I'm sure this topic has been discussed to death, but I'm looking for some recommondations for an AK74 Tantal gunsmith.  I'd be interested in the best (price not worried about) and the best value (considering time, cost and quality).  I appreciate your help and would request many many pics and contact info!!!!

Quoted: I'd be interested in the best (price not worried about) and the best value (considering time, cost and quality).

I've read that Chris Bulter at AK-USA is the best as far as builds go, but I feel that when you factor in his price, it's just not reasonable for what you get. I've had my builds done by Troy Sellars at In Range because I feel that I get my money's worth.

As an example: I was seeking to have someone do my AK-74M side-folder build and contacted various builders. I would be supplying ALL parts, with the builder only supplying labor and refinish. We'll just use the two builders mentioned above in this example. Chris wanted $1125 and Troy wanted $350. I cannot see where Chris' work would be worth $775 more for the same build. Granted, Chris' work looks spectacular and I don't want to take anything away from him. I just don't feel that the "extra" is worth a quarter of a grand more.

Since you stated "best value", I'd say a builder in the middle of the pack would be your best bet. Someone like Troy, Mario, Jayson, etc. You go too cheap or too expensive and you may not get your money's worth.