FWIW.............
In recent years when I need work on my firearms, I contact Customer Service at the original manufacturer of the firearm that needs work. And--if possible--get a shipper to send the firearm directly to the factory for repair.
Here's Why:
1) Really, really difficult to find a good gunsmith. Even to find Any Gunsmith of Any Kind. Anywhere. When you do, it's a pig in a poke. You have no idea of the quality of the work until the gun is returned. If ever (sorta kidding here, but not a lot.)
I've had some butchered guns, even after putting up listening to the gunsmith's spiel about how long he had been in the business, the great breadth of his experience on all kinds of firearms, and how really much better he was than just about everyone else.
2) It takes about the same time, both ways: Local Guy or Factory Shipment. And the Local Gunsmith still has to order parts from the factory. Or Brownell's. Local parts stocks are necessarily limited.
3) The factory knows its own firearms well. After all, they made them in the first place. And we hope that Good Old Joe on the bench over by the window hasn't retired yet. Plus they will be likely to have replacement parts in stock. Or in GOJ's bottom drawer at his bench.
4) The factory will check for any recalls on the firearm. Also, the factory will most likely know of any design quirks associated with that model.
5) Factory costs have always been reasonable, in my experience. And several times I've gotten freebies and/or extras.
5) I don't have to run all over, looking for a gunsmith.
So that's why I go back to the manufacturer's factory when I can. It works for "regular" repairs. Not so much for custom work.
YMMV
