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#622109 11/16/22 02:28 PM
Joined: Mar 2013
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Gankai Offline OP
Sidelock
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Sidelock

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Is there anyone who actually works on AND repairs side lock actions?

Rick Hill


Rick Hill
Gankai #622110 11/16/22 02:30 PM
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Sidelock
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Well, of course there are. What are you needing done?

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Gankai Offline OP
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Well - I have a pair of August Chapu (French) best shotguns - I think they were sourced in Liege. One lock in both guns is broken and I would like to find someone who actually can repair sidelocks. The first gunsmith tried welding part of the broken plate three times (over a year), broke a mainspring and gave up. The second gunsmith is fixing the broken mainspring but after having the guns 6 months has said he is not able to fix them either. Another Marcel Donckier sidelock with a broken tumbler that has the intercepting sear was just left that way by this gunsmith and the gun pronounced shootable. So yes I would like to find someone who can work on and fix sidelocks.


Rick Hill
Gankai #622115 11/16/22 03:05 PM
Joined: Feb 2016
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In June of this year I sent a Purdey to the gunsmith at Griffin & Howe so the sidelocks could get strip cleaned and was very pleased with their work and turn-around time. While what I had done is relatively simple compared to what you may need, here's what they say they can do on their website:

Quote
Parts and Spring Making:
The Gunsmithing Shop at Griffin & Howe has the capability to create virtually any component contained in the majority of firearms spanning multiple centuries. The oldest firearm they have fabricated a part for was a 1600s era shotgun!


It might not hurt to check with G&H.

Gankai #622116 11/16/22 03:12 PM
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Kip Offline
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I believe Dewey Vicknair could help, his blog has details about some incredibly in-depth repairs

Gankai #622117 11/16/22 03:22 PM
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Sidelock
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Wow. A broken plate!??

Unfortunately, a lot of gunsmiths nowadays don’t want to take on serious jobs like this (especially if it involves complex spring making), the rationale is that they put too much time into them and don’t make enough on the job given their time to fix the issue. If you do find a gunsmith that’s both competent and willing to take on the job, you’re literally a year or two waiting in line!! I know several very good, Classically trained extremely competent gunmakers and they simply will not take on any new clients or jobs their backlog is so big.

Give Reto Beuhler a call, he’s very good at complex jobs.
https://www.customsportingarms.com/

This guy has made a lot of folks happy
http://www.phillipsgunsmithing.com/contact-us.html

Steve Hutton is a British trained gunmaker, his specialty is a jobber and a machinist. try him
6033030699

I doubt JJ Perodeau or Gunter Pfrommer will take on the job but you could try them too.

Del Whitman could hook you up, but you’re easily a year+ out.


Your guns have some serious issues. I hope you find someone to repair them.

Gankai #622161 11/17/22 01:50 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
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Sidelock
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Aaron Little Texas a best gunsmith he is young but in my opinion the to go to guy in the States

Gankai #622164 11/17/22 07:47 AM
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Originally Posted by Gankai
Well - I have a pair of August Chapu (French) best shotguns - I think they were sourced in Liege. One lock in both guns is broken and I would like to find someone who actually can repair sidelocks. The first gunsmith tried welding part of the broken plate three times (over a year), broke a mainspring and gave up. The second gunsmith is fixing the broken mainspring but after having the guns 6 months has said he is not able to fix them either. Another Marcel Donckier sidelock with a broken tumbler that has the intercepting sear was just left that way by this gunsmith and the gun pronounced shootable. So yes I would like to find someone who can work on and fix sidelocks.

Rick, would it be possible for you to post some pics of the broken lock plate(s)? I'm sure there are many who are curious about that type failure. If you don't have any close-up pics it might be helpful to take some to email to potential gunsmiths. I feel sure you have already considered/done this, though.

Best, SRH


May God bless America and those who defend her.
Gankai #622166 11/17/22 08:32 AM
Joined: Nov 2018
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Sidelock
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As far as the tumbler and spring are concerned I can make both for you. I don't weld so I woud not be able to fix the broken
side plate if I understood that correctly

Gankai #622169 11/17/22 08:46 AM
Joined: Jan 2009
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Sidelock
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Take a look at Pete Nagel, Restorative Welding of Antique Firearms, he may be able to assist. Also John Hosford, the instrument maker, also does restorative welding. And it could not hurt to give Turnbull a call, although they are across the country from you in NY.

Good luck

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