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This was my first custom rifle so my expectations were very high. Dale was not only willing to work with me, but he encouraged my involvement with all aspects of the project. While building the rifle he would periodically call me with updates. Dale never imposed any of his ideas on my project, just his talents. He was never offended by my comments or criticism. Even the red paint...right Dale! As for the rifle, it continues to satisfy every daydream I have ever had, both cosmetically and in the field. With it, I have taken a number of Wisconsin and Canadian whitetails. It has performed reliably in harsh weather conditions. Accuracy, once I started handloading, is consistent at approximately 1” at 100 yards for five shots with Nosler partitions and IMR-4895. To say the least, I am very pleased. Rob, Abrams, WI

I called Dale Hegstrom, owner of Little Crow, after reading the recommendations on this website. Dale generously spoke with me on the phone for an extended amount of time about the potential work on my gun. I wanted to have my Ruger No. 1 .25-06 re-bored to .257 Weatherby Magnum, and also wanted to make the gun more accurate. Dale patiently explained the entire process, we discussed all of the various options we might consider, and the timing of the work on the gun. Despite the fact that he had much work lined up, he agreed to try to assist me in getting a “quick” turnaround on the gun, since Mississippi's deer hunting season is somewhat extended. After I shipped my gun to him, he kept me very informed of the status of the work, how the work was proceeding, and we talked at length about the various accuracy options that we might consider. He wisely recommended the installation of a Hick's Accurizer, as well as an aftermarket trigger that would have a crisp, light pull. Upon receiving my gun back from Dale, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the work that he performed. The re-boring of the chamber to .257 Weatherby was flawless, and it now shoots my favorite caliber!!!! As for the other improvements, I was completely taken aback by the accuracy of the gun. Consistent with the instructions on the Hick's Accurizer, I shot the gun with no screw contact, and then proceeded to “dial up” the contact until I obtained the results I was looking for. Simply put, the gun went from shooting 2 inch plus groups to a sub-moa group after about 15 shots. I then shot three or four more groups, all of which confirmed the m.o.a. accuracy that Dale's work achieved. In short, Dale did an incredible job for me. Dale's attention to detail, his willingness to keep me informed, and his personal involvement at every stage of the process makes him, in my opinion, a gunsmith beyond compare. I look forward to working with him in the future. Should you need a reference, please feel free to contact me. My phone number is 662.364.1317, and my email address is mamos@nicholscrowell.com. Again, I unequivocally recommend Dale Hegstrom and Little Crow Gunworks for your gunsmithing needs. Marc, Columbus, MS

Work was requested in November but waited on Krieger to deliver the barrel to Little Crow. The rifle was sent to Dale on 2/18/2010. The work completed included - Install Custom Krieger Barrel-include facing receiver, lapping bolt lugs, squaring bolt face, indicate bore to .0005", threading, chambering, crowning, blast to a matte finish, Install Vais Brake, Glassbed action and free float barrel. The work was completed and the rifle returned to me by 3/20/2010. The work looked excellent. First day on the range indicates that the accuracy is also excellent. Without extensive load work the rifle is grouping well below 1/2 moa. Dale was easy to work with, answered my questions at length and provided technical guidance as appropriate. The price of the work was also very reasonable. Highly recommended. Franklin, Billings, Montana

Testimonials