doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Restoration Fork in the road

I do...I just think too much emphasis is put on collector interest.

If you have one that's been rode a little hard and put up wet what's it going to hurt to restore it ?

Go the distance, do both guns, and do them completely. These guns deserve it and you have the skills. Take your time, and do it right.

Tony;

How bad is the corrosion on the back side of the lock plate? If it is no worse than what we see on the front side, I reckon that I would have a go at welding and polishing and engraving afterwards.

Whilst re-color case hardening is a task that you are far along in learning how to do, I suggest another route due to the very fine engraving you still have showing on both Grants. That would be to re-engrave the welded area after a proper polish and see if both guns look brilliant just the way they are without re-color. To my mind the Grants (which are sterling guns) do not look as lovely color case hardened as they do with the actions hardened and in the bright (somewhat French Gray). At least the 12 bores are that way to me. The small bore Grants are a bit different visually and the color case hardening looks OK.

By-the-way do either of the Grants have the initials "J.R." stamped in the back of the action between the strikers?

Good luck in whatever you choose and take care of yourself

Best Regards;

To me, rust pitting is abuse. It's not something I cherish and honor. But in the end, it's just metal and wood. What's more important is Tony having a project.

My Longman's says that the meaning of "restore" is "return something to its original condition". I doubt the pitting is original ;), so if you're determined to restorethe guns, andit takes lazer wielding, etc., then that's what has to be done. On the other hand, is there any other reason for your messing with these guns but the fun of it? So take the route that involves more fun! JMO.

All good stuff guys, thanks. I think I'm coming round to giving it a go. These two are two of the most expensive guns I've bought and I didn't CCH them for that reason. In fear of getting something wrong. But the bottom line is you only live once (I believe, but hope otherwise ) and I reckon I should get the CCH right, if I don't then so be it, I tried. AND that to me is probably the best reason to do it.

Bush, I'll check for J.R.

Cheers
T

"J.R" stamped on the guns! My God man, you don't suppose they could have been JR Ewings guns!

Tony you do such nice work it would be great to see them brought up like new. The prices you can get things done for would seem to make the outlay a good investment. Where are you going to find another composed pair? I am sure they are hard to come by at a good price.

Cheers Roy. Appreciate the words.
T

Tony,
I think both of these guns should be restored to as new condition and then one each donated to the Dingley Harris foundation trust, I am sure the trustees would be eternally grateful.