There are still several small, lesser-known, stockmakers that will restock a shotgun for less than $1k, using your blank. They do quality work, and don't advertise. Many of us use these fellows, but are not in a hurry to broadcast their names. Most have all the work they can handle, and often have 6 to 12 month waiting lists.
Talk to your friends, local gunshops, fellow shooters, etc. and you will find one.
Jerry
Jerry those stockmaker's you speak of turning out a stock for less than a $1000...is this on a sxs (any type ) or a pump or semi or rifle ? is it a finished product ?
If that's the case, then these guy's must be starving,or much ,much faster than me ! there's no way I could turn out a a finished sxs for that much and be able make anything in the end to pay bill's ....I worked this way for year's,for the love of it,for a friend who needed a favor etc...that's until I sat down and worked out my hour's and material.
I then scoured the net and seen the price's that were being charged ,some I thought were quite reasonable, some are way up there, they're the elite and you get what you pay for. Then you have the Steven's ,the Iver's and then old single shot's from whomever and you can't expect someone to pay the loot to get these restocked so a good duplicator would fit the bill here for the D.I.Y guy's
I've never dealt with Macon,but it sound's like a no brainer to me...garbage is garbage any way you look at it,and it can't last.
On the other hand good work is good work and it should be appreciated and properly compensated for,the guy's who turn out decent stock work for less than a grand and have enough for a 12 month wait list as you say,they make it hard for someone trying to make a living on it...It's like a small town fireman and his crew,who build house's on their three day's off for cash..they have no idea how much it hurt's the local carpenter who has to keep his crew and bill's paid.
Just my two cent's.
