doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Spare parts from early stock/actions/forends

What I meant, Chantry, is that every gunsmith I've ever known, that has been in business for quite a while, has bought up actions, barrels, etc. for parts. I wan't implying that there are people who buy them up for the purpose of reselling alone. I apologize for not being clearer about it.

I've even done so myself, on a much smaller scale, primarily A H Fox stuff.

I purchased a Purdey during Covid, the safety and triggers springs had been compromised by some incompetent. I emailed Nick, explained the problem, and he put me in touch with a person in Purdey who, after much cajoling about the global shutdown et al., agreed to sell me the springs. I took a photo of each and sent it off. I phoned Purdey with my CC, “no returns” they said, and a month later the parts arrived via Royal Mail, certified. I had a competent smith in Vermont put them in , who subsequently told me I was fortunate because Purdey does not sell parts. I mentioned they did ask if I needed mainsprings but I said no, to which he said “you should have said yes.” No problems to date. Count my lucky stars.

The Purdey " spring I was talking about is a very unique and complex spring. It has a very small "roller" made on to it. The Henry Atkin "Spring Opener" is said to be an exact but better version of the Purdey self opener. If I had another issue that involved a similar spring I would send it up to G&H as they are a Purdey dealer here in the US and have the people to repair most anything on a Purdey.
I could have sent the Atkin to them as they quoted me a price. Mr. Hutten was slightly less and had a much more interesting story behind him. He was a true gentleman and a joy to talk with.
Now I may bash on English guns and "Best" guns but to tell the truth, there is something about a fine English Best shotgun. They have a "soul" that most other shotguns do not have.

Not a problem, it's just as likely I read it wrong. And thanks for the suggestion on the book Stock Fitter's Bible. I also bought Mastering Skeet by King Heiple. I have no ambitions toward being a great skeeter shooter, just a bit better one.