Stupid question from a New Member

[camus]

I have acquired some guns in different ways over the years. A couple are very nice (have original box, instructions and all original packaging). The rest are what most people would recommend for buy-back programs. Some could use some repair parts, i.e. mainsprings for revolver, spring for a SXS Crescent and a (non-cracked) handguard for a Carcano.

I have not found any local gunsmiths who are willing to work on "lower quality" firearms. I know it does not make sense to try to get several hours of work on a $25.00 double action Harrington & Richardson Top Break, but there are a couple of these that I would like to get get put complete. These are just for appearance and wall hanging, certainly not shooting.

I was wondering how I can find a smith who would be willing to work on these? I know that they may not "worth" repairing from an economic standpoint, but I would like some repaired. No big deal, just wold like cost estimate. I would actually y be willing to pay for an estimate, because I know these people's time is valuable.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[fixyurgun]

It would help to know where you are located. Jim

 

[camus]

Stupid Questions are asked by Forgetful Missourians

Jim,

Good point. I am in St. Louis MO.

Thanks!

 

[Norsecat]

look for a gunsmithing school

A gunsmithing school might have a student to work on these but make sure you can get them back.

Lassen in CA
530-251-8800

 

[fixyurgun]

How handy are you? And what are the problems? If you take it one gun at a time & do some web searchs for that make/model in the gunsmith sections of the forums(here,firingline,mausercentral, etc) you can get an idea of how common,how serious & how expensive the fix is going to be. Idon't know any smiths in st. louis. Good luck, be careful. Jim

 

[Chawbaccer]

If you know what parts need replaced go to Numrich and start ordering them. If parts are obsolete, start looking for them. Smiths hate to look for obscure parts for cheap guns, it is a waste of their time. Having the parts in hand when asking for a repair will get you better results. If you are the least bit handy you can do some of the repairs yourself or use the cheap guns to learn on.

 

[frogomatic]

Camus, I'm a student as CST right now, I graduate at the end of october. On november 1st, I start working at a gunshop in kirksville missouri. If you can wait that long, I'd be willing to do business with you. If you would care to discuss this more, PM me, and I'll provide you my email address.

 

[Jim K]

It is not only the value (or lack of it) that causes gunsmiths to shy away from them.

The fact is that fixing those old guns is a most frustrating, trying experience. Worse of course, is the fact that the owner usually knows the approximate value of the gun and will simply walk away from it when presented with a bill for many times the gun's value.

I know I have often spent a whole day on one of those H&R's or similar guns, and did so from sheer determination not to let it defeat me. But I didn't own the shop or depend on the work for a living so I was willing to take a hit from time to time to satisfy a customer. I would not/could not have done it otherwise.

You know what other skilled workers charge - plumbers, electricians, HVAC repairmen, so gunsmiths see no need to work for less.

Jim

 

[camus]

Thanks for all the Advice

Gentlemen,

Thanks for your help. I did review Numrich, they seem to have the part I require. This particular gun is definitely not safe shoot, but will provide a learning experience for me. I ordered the part (mainspring) that I believe that I need and now we shall see. Believe me, I am very sensitive to the time/value issue. Most of my life I have sold technology and there is a difference not only in product, but also in service

 

[Riss]

Other problem is that for old guns it that the parts are either old also, being taken from a used gun or the part has to be made and hand fit. Neither which is easy and keep time spent up and profit low. Not lots of new parts around for old guns, unless they are popular guns and have lots of variants and new replacement parts made through the years.

 

[Jim K]

If the mainspring is a flat "s" type, it is easy to replace. The only work it might need is a little trimming to length. Just remove the grips, put it in, then put the grips back on.

Jim