UPDATE - Colt SAA Restorer?
Seeking info based on experience and observation about competent restorers of Colt Single Actions. I know about Turnbull and also know there are others who do competent work and reasonable turnaround times.
I have a SAA 7.5", 1880's "ole brown gun", not pitted and has EXC bore, not badly holsterworn but will need the full treatment including re-marking.
Thoughtful recco, comment, opinion & names of restorers appreciated. Thanks
EDIT Thanks to those who responded. I didn't have any luck with search of google and Bing. Of the several I sent inquiries to most did not reply. I got a couple replies curt and with little info. One did give a quote of somewhere between $3 & $5K. I gave the above simple info with request for estimate of cost and turnaround time. Business must be good in that quadrant.
OTOH -- I sought info about similar work on one of my 1902 Colt autos. Dealt with one and got it back in about 15 days, EXC job. I sent the stripped frame and slide that I had given mirror polish, flat with no buffing. See below. Lettering is a little heavy but no heavier than a couple other my original 1902s. This was a gun I got with very heavy pitting, no lettering visible. Blue is very, very close to original Colt, as seen below between trigger and C in Colt on grip. (light blue is reflected sky) Very pleased with the job.
I have a SAA 7.5", 1880's "ole brown gun", not pitted and has EXC bore, not badly holsterworn but will need the full treatment including re-marking.
Thoughtful recco, comment, opinion & names of restorers appreciated. Thanks
EDIT Thanks to those who responded. I didn't have any luck with search of google and Bing. Of the several I sent inquiries to most did not reply. I got a couple replies curt and with little info. One did give a quote of somewhere between $3 & $5K. I gave the above simple info with request for estimate of cost and turnaround time. Business must be good in that quadrant.
OTOH -- I sought info about similar work on one of my 1902 Colt autos. Dealt with one and got it back in about 15 days, EXC job. I sent the stripped frame and slide that I had given mirror polish, flat with no buffing. See below. Lettering is a little heavy but no heavier than a couple other my original 1902s. This was a gun I got with very heavy pitting, no lettering visible. Blue is very, very close to original Colt, as seen below between trigger and C in Colt on grip. (light blue is reflected sky) Very pleased with the job.
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The more I see Turnbull's work the more it appears to me as an art form, but perhaps that's just me. He does beautiful work, don't get me wrong, but his results just seem to have too much pizzazz!
In my humble opinion the only time I'd consider restoring an original Colt or Winchester is if it had been severely abused and neglected. The old aged and browned out, but clean guns probably saw a lot of outdoors carry and range work and just looking at them they really evoke images and tell just about any story you want them to tell!
However, restoration is a personal choice and I respect that! Personally, I don't have any experience with restoration experts, but interestingly enough occasionally a Single Action will appear on Gunbroker that has been restored (old restoration) extremely well and the gun looks almost original (natural), almost with a slight aged appearance, but the person that performed the work is unknown; too bad!!
I think if I wanted a near new early Single Action, without the high price of an original, I'd look for one that had already been restored and has the appeal you are looking for. I've actually considered this approach myself.0 -
The problem with not restoring brown guns is that brown is rust that doesn't stop unless you get down to clean metal and apply a finish or protective coating.
Markings on several antiques I've had for many years have become very faint.0 -
quote:Originally posted by v35
The problem with not restoring brown guns is that brown is rust that doesn't stop unless you get down to clean metal and apply a finish or protective coating.
Markings on several antiques I've had for many years have become very faint.
Yes, the brown is a form of rust or oxidation...so is the blue...it is just more controled. Brown of grey patina is not a bad thing.0
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