Trying to restore my Grandfathers shotgun.

Timothy R. Goode

July 18, 2002 13:00

Hello everyone,

I recently was given my grandfathers shotgun. And it is in poor condition. The stock is all but gone, there is a crack at the muzzle of 1 of the barrels, and its just dirty. The only Identifying marks on are on one side of the stock mount it says " Russell Arms Co", inbetween the barrels on top it also says "Belgian Twist" it might be "Twisted", just gotta clean it alittle more. General information, the shotgun is a double barrel, double hammer, with 2 triggers (1 behind the other). There are some marks under the barrels when you open the breech, just really can't make them out. I do not know the guage of the barrels either. Also there is no year stamp on the gun. My father was born in 1937, and he has said that as much as he could remember his father had always had it. I would appreciate any help some one might provide, I intend to try and restore the gun so i can return to my father, as its about all he has of his father.
thank you

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  nmyers

  July 18, 2002 13:25

  You might want to talk to Doug Turnbull at www.gunshop.com; he is one of the few people who has the necessary skill for such a project.
  
  Of course, this is a job that will cost several thousand $. And, we're talking about a gun that, if in fine original condition, would be worth substantially less than that.
  
  But, don't let me discourage you.
  
  Neal

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  rhmc24

  July 18, 2002 13:33

  Whatever you do, don't try to fire that gun. The twist barrels are dangerous with today's ammunition. Seems like you have one of the many imported double, hammer, shotguns many of which came from Belgium in the late 1800s. My Grandfathes's was made in Belgium and he bought it in 1886. In good condition they are worth up to about $200. In poor condition worth almost nothing. I realize your question is not about money but if you pay someone to have it restored, it can cost several times what the finished piece will be worth in the end. If you do it yourself you will have to develop some ability. There are books on the market that may help. If you attempt it without some guidance you may or may not improve the desirability of your finished piece. If you will post your email address I will send you some source info. For display purposes as a wall hanger a lot can be done restoring a stock using epoxy glue and sawdust. The glue itself to fix cracks and glue mixed with sawdust as a filler where wood may be missing. Clean the metal with kerosene or mineral spirits and steel wool. Hope this helps.

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  Timothy R. Goode

  July 18, 2002 15:58

  Thank you both,
  
  My E- mail address is ShilohBane@aol.com. I really do appreciate the info you both gave. I talked to my father a little while ago and he said the last time he fired it was back around 1959.....and thats when the barrel cracked lol. I kinda figured it would be really expensive to even attempt to restore it...maybe I'll just find him a newer shotgun lol. He mentioned that he was looking at a 10 gauge the other day...what a 65 year old man needs with a 10 gauge is beyond me lol.
  
  thanks again i do appreciate your help and advice

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  rhmc24

  July 19, 2002 06:06

  I tried to send you an email to the address you gave but it was rejected as not a valid address. Suggest check and send again. My email is rhmc24@sebell.net if you want to send direct to me.

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  rhmc24

  July 19, 2002 06:13

  Sorry I did a typo and gave incorrect email. Correct is rhmc24@swbell.net.

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