Ive been considering this for a while.  So far i plan on using a springfield reciever and all GI parts except for the barrel, stock, and trigger(Maybe just have work done on it)
Who does good work on chambers, matching the bolt with teh chamber and little details like that?   ooked at the smith arms website but they dont seem to offer exactly what i want.  
I was thinking a krieger or douglas blank for the barrel and then having it cryoed and parked to match the rest of the rifle.
Any opinoins or experience with building your own?

I highly recommend these guys, they have done very good work for me on both M-1A and M-1 Garand. www.smithenterprise.com/m14_rifle_service.htm, I know you mentioned them, but unless you call and ask they may not have what your lookin for listed.

Fulton Armoury also has a good rep, but I have never had any experience w/ them.

Mike