Dealing with Gunsmiths

A gunsmith is a rare mixture of Orville Wright, Henry Ford, and Raphael. They come as ill tempered as a rattklesnake with esophageal errosion, and as patient as Martha Stewart's contractor. The choice is yours. Disposition is not an indicator of skill. A good gunsmith is a jewel.
Michael Bane has written an excellent User's Guide to Gunsmiths. If you are considering hiring a 'smith to customize your piece, give it a read. Hell, give it a read anyway!