doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com The Pitfalls of Restoration or ...

I'm getting so I think a lot more about what happens after I pull the trigger than what it looks like. I got rid of all the really expensive stuff, and, don't miss it much.


Best,
Ted

My hunting buddy is going through the restoration blues as I write. He started with a well used and previously refinished 1920 vintage VH Parker on an O frame. Nine months, muy dinero and four gunsmiths later, he may get the Parker back.

A. It is now a beautiful gun that I'm sure you will cherish the rest of your hunting days.

B. Many of us have similar restoration stories, where we have "invested" more than the gun is now worth...but we do enjoy shooting them.

C. The lesson is probably similar to one usually applied to home improvement -- "It ALWAYS costs more than the original estimate."

D. After an expensive bout of home improvement, I asked my lovely bride if "The house is now done?" Her reply was that "It NEVER will be..."

E. Enjoy your restoration; it is a contagious but only moderately debiliating affliction.

JERRY

Yes, I guess it is an heirloom now, Uncle Rob's "bespoke gun". You are correct that the pain was definitely eased by the process taking so many years, at no point did I ever consider stopping, I think that was due to Abe explaining to me what was going on along the way and my confidence in him was the light at the end of the tunnel.

BTW, small boats is another hobby, the little guys can nickel and dime you to death. But I once read that "ocean yacht racing can be compared to standing under an ice cold shower, ripping up $100 bills".

Rob

Nice gun Rob, sad tale.
I really like the engraving!

This story should be archived and and anyone with reproofing, barrel work questions, etc. should be provided with a link. I've paid my share of "tuition" as well.

I went through something similar to this with hot rods. The first really nice one that I sold was an eye-opener. Same axiom applies with doubleguns, IMO. If you don't REALLY enjoy the process, and are willing to take a loss just to go through it, you are way ahead financially to shop around and buy something you like that someone else has already restored. Then, THEY'RE the ones in that boat.

Excellent story, Rob. But,.......... it REALLY IS a nice looking boxlock, much more gun than I have seen advertised many times, on the web, for more money.

Thanks for posting your experience with it.

SRH

Gentlemen, thank you for the kind comments. Rest assured I am very happy with the gun and rarely think about the "rest of the story", (excepting when another "project" turns up).

I shoot it well, it carries well and I never tire of admiring it when in the field.

Great story, Rob! And it's an even better looking double! I love the engraving and the barrels. And the wood looks great too!

Adam

I'm sorry you had such a trying time . Things used to be so much simpler. It was always a matter of correct paper work ,but since the idiot Blair and his anti hunting wife was the British Prime Minister things have gone down hill rapidly on all gun related matters in the UK. I dont know why you Americans let him into your Country. I would'nt.

If any one else wants to send stuff acros then it is best to do it through an experienced agent ,such as British Sporting Arms.