Pistolsmiths: Alan Tanaka vs. Jim Hoag

[Black Majik]

Hi guys,

I'm considering sending in my 1911 for some work, and I've heard great things of both Alan and Jim. Thing is, I just cant decide who to do the work.

Are there anyone on here that has had work done by any of these pistol smiths?

How is the work comparable between the two smiths? Does one do better work than the other?

How is the turnover rate for getting a pistol completed?

Who's easier to work with. Any experiences you remember?

Hows the pricing between the two?

Do these guys have any websites that I can look on? I know Alan just has that one page that has his contact info but doesn't really show much else.


And lastly, if any of you have had work done by them, please post your experiences as well as any pictures you have of their work!

Thanks!

Edit: This thread has now seen:

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HELLO 2023

[Black_Talon]

I've had 1911 work done by both, and I'd say it's really a toss-up. They're both fairly fast, as far as that sort of thing goes. If you want to hear a bunch of great 'ol stories, Hoag's the guy to go to, otherwise, flip a coin. I think Tanaka's closer to you, FWIW.

[Mute]

Matches my experience. I've not done a full house gun with either, mostly some work here and there. The most extensive work I've had done was by Alan and I would not hesitate to go back to him. Same with Jim.

It's been some time since I've been to Jim, but I'm going to say that pricing is about the same. Turn around time from Alan was quite good. Give me a PM or email and I'll give you the full details.

[Moonclip]

No experiences with either, but I called Tanaka recently and he seemed like a very good person to deal with. I don't believe he is open on weekends though, a disturbing trend I'm seeing with many gunsmiths.

[Black Majik]

Thanks guys for the advice and responses...

Mute, were you the one that got work done on your Colt Commander either by Tanaka or Hoag? Who did the hardchroming on it?

Any more experiences to tell are welcome. Where can I see pictures of their work. None of the forums really have many pictures of their work.

Thanks

[Mute]

I had the Commander worked on by Tanaka. No hardchroming, just a standard stainless pistol, though I might consider having it hardchromed. Here's a picture of the gun:

[JMB1911]

Alright I did a search on gunsmith turnaround times and came up with this thread. I have a GI 1911 that's been with a local gunsmith (NOT Tanaka or Hoag) for 3 months for a trigger job and barrel bushing fitting. So far it doesn't look like he has even done any work...I keep getting a runaround as to how long it'll take. I'm wondering if I should just get my gun back and have either Wilson or SA Custom Shop do the work. So is this the norm for this kind of work on a 1911?

[SCMA-1]

I've only had Alan Tanaka do some Smith & Wesson revolver work for me as he is one of the few that knows how to do revolvers. Anyways, the work was done quickly and competently; he finished much quicker then he originally quoted me and the price was very reasonable. He's very honest also which I like; I inquired about a revolver action job and he admitted that an inexpensive Brownells spring kit would suit most people's purposes.

I can recommend Alan Tanaka without reservation.

SCMA-1

[Sheldon]

They both have great reputations. I visited Hoag's before but didn't have any work done by him. I have had Alan Tanaka do work on my Colt Gold Cup and he is tops in my book and that he is local is a big bonus too. He actually replaced a barrel bushing while I waited one time. I was expected to lose use of the gun for a couple weeks, but he told me he'd be done in about an hour.

[Black Majik]

Holy crap. my first necro'ed thread.

[JMB1911]

Yeah, I just had to resurrect it when I was doing a search on my million dollar question. How long does it normally take gunsmihs to do a trigger job?

[Jonathan Doe]

I have seen most PPC shooters shoot Tanaka pistols and revolvers. They are very good shooting guns. I have seen great scores with those guns.

[M47_Dragon]

I have a GI 1911 that's been with a local gunsmith (NOT Tanaka or Hoag) for 3 months for a trigger job and barrel bushing fitting. So far it doesn't look like he has even done any work...I keep getting a runaround as to how long it'll take.

Interesting. I use Hoag for all of my smithing needs, but I ran into the same problem with him recently. This is not the norm - his turnaround times used to be fantastic. The fact that you are having this problem with another local smith prove to me that it may just be a sign of the times. Along with the gun buying craze, I think there were just as many pulling out old guns that needed work and taking them in for tune-ups.

Hoag did my trigger jobs in about a week, but the last time I took a gun in for work, he had it for four months without touching it. Too busy.

[Mulie]

Just my two cents worth re: Alan Tanaka of A.T. Custom Gunwork Inc.

I just got my S&W Mod 15 back from Alan for correction of cylinder end shake and what turned out to be a few other issues with the gun. I am extremely happy with the work that Alan did on it. Alan demonstrated some real talent in identifying what was really wrong the my gun, and then correcting it.

His turn around time was outstanding... two days. And his pricing is fair.
I will be using him in the future and do not hesitate to recommend him.

[Black Majik]

I declare November 19th to be "Dig up my old threads" day. lol

Here's to #2.

Mulie, thanks for the insight!