Looking for a first rate gunsmith near to me: SW WA...

[Tom Herman]

Hello, everyone!

I lucked into an original 1859 Sharps (one of the approximately 30,000 converted to .50-70 centerfire after the Civil War), but have a few issues with it.
I can live with almost of them (no sight ladder, missing lever latch, bent saddle ring slider bar, missing saddle ring), but the one thing stopping me from using the carbine is that the tang is broken right where the screw goes through it just above the serial number, about 2-1/2" from the end.
Can anyone recommend a first rate gunsmith within maybe 500 driving miles of me (I-5, Exit 68, SW WA state)?
I'd like to get the tang rewelded, and maybe clear up the other small issues.
I'm hesitant to send the gun anywhere outside driving distance due to past issues with a dishonest (alleged) gunsmith (Oren Truitt III, Mustang, OK) that took my money for a job, and never returned the item that was sent in to be repaired.
Many Thanks,

-Tom

[Don McDowell]

John King comes to mind. You might also check with Dave Gullo at Buffalo Arms and see who he might recommend. It's a bit out of your 500 mile range but Wyoming Armory in Cody might be a good option.

[Rockridge]

I would suggest:
Taylor Machine
14119 Military Rd. E
Puyallup, WA 98374

For best response, please send an email. john@johntaylormachine.com

(253) 445-4073 office

Closed Sabbath (sundown Friday through sundown Saturday)

[Hiwall55]

I also would second John Taylor, has done work for me and does one heck of a great job.

[Tom Herman]

Don, Rockridge, and Hiwall,

Thanks for the thoughtful replies!
Yes, John is pretty close to me, and from what I have seen online, he is an A1 person and gunsmith.
I'm afraid that if I contact him, dropping off items for repair/resleeving, etc., will become a regular event....
I don't mind sending things out as far as Wyoming, as it is within the realm of driving out and retrieving items (not that this would be an issue with recommendations from the group!).
Will contact John Taylor first, as he's practically in my backyard.
Thanks again, and a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year to one and all!

-Tom

[Don McDowell]

Good luck with rehabbing those grand ol rifles.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[38-72]

I would suggest:
Taylor Machine
14119 Military Rd. E
Puyallup, WA 98374

For best response, please send an email. john@johntaylormachine.com

(253) 445-4073 office

Closed Sabbath (sundown Friday through sundown Saturday)

+ 1 on John Taylor. He has done excellent work on several of my rifles.

[Tom Herman]

Thanks for the suggestions!
Email sent to John Taylor, waiting to hear back from him.
I checked on 1859 Sharps parts online, and was very pleased to find an outfit in NY that had pretty much what I needed.
The sight elevator bar, saddle bar ring, and lever catch have all been ordered.
The old gal is slowly coming back together...

-Tom

[Don McDowell]

Great! Keep us up to date on this project Tom.