A subject near and dear to my heart, but more like an impossible dream to economically accomplish in the US with proper results.
To put new barrels on a Purdey by the maker is approximately 20,000 pounds (quoted to me by them in the last year). A more economic but not by the Maker is Bill Blacker ( billblacker.co.uk ) , I am told the going rate from him is in the vicinity of 10,000 pounds. His reputation is first rate, and seems now to be offering new Damascus barrels in 12 & 16.
If you get a price from Bill Blacker, please post it here?
Sending guns overseas for work is possible, but both time consuming & and frustrating, not to mention the additional cost.
Though there are some in the US who can do the work, raw barrel availability appears to be an issue. I cannot name anyone in the US who offers the service for a set price or estimated price for that matter. I would be delighted to see someone in the US offering the service for 16 ga Guns.
Unfortunately that leaves us with Sleeving being the economically viable option, with quality services available. Most diehards are put off by Sleeved Guns both aesthetically (appearance) and often poor results in lost handling dynamics. While I am not opposed to sleeving (I have three sleeved guns) I recognize its limitations. You have to judge each sleeving job individually.
