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Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 638
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 638 |
I'm not a good gunsmith but a friend is. He has over 15 years on me and is approaching the winter of his life.
I bought a couple of his finished projects just because he built them and I liked them. He didn't make any money on those two guns per say, but he made memories for himself. One gun is a custom Springfield 03-A3 converted to .22 LR using an excess conversion bolt which fouind his way home with him from his early 1960's Air Force posting in Alaska. Neat gun, tack driver, and something which invokes in me the memories of his Alaska hunting stories and also the first handshake I received in joining the sportsmen's club.
Those guns which he build and I now own will lilely someday be my keepsake of a good man and friend.
Mark
Last edited by MarkOue; 05/13/12 05:07 AM.
USMC Retired
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14,030 Likes: 1828
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 14,030 Likes: 1828 |
Sometimes it is because you want something that can't be bought anywhere. For example, I am looking for a set of trashed 12 ga. BSS barrels. I intend to have them sleeved with a set of 32" tubes. Browning never made them, but I can have a set for clays competition. I can have them sleeved, sent back to me where I can strike them to the feel I want, then have them choked and finished. It may cost more than what the gun will be worth, but it also may be the only set there is.
SRH
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,574 Likes: 167
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 11,574 Likes: 167 |
A friend has gotten into gunsmithing fairly seriously. I spotted a 16ga SW ejector at a local shop. Barrels were sound, gun was slightly off face, receiver was good, very poor restock job. That one was only a few hundred $, and by the time he'd finished with it, the major cost (other than sweat equity) being a semi-inletted stock, it was worth 3 times that.
Sometimes they're no-brainers . . . in either direction, go or no go.
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 369 Likes: 40
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 369 Likes: 40 |
This thread caused me to count up the projects I have going (total 14 if I didn't forget any) and they range from stocking and engraving to building guitars, r/c models and street rods (plural) and others in-between. I always have something interesting to do and never have a dull or boring day. Some of the projects are rather long in the tooth but so am I. When I finish one it is a great pleasure but I do not worry about that. The big problem is trying to NOT start more projects as I won't live long enough to finish what I have going. I am thoroughly enjoying my life! I am also a full time engraver so am not retired.
Sam Welch
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,850
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,850 |
I think to find the answer to the question all one has to do is re-read our late Tony's threads and look at his progress pictures. It was his labor of love. 
Practice safe eating. Always use a condiment.
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Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 317 Likes: 19
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 317 Likes: 19 |
hello bob jurewicz,
re your original question re wisdom of projects.in my case they have mostly been expensive mistakes and hopefully i have learned my lesson ie.never again!
however i have no hands on ability and have been partaking of the services of the guntrade and it has always been a disappointing,expensive,time consuming exercise.
in my situation i would be better paying more upfront for a gun fit for purpose.(fingers crossed no major faults to surface)
i guess we all have a little different views affected by time, money,ability etc
cheers
mrwmartin
NA
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 406 Likes: 1
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 406 Likes: 1 |
Many of us that do "PROJECT GUNS" don't do so to expect a profit. There are other more important reasons:
1. I like to hunt with nice looking classic American SxS shotguns. A well restored SxS is a joy in the field.
2. Like many of you, I'm 6' and wear 36" sleeve length. I need a 15" LOP, and almost none of those classic left the factory in 1910 with a stock that long.
3. There is an inate pleasure in seeing a hard-used old-time SxS restored to its original beauty and utlity. Refinishing, re-blacking, and new case colors make these old girls seem new again -- 100 years later. Its like "saving its life" and giving it another 50+ years.
4. It is often much easier to find the old SxS that you want, if it is need of renewal.
Its not about the money! If money was the key issue, we would all be shooting WALMART Remington Express 870's of Mossberg 500's.
JERRY
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 911 Likes: 45
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 911 Likes: 45 |
It all depends on who's ox is being gored.For me projects are an opportunity to get my hands busy and learn as much as I can. If all you want to invest is money, I doubt the process will be rewarding. Either way, meeting people in the trade and shooting with people while using a "project" can be very rewarding. PS Thanks for the kind words Larry
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