Turnbull…..

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Steve S.

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I sent an 1873 to Mr. Turnbull’s organization in NY back in January; requested work was some stock fitting detail, CC the receiver, lever, hammer, butt plate and nose cap (the blued parts did not need attention) and Winchester “red” the wood like yesteryear.
I am a very picky gun guy - very picky; I do not mind shelling out substantial money on my hobby BUT, I expect the quality. When I removed the rifle from the box and began viewing the fit/ finish/ detail - I was taken aback - the work was simply stellar, amazing attention to detail - being pleased with my rifle is a grand understatement! It was gorgeous!!!!! D5F977F0-9A43-47DF-B3AD-3C03340C46B0.jpeg 61F4B85C-3E7D-4A29-9FD5-8C0D9FAEDC48.jpeg
 
I live near Mr. Turnbull and enjoy going into his business and admiring his inventory.
 
I also have a 1892 Trapper Takedown that, after seeming this kind of quality firsthand, will be sent off for the same work. I will use thie pictured rifle for occasional range plinking and an occasional deer hunt. The CC colors are simply brilliant; the old reddish-style stock color/ finish is a beautiful contrast to the CC - simply exceptional work.
I had read for many years about his (Turnbull’s) quality work but I never indulged. It is one of life’s things that I wish I would have done years ago but never took the plunge - and now on the downside, I have yet another gun hobby addiction. I cannot stress how detailed and stunning this work is - amazing stuff!
 
If I had TONS of money to spend on a top quality 1873 lever rifle, I'd get a Winchester, with octagon barrel, and send it to Turnbull to actually make the case color look correct. I appreciate the attempt of Winchester to do a "case color hardened look", but their process [IMO] is the worst of those companies who make these. Sending it to Turnbull to give it the actual case color process would be the very best way and would be amazing to own!
 
I don’t mind sharing the numbers; I have $1,300.00 in the rifle and the Turnbull work was (all in) $1,493.00 (and a 6 month wait) returned to my front door - so a $2,793.00 investment of US currency. I don’t look at this hobby as an investment, to me it is a consumption/ cost behavior. However in turn, knowing the pricing of this model issued directly from Turnbull, my total cost was a bargain. My recommendation would always be to send an already owned firearm to him for his work as opposed to his special issue (“made to order”) option where he supplies the firearm and the work - much less expensive.
 
Steve S. thank you for a look at a "ball park number" if I ever wanted to do the same.
 
The rifle was used but in pristine condition (the bluing was as new so no need to spend that money) - the CC, some small stock detail work and the stock refinish to “red” - Wahlah! Turnbull magic!
 
Orion8472 said:
If I had TONS of money to spend on a top quality 1873 lever rifle, I'd get a Winchester, with octagon barrel, and send it to Turnbull to actually make the case color look correct. I appreciate the attempt of Winchester to do a "case color hardened look", but their process [IMO] is the worst of those companies who make these. Sending it to Turnbull to give it the actual case color process would be the very best way and would be amazing to own!
Click to expand...

Geeeesh, I have a Miroku 1873 with color case hardened receiver. I think they do a very good job, better in fact than Uberti, and yes I have one of those too.

Turnbull is excellent, for sure .... but I must disagree with your apparently too harsh assessment of Miroku. Just my two cents ....
 
Steve S. said:
I sent an 1873 to Mr. Turnbull’s organization in NY back in January; requested work was some stock fitting detail, CC the receiver, lever, hammer, butt plate and nose cap (the blued parts did not need attention) and Winchester “red” the wood like yesteryear.
I am a very picky gun guy - very picky; I do not mind shelling out substantial money on my hobby BUT, I expect the quality. When I removed the rifle from the box and began viewing the fit/ finish/ detail - I was taken aback - the work was simply stellar, amazing attention to detail - being pleased with my rifle is a grand understatement! It was gorgeous!!!!!View attachment 1014759View attachment 1014762
Click to expand...
I mean, they’re world renowned.
 
Tommygunn said:
Geeeesh, I have a Miroku 1873 with color case hardened receiver. I think they do a very good job, better in fact than Uberti, and yes I have one of those too.

Turnbull is excellent, for sure .... but I must disagree with your apparently too harsh assessment of Miroku. Just my two cents ....
Click to expand...
I guess to each his own. Most of the Winchester's technique I find less appealing than the Italian versions. I've seen some Winchesters that actually look WAY over colored. But again,...I guess it is open to opinion. No big deal! :)
 
Steve S. said:
I sent an 1873 to Mr. Turnbull’s organization in NY back in January; requested work was some stock fitting detail, CC the receiver, lever, hammer, butt plate and nose cap (the blued parts did not need attention) and Winchester “red” the wood like yesteryear.
I am a very picky gun guy - very picky; I do not mind shelling out substantial money on my hobby BUT, I expect the quality. When I removed the rifle from the box and began viewing the fit/ finish/ detail - I was taken aback - the work was simply stellar, amazing attention to detail - being pleased with my rifle is a grand understatement! It was gorgeous!!!!!View attachment 1014759View attachment 1014762
Click to expand...

I have one complaint only...You don't have enough pictures zoomed in to really appreciate that masterpiece.
 
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