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Joined: Aug 2013
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Sidelock
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My sincere thanks to all who have contributed here. I am 53, in a career I dont much care for but am thankful for nonetheless. This kind of endeavor is about my pursuit of the skills to make second a career, that I actually like, if and when I can afford to step away from the current one. So, thank you for helping me learn.

I do not yet know what method well use to bore and sleeve, but the monobloc is cut, square, nicely faced, and the tubes have been bought in the UK. When they arrive, well resume.

Joined: Aug 2018
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Sidelock

Joined: Aug 2018
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Awesome thread. Pics of anyone's set up would be invaluable.

I am just a couple years older than BGraham but my interest in double gun resto and repair is a culmination of taking many individual interests and focusing them into one object and eliminating the other objects as distraction in my life.

Guns, hunting, metal working, woodworking, exploration, art, history and fraternity all come into a very satisfying contentment in vintage double shotguns.

This is a great forum and I am so respectful to all those who are mastering/have mastered the skills to keep these guns alive and kicking.

Joined: Jul 2012
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B. Graham,
A bit of unsolicited advice, most people don't listen to me though. I wouldn't just quit my present job, work until you have full retirement. It is hard to start fresh and make a living as a gunsmith, a decent retirement helps a lot. You seem to be rounding up equipment and experience now, while you are still working, that is good. I was not much older than you are now when I retired. There is one thing that hits us all, age is a bear. There are a lot more than 10 years between 50 years old and 60 and especially between 60 and 70. Age influences everything you do, unless you are very very lucky. If you can't stand in front of a lathe or mill very long, it is really hard to work from a stool and dangerous also. Hand polishing a gun or letting in a stock is hardly possible, sitting on a stool. Keep all this in mind when gathering equipment and setting up your shop as well as deciding what to specialize in. good luck.

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Joined: Aug 2013
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Thanks, Brother. I appreciate the advice.

Job: I have no plan to quit my present job. It's looking like 10-15 more in my future. That said, the company I work for it notorious for sending people packing in large numbers, and often-times the older employees. I have been somewhat successful in modestly "refreshing" old neglected doubles, so if my career ends sooner than I wish, I should have some skill already to help us get by, but I know this work will not currently cover my families costs at this time.

Health: I polished a pitted Colt 1908 by hand for 4 hours last night for my first bluing project of the school curriculum. One has to prove you can polish by hand before they let you at the wheels. At the end of class at 10:00PM, my arthritic hands were screaming, and my arms were falling off. So, I hear you!

In order of specialization priorities, I'm interested in doubles, old steel S&W revolvers, classic carbon steel 1911's, and an odd rifle here and there. Doubles are the primary area of focus. I do plan to get back to damascus refinishing at some point, but my facilities don't make that a scalable endeavor. I had some good results in the past, but the cost was too high.

I'm doing this because I love it, and that's the best part of it.

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B. Graham,
More unsolicited advice. If your company has a retirement plan that you are vested in and you are let go, leave the retirement in place, if you can. Usually if you "cash out", you get only what you "put in" and would loose any interest or company contributions. They will "suggest" you cash out because it is better for them. A reduced pension is better than no pension and it will still accrue interest on what is left in, until you reach retirement age. Of course, this doesn't apply if they are "going under". Not my business, I just had friends hurt by "cashing out" and having to start over late in life.
Mike

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No pension with this company anymore. That match up to 5% and give you 1% as a gift. You have to still be employed as of 12/15 of each, or youre out of luck for that year. So, this time of year is when people start to get nervous about layoffs. The company will likely never go out of business.

Joined: Dec 2001
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Joined: Dec 2001
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I would suggest you take heed of Gunmans comments. I can assure you not all shotguns barrels have the chamber aligned with the bore, let alone the muzzle. Maybe most do, but not all. I learned this the hard way, but was able to recover. You must bore out the back end indicating on the original chamber as your guide. You only get one shot at this.


Dennis Potter
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Joined: May 2008
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Dennis;

Your article on choke reaming in the recent Shooting Sportsman magazine was well written and right to the point of demonstrating that not all chokes are created equal. You are to be congratulated for your good photography and writing skills.

Kindest Regards;

Joined: Dec 2001
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I missed adding that you must indicate both the rear and front of the chamber, not just the rear. Sorry


Dennis Potter
Joined: Feb 2013
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After being surprised by an American gun or two but still being able to save my arse I now bore all monoblocks in the mill after cutting. Normally you can follow the chamber, but a few have required redirection.


A.M. Little Bespoke Gunmakers LLC.
Mineola, TX
Michael08TDK@yahoo.com
682-554-0044
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