Shotgun Restoration
Does anyone have a recomendation on where you would send an antique shotgun for some metal restoration work?
Damascus barrels need some dings removed.
Barrels need to be re-blued (re-browned).
Engraving needs to be touched up in worn places.
Damascus barrels need some dings removed.
Barrels need to be re-blued (re-browned).
Engraving needs to be touched up in worn places.
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Who, what company, restores older shotguns? I have a friend interested in having a turn of the century side by side restored. Thanks for the help.
San Pablo0 -
A competent gunsmith with a complete shop should be able to do it. However, depending on the current state of the gun and any potential collectors value you may want to find out whether or not it would devalue the firearm even further....or in some cases find out if it's even worth it.
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Your life is not my fault.0 -
sanpablo,
Welcome!
ridowns3 presented some viable statements. I am not a novice in the wonderful world of s x s's. There are absolutely too many questions/
answers-opinions to respond to with a one liner. Perhaps we could start with the manufacturer, damascus/twist barrel construction, condition (strong percent of original finish), engraving, stock and checkering condition, etc. Perhaps also the reason your friend wishes
to have this arm restored. Just for the sake of argument (discussion),
If a damascus barreled gun with good bores-the going rate to bring back the damascus finish is $375.00-if fluid steel and a rust blue s correct-$125.00. Does not include internal honing of the bores nor resolder of barrels to ribs. If action is loose-horizontal play this would require a new hinge pin-if possible-about $150.00 plus. If
action is loose in vertical position-TIG welding (obviously protecting the solder joints) would be required on the barrel locking lug/s-another $150.00/plus/minus. If the action-box lock or side lock
requires attention-such as re-chasing the engraving and re-color case
hardening-(fill in the amount). Stock work-replacement or re-work of original and checkering (fill in the amount). This is really only touching upon the obvious. We did not discuss firing pins, trigger/s-springs, pits, etc. This is completely a judgement call by your friend. No One company except Doug Turnbull does it all and he does not do twist barrels to my satisfaction-but is close. Keith Kearcher in Oregon does an extremely fine job on barrel restoration. I would avoid Del Greco Junior although Del Greco Senior was an artist. My opinion and worth all of $.02. Good luck - 1010 -
The general rule of restoration is... DON'T!!!
Repair an old gun - Yes. Bringing it back to safe working order is a good thing, but when you go beyond that point you better be aware of the consequences.
Restoration removes the history of the gun. It also destroys collector interest in the piece and often costs more than the gun will be worth at the end of the job.
Do I own restored guns? Yes! I knew exactly what I was doing and the guns will never leave the family in my lifetime. I don't care about value, nor do I care what a collector might think.
Just know what you're doing before you make the jump.
Nord0 -
As one who has spent 40 years as a restorer of old guns, I endorse what Nord is saying. Been there, done that. 0 -
Generally speaking, if it's worth restoring (Parker, Fox, Smith, etc.).....DON'T. You'll ruin it's value.
If it's not worth much, it'll cost you more than it's worth.
The exception....Great grandpa's old "Hardware Store" shotgun that has family sentimental value, and you want it spiffed up to hang on the wall.0 -
Thanks to everyone for your input. I will pass on your thoughts to my friend.
San Pablo0
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