A rifle is much more than just the sum of its parts—every component plays a critical role in overall performance. This week, we dive into a topic that’s rarely discussed but absolutely essential: action screws and the truth behind "drop-fit" chassis and stocks.

Plus, we break down a couple of interesting calls from the week.

Thanks for tuning in—we hope you enjoy this episode!

• Patreon Membership for exclusive content.
• Wolf Precision Custom Rifles: www.wolfprecision.net
• The Wolf Pack: Learn more here.

When it comes to selecting a gunsmith, price should never be the only deciding factor. While it’s tempting to go with the lowest bidder, it’s crucial to dig deeper and ask the right questions—especially about the equipment being used to work on your rifle. The difference between a precision-built rifle and a questionable one often comes down to the tools behind the work.

A gunsmith’s lathe is the heart of their shop. True professionals invest in world-class machines—sometimes upwards of $50,000 to $350,000—to ensure they can provide the highest level of precision and craftsmanship. These machines allow for tighter tolerances, cleaner cuts, and more consistent results.

Unfortunately, the market is also flooded with “gunsmiths” using worn-out, secondhand, or cheap overseas-made lathes that simply don’t have the precision required for world-class work. Many of these lathes come from old, worn-down machine shops, are poorly maintained, or are set up in cluttered back buildings, making it impossible to perform high-end work. These individuals can often undercut pricing because they have little investment in proper equipment, yet they continue to attract customers who don’t know the difference.

As a customer, you owe it to yourself to ask the tough questions. When considering a gunsmith, don’t just ask about their experience—ask about the equipment they use. Here are a few key questions to consider:

• What lathe will you be using to chamber my barrel?

• How often is your equipment maintained and calibrated?

• What kind of tolerances can you consistently hold?

• How does your setup compare to top-tier industry standards?

A skilled gunsmith who takes pride in their work will have no problem answering these questions. They understand that high-quality work requires high-quality tools, just as an artist needs the best brushes to create a masterpiece.

By choosing to work with a gunsmith who invests in top-tier machines and takes their craft seriously, you’re not just ensuring better performance and longevity for your rifle—you’re also supporting the future of quality gunsmithing. The reality is, true professionals struggle to compete when unqualified individuals flood the market with low-cost services performed on subpar equipment.

If we, as customers, don’t demand better and support those who uphold the highest standards, we risk losing the craftsmen who have spent years honing their skills and investing in the right tools to do the job right.

Next time you’re in the market for a gunsmith, take a moment to ask the right questions. A little due diligence can mean the difference between a rifle that shoots like a dream and one that’s plagued with issues from the start. Invest in quality, support true craftsmen, and make sure the tools behind the work are worthy of the rifle you love.

• Patreon Membership for exclusive content.
• Wolf Precision Custom Rifles: www.wolfprecision.net
• The Wolf Pack: Learn more here.

In this episode, we dive into the Online Prosumer Gunsmithing Class and the real value of investing in training. Learning how to build a custom rifle through The Wolf Pack not only saves you money but also teaches a valuable skill—allowing you to take pride in assembling your own precision rifle.

But this course is more than just a gateway to building a rifle—it’s a pathway for serious shooters and future business owners. Only those willing to invest in themselves gain access to purchasing individual rifle components, ensuring that those who take this path are dedicated, capable, and responsible. This approach protects both our customers and our reputation by ensuring only qualified individuals take on the responsibility of gunsmithing.

🔗 Join the Online Gunsmithing Class & The Wolf Pack on Patreon:

Exciting Announcement: Some of our upcoming March Online Reloading Classes will be livestreamed! Stay tuned for more details.

🎧 Listen now and take the next step toward mastering precision rifle building!