doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Army & Navy restoration process and pictures

C.J. If you'd like, I have some photos of a restored gun very similar to yours. If you email me, I can send them to you. Daryl

I think as interest in vintage guns has grown, that many have moved beyond just well-preserved examples and have wondered what it might have been like to have a new gun from one of the storied makers. With the level of recrafting/remanufacturing/restoration available today, that dream can come close to reality. I think in part this is because of the elevated level of talent being devoted to these projects. Previously, refinishing meant some compromise--details just didn't seem right in all respects. As this A & N project illustrates, it can be just about perfect. One could argue you can get a new gun equivilent to the old, but who can afford H & H or Purdey new gun prices. There are many more who can afford a recrafted example at 1/3 the cost or much less.

I've noticed that even among Parker collectors, who in the past would sniff at anything that hinted refinished, there is beginning to be acceptance of the superb work being turned out by Turnbull. There are even some who hunt out Turnbull's work for collection.

All in all, I think we're entering a new era in the area of recrafted classic firearms, and the market is beginning to appreciate the artistry of some of the restoration practitioners.

I would say that the Brits are ahead of us in valuing "restored" guns. Maybe we should turn into a nation more into using our guns as well.

Claudio,

I've been telling you for five years "what a nice gun that is" and I have enjoyed seeing it at various stages of destruction, construction & rebirth. Seeing the finished product last week was a treat, and watching this thread was great.

But shooting it today was fantastic!

Congratulations on a job done very, very well.

I am in awe of your accomplishment with this restoration.

Mark

A bit off subject here but Wilson Combat had a clinic at the Scottsdale Gun Club last weekend and had several examples of their truly excellent quality hand guns on display. One of the series they make features a case colored frame. These are colored for Wilson by none other that Doug Turnbull and are really a sight to see. The Wilson reps were really surprised when I told them it appeared to be his work. I think eventually we'll take the same approach as those in the car collecting community where quality restoration is well accepted.
Jim

Here are some pictures of yesterday's outing, will help to put a face to the names,...Mark called early in the morning,...had an itchy trigger finger, we just had to get out for a shoot!..... despite various complaints from the womenfolk

It was a glorious spring day,...we sure been waiting long enough for it

CJ

PS... Mark's the better looking one

cj,your shotgun looks great.i think i have its brother.I bought mine about ten years ago from a friend.it was my first side by side.Let me ask you a question.how did you get the high sheen on your rust bluing.it looks great.I have been trying to learn and have not been able to get it right.I have pictures of my work on the " rust bluing,i have a question" post.I would love to know what i need to do to get it right.It looks great on your gun,thanks.

Wow.
I wish I could do that.
If I had my time again I'd look at becoming an apprentice gunmaker; there is something very special about the hand creation of such beautiful yet useful and functional things.
RG

Glad someone pulled this thread up....beautiful job CJ.