ORIGINAL: Criggster
I picked-up my 742 rem. today from the gunsmith. It had grease or oil, and fingerprints all over the receiver . To top it off he charged $25.00 to install a dust cover on the bolt and $12.00 for the cover!!!
He then told me it needed cleaning. I knew the action was needing a cleaning. He said it would cost AT LEAST $35.00 for the cleaning. I told him it still shot good. Looks like I will be finding a new smithy.
You didn't mention what you took it in for in the first place so I'll assume it was to have the dustcover installed. $25 for labor, plus the parts cost seems pretty reasonable to me.
Now, as noted, no 'smith I've ever run into is gonna' clean your gun for you without charge, and $35 is a decent price for it. If you don't like it - CLEAN IT YOURSELF!
Edit: Just checked prices for a local gunsmith and found the following posted on his website. Seems like yours was right in line.
Price guide for gunsmithing work
Labor - Per Hour.............................30.00
Min. charge Per gun........................25.00
Clean & Oil Gun
Includes complete disassembly, cleaning and
inspection of all parts.......................35.00