doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Gunsmiths Alfred Gallifent/Abe Chaber?

Would appreciate opinions on the gunsmiths Alfred Gallifent and Abe Chaber. Thank you.

Have never used Gallifent but can tell you Abe Chaber is a top workman, using Old World techniques and craftsmanship. As with all good gunsmiths expect rather slow turnaround, but the wait is worth it.

Abe's turn around would depend on just what you need him to do and how it can fit in to his schedule.

I had a gun with a balky trigger that I sent to him on a Monday after speaking with him about it. He called me to discuss it Wednesday after inspecting it and doing some preliminary work on the sear. He tweaked it a bit more and I had it back in working order on Friday.

This was obviusly something he could knock out in an hour or two of spare time after his regular work.

I have never personally used either, but have friends who have used both, and they are highly thought of. I have spoken with Abe Chaber about sending a gun for a small repair, he walked me through the process on the phone to the extent I was able to do it myself. I think yoou will find both very experienced in double gun repair and restoration and would be pleased with either.

I'm lucky enough to live within 30 minutes of Abe.

The first time I met him I was new to doubles. I walked into his shop with a Stevens 311 that wouldn't fire one of the barrels. He put aside the (Purdey/Holland/Boss) he was working on and took a look, explained to me what was wrong and fixed in a few days. I got no attitude, no "come back with a real gun" that, looking back, would have been too easy for another gunsmith to say.

Abe's a gentleman and he does things one way, the right way. No shortcuts or quick fixes, stuff done the way it should be done and he'll take the time to explain to you why.

He's a treasure of knowledge for Prussain & Belgian guns.

I only tell you this because at the moment I have nothing waiting in his shop.

I second Recoil Robs words. Abe is a great guy and knows his stuff. I have had him do a few jobs and all were first rate.Top notch.

I have used both and both are among the best. I almost always use Alfred as I live nearby and always enjoy spending time with him in his shop. He is a wealth of knowledge. He has a hammer gun of mine currently. You can tell alot about a gunsmith by his shop. Alfred makes most of his tools by hand and has quite a collection. His shop is clean and extremely orderly. If you are in a hurry though, do not use either, unless you know them well.

Abe Chaber has done all my gunsmith work for several years. As others have stated, he is an accomplished specialist and is always willing to share his expertise and explain the problem, solution and history of the weapon. And he does the job correctly. Cannot go wrong with Abe.

I've not used Mr. Chaber, but Mr. Gallifent has done several repairs for me on English and European guns and inspected a number of others, some of which I sent back on his recommendation. He's a bit temperamental at times, but a superb craftsman and he seems to be willing to take the time to teach you how to look at what you're buying if you're willing to take the time to learn. I heartily recommend him.

I am in agreed with all of the above. First class work by both and lots of good knowledge in demand.