First Refurbishing Job

[killermarmot]

Well I've just started getting into a little home gunsmithing and have been doing wood working for some time and wanted to try to do a little refurbishing on a shotgun. I was thinking a side by side or something of the like. Basicly I want something simple that I can do stock work on, a little trigger work things like that but I'm not sure what is the best way to go. What would you guys suggest for a shotgun i could find fairly easily used so I could have it be kind of an ongoing project? I suppose it doesn't have to a shotgun I just wanted something relativley simple mechanicly. Any help would be great.

 

[Amish_Bill]

If you want to start really, really cheap, look for an old single-shot shotgun. If you look for one in sad shape from a pawn shop or estate auction, you should have minimal outlay, but still have wood, barrel & receiver to work on.

Worst case, you've you've made a scap gun marginally less valuable. Best case, you might e able to sell it for more than you bought it for. Either way, you will have gained experience without having risked damaging a nice gun.

If you want to start a bit higher up the food chain, maybe a beatup Remington 870 or Mossberg 500/590? They are current enough and common enough that they will not cost a fortune. You'll also be able to find parts for it easily.

 

[redneck]

The romanian trainer .22 rifles are usually less than $100. Local shop was selling them for $69 last winter. They look like a mauser and generally need tons of cosmetic work but shoot well.