It's been several years since I last posted here, and figured that I would check in on the forum. Unfortunately, the custom .333 rifle project I had planned has hit a major snag. After getting a nice action to build on--an unused Empire 98S--and sourcing barrels for it, and lots of emails with potential gunsmiths to do the work, I finally sent the action off to start the build. The gunsmith seemed agreeable to do the work, then he surprised me with his demand for a $3000 deposit to start work. I asked if I could pay in installments, to which he asked for $100 to send my action back to me, and forget the project. My emails since then have been unanswered, I'm guessing that I won't hear back from him or get my action back until the $100 is in his hands.
Maybe I'm naive since this is my first custom gun project, but I thought most all custom work was paid for in installments. The gunsmith's reaction came across as a slap in the face. I hope I can get my action back, but I don't know if I'll ever try to get a custom rifle project going again.