Up the creek, nowhere to go

[COLT45SA]

I just got off the phone with a guy whose work I've admired for several years now. I'm looking to have a rather rough Winchester 1885 restored, barrel relined, and caliber changed. To my complete dismay he told me that he is no longer doing that complete work and has scaled down to only doing bluing, nickle plating, and ceracoating. This guys work was second only to Turnbull's at a fraction of Turnbull's prices. Even at that he says he has over a year's work backed up.
I don't know where to turn and don't have a clue regarding whom to call. Do any of you know of someone who is meticulous about his work, knows what he is doing, is honest, and has half way reasonable prices~?

 

[Fast14riot]

@swd Does your buddy in Reno do complete restock work still?

 

[COLT45SA]

@swd Does your buddy in Reno do complete restock work still?

If you are referring to the guy I alluded to in my post about the 1885, he is not in Reno. He is in Tennessee, and he isn't doing any more stock work either.

 

[Fast14riot]

No, a very talented Smith in reno my buddy Shawn (swd) used to work for, which is why I tagged him.

 

[swd]

No, a very talented Smith in reno my buddy Shawn (swd) used to work for, which is why I tagged him.

Not really his specialty, I would look for someone that specializes in lever gun restoration. And when he does do stock work it takes him a long time..

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I bet a guy like @shortgrass knows somebody

 

[std7mag]

Try Paul Hampton at Country Custom Metalsmithing.
www.countrycustommetal@gmail.com

I've seen pics of some of his work. Truly beautiful!

 

[Rook 6]

Sadly, falling block lever expertise continues to dwindle. In my experience, that means that there are people out there that still do the work, but I don’t know anyone that does it cheap.
I have restored/built two 1885’s with Wyoming Armory. Their bluing and bone charcoal case hardening are outstanding. Keith knows 1885s and knows how to make them shoot.
Steve Durren in MI also does excellent work.
You might want to register on the American Single Shot Rifle Association (ASSRA) website forum and make inquiries. If anyone knows of someone who can most cost effectively restore an 1885, someone there will know.
Good luck!

 

[COLT45SA]

Sadly, falling block lever expertise continues to dwindle. In my experience, that means that there are people out there that still do the work, but I don’t know anyone that does it cheap.
I have restored/built two 1885’s with Wyoming Armory. Their bluing and bone charcoal case hardening are outstanding. Keith knows 1885s and knows how to make them shoot.
Steve Durren in MI also does excellent work.
You might want to register on the American Single Shot Rifle Association (ASSRA) website forum and make inquiries. If anyone knows of someone who can most cost effectively restore an 1885, someone there will know.
Good luck!

Thanks~! I've been on that site for some time now and have received names of several gunsmiths. Trouble so far is that all the smiths recommended build museum pieces, and That's not what I'm looking for. I already have too many museum pieces in my safe which are too nice to take out and shoot. I worry enough about deterioration while in a safe let alone have to worry about scratches and dings while out shooting.
Another thing I kind of object to are the prices charged for work done in a facility that doesn't have an outrageously high rent to deal with. I have an hourly rate figure in mind that is a bit less than the $95 per hour they're looking at. I have two degrees from a top university and never made $100,000 a year as a professional tax consultant and accountant. If I were going to spend a fortune having the rifle "restored", I'd just send it to Turnbull.
Never-the-less, I thank you again for your response.

 

[Rook 6]

Thanks~! I've been on that site for some time now and have received names of several gunsmiths. Trouble so far is that all the smiths recommended build museum pieces, and That's not what I'm looking for. I already have too many museum pieces in my safe which are too nice to take out and shoot. I worry enough about deterioration while in a safe let alone have to worry about scratches and dings while out shooting.
Another thing I kind of object to are the prices charged for work done in a facility that doesn't have an outrageously high rent to deal with. I have an hourly rate figure in mind that is a bit less than the $95 per hour they're looking at. I have two degrees from a top university and never made $100,000 a year as a professional tax consultant and accountant. If I were going to spend a fortune having the rifle "restored", I'd just send it to Turnbull.
Never-the-less, I thank you again for your response.

Totally understand what you’re going for and you’re right about the museum piece part. That’s why I mentioned ASSRA. There might be someone on there that can line up building a “working man’s” 1885. Classically plain, but highly functional and accurate. Again, good luck in your quest.

 

[COLT45SA]

Totally understand what you’re going for and you’re right about the museum piece part. That’s why I mentioned ASSRA. There might be someone on there that can line up building a “working man’s” 1885. Classically plain, but highly functional and accurate. Again, good luck in your quest.

Great way to describe my goal, a "working man's 1885". I like it~!!

 

[COLT45SA]

Totally understand what you’re going for and you’re right about the museum piece part. That’s why I mentioned ASSRA. There might be someone on there that can line up building a “working man’s” 1885. Classically plain, but highly functional and accurate. Again, good luck in your quest.

I've tried to get into their Forums without success. I've even paid their annual dues, Never received acknowledgement of the payment although I see that the payment cleared. It would have also been nice to get a "welcome" thru email and instructions on how to access the site~!

 

[Rook 6]

It’s been a few years, but I did a least get an acknowledgement when I joined.