Old timey gunsmithing

[Alex Wheeler]

I really wish that our economy would support that kind of work. I sometimes get local guys or friends that ask me to fix something on an inexpensive gun. A broken hammer on a single shot .410 comes to mind. Guns worth $150 on a good day. No parts available. Can I set up and make a one off hammer, sure. But he's expecting a $50 dollar repair.

 

[butchlambert]

Guys, I've had the privilege of having Bill, Will Henry, and his lovely wife visit with us. It was a great afternoon. Unfortunately they still had a long way to go to SW Canada. Hopefully they will stop by again.

 

[Will Henry]

I really wish that our economy would support that kind of work. I sometimes get local guys or friends that ask me to fix something on an inexpensive gun. A broken hammer on a single shot .410 comes to mind. Guns worth $150 on a good day. No parts available. Can I set up and make a one off hammer, sure. But he's expecting a $50 dollar r

There is no question that this sort of work doesn't pay, and if I was dependent on it for my living, and if there weren't kids involved, I probably wouldn't do it. When I started out, it was expected.
Now, I'm trying to make some video recordings of gunsmithing for the old and inept, and this is one project. I'm counting on grandchildren for help in editing. Otherwise, even I can't bear to watch. There's a limit to the entertainment value of watching a scruffy old guy, turning in circles, looking for the wrench he's holding in his hand! WH

 

[jelenko]

Barrels were hand forged by hammering a rectangular sheet of steel around a mandrel

Yeah! Just amazing [at least to me]

 

[shortgrass]

I really wish that our economy would support that kind of work. I sometimes get local guys or friends that ask me to fix something on an inexpensive gun. A broken hammer on a single shot .410 comes to mind. Guns worth $150 on a good day. No parts available. Can I set up and make a one off hammer, sure. But he's expecting a $50 dollar repair.

Everyone wants a "deal". And that doesn't just apply to firearms repairs! Think about that for a moment, just how many instances come to mind. And, to make a part for any repair, a part that can't be bought, and/or a task you can't do yourself, because of lack of know-how and/or tool or equipment limitations.........