’d be willing to give him the benefit of doubt. He may very well be up to no good. At least he isn’t holding on to it while brushing him off. Like I said, I’ve dealt with much worse.

The gunsmith came highly recommended. He does excellent work but he has a small shop. When we first started talking about the build he suggested I buy all the components and then bring them to him. So when the barrel and action came I took them to him so he could thread and chamber them. I then went and picked them up so they weren't taking up space in his shop. He told me whenever the stock came in to bring the parts back and he would finish putting it all together (including the bedding). Now that I have all the stuff he tells me that his shop is too full and I will have to wait until April.

Can anyone suggest a gunsmith between Houston and Victoria?

It is a bit north of where you want but Hill Country Rifles in New Braunfels, Matt and crew can get you up an running.
830 609 3139

I guess I will contact Hill Country Rifles since there are no other recommendations.

Do it your self tons of vids on utube . Watch some than ask for help!
I have done about a dozen it just takes time.

Most of us seem to be in Dallas ft worth area, so it may take a couple days to get more recommendations. But really, action bedding is probably day 1 of gunsmith school. Any competent gunsmith should be able to do it with out much issue. Have you even considered doing it yourself? It easy.

Briley in North Houston might, call, Carter Country, they may have recommendations. There is probably a hundres within in a 2 hour drive.

I have used Hill Country Rifles, Great people and great gunsmiths..
No matter who you use, ask them how long it will take. Some of the BIG GUYS can be Too Busy building complete rifles to mess with a in[profitable bedding job.

MG Arms is in Spring Texas they are very good.

I have never done it but have watched it on you tube and Gunwerks TV show. doesn't look too hard.

As far as your first gunsmith. At least he called at told you he couldn't do it and come pick it up.

Many will just lock up and run !!!

Good luck, keep us posted

You can google gunsmith on the confuser. There is one in League City I believe that had good reviews. I have never been there or had any work done there. I think Shooters Corner in Texas City might be able to do it.

I am trying to find someone who has first hand experience with athe gunsmith they recommend.

Aaron Roberts in spring does great work.