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2 members (2 invisible),
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Forums10
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 369 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 369 Likes: 2 |
Has anyone used either Vintage Firearms or Bachelors (boty in Grand Rapids MI) for classic shotgun mechanical work? I had Bachelors re brown a set of Damascus tubes years ago, but now need a single trigger looked at. And possibly chokes opened up a bit. Either of these shops is within driving distance which is why I'm considering them, I don't particularly wish to trust this double to the Post.... I like it too much
NRA Patron Life Member
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,993 Likes: 302
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,993 Likes: 302 |
Bachelder had a good reputation, but he died.
I do not know if the metal work done there now measures up.
It’s getting harder to get things repaired, because the men that worked on them as a normal thing are all about gone now.
So, fewer craftsmen, longer waits .
Out there doing it best I can.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,209 Likes: 1181
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 13,209 Likes: 1181 |
It’s getting harder to get things repaired, because the men that worked on them as a normal thing are all about gone now.
So, fewer craftsmen, longer waits . Sad, but true.
May God bless America and those who defend her.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114 |
Brad and I were good friends and bird hunting companions, with his 2 fine Yellow Labs, for many years. I cannot speak for the quality of the work now being done at his shop since his passing though. I have not yet either bought a used doublegun,snor had any gunsmithing work done by Vintage also in Grand Rapids- Let me just say this--every time I have been in Brad's shop on Plymouth Ave- they have always been busy with customers picking up their guns--Parkers, Smiths, pre- 1964 Winchesters, Colts, Sigs, etc.-- Brad's oldest son Carson is the shop specialist for all the Police and LEF groups on their weapons-for all of Kent Co. and sometimes on out-of-area weapons their (MSP) armorers are not capable of handling. And Brad's widow, Lori- who handles all the paperwork, shipping, ordering, is a first class Lady-- Of course, I am partial to old friends, and I have never done business including gunsmithing work, with Vintage-- RWTF
"The field is the touchstone of the man"..
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 8,158 Likes: 114 |
Brad and I were good friends and bird hunting companions, with his 2 fine Yellow Labs, for many years. I cannot speak for the quality of the work now being done at his shop since his passing though. I have not yet either bought a used doublegun,snor had any gunsmithing work done by Vintage also in Grand Rapids- Let me just say this--every time I have been in Brad's shop on Plymouth Ave- they have always been busy with customers picking up their guns--Parkers, Smiths, pre- 1964 Winchesters, Colts, Sigs, etc.-- Brad's oldest son Carson is the shop specialist for all the Police and LEF groups on their weapons-for all of Kent Co. and sometimes on out-of-area weapons their (MSP) armorers are not capable of handling. And Brad's widow, Lori- who handles all the paperwork, shipping, ordering, is a first class Lady-- Of course, I am partial to old friends, RWTF
"The field is the touchstone of the man"..
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,993 Likes: 302
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,993 Likes: 302 |
Fox, you get good at what you do a lot of. As soon as you start mentioning police work on polymer pistols, the likelihood that I’m going to get a new bridle carefully made goes way down.
People have to make a living, and the living is in doing trigger jobs on Glock’s.
Out there doing it best I can.
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,498 Likes: 396
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 6,498 Likes: 396 |
You might ask Chris Dawe (a quality gunsmith from Newfoundland) about Bachelder. I know he went and worked with Brad a time or two and, just before Brad died, had a multi month working visit lined up. Chris might have some insight about those who are now doing the work. He's a member here under his own name
Vintage is seriously into the vintage game and I'd be surprised if his repair dept was crap. But I've been surprised before.
Last edited by canvasback; 11/24/21 09:31 AM.
The world cries out for such: he is needed & needed badly- the man who can carry a message to Garcia
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 524 Likes: 62
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 524 Likes: 62 |
I had VFI repair a missing piece of wood on a classic sxs and the repair was perfect. I knew where to look and still couldn't see the repair line. Not cheap
This ain't a dress rehearsal , Don't Let the Old Man IN
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,421 Likes: 198
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,421 Likes: 198 |
I've been very satisfied with Del Whitman's work, located in Traverse City. He started his career working for Rigby I believe. Others I know who have used him have been happy as well. Karl
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 369 Likes: 2
Sidelock
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OP
Sidelock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 369 Likes: 2 |
I've been very satisfied with Del Whitman's work, located in Traverse City. He started his career working for Rigby I believe. Others I know who have used him have been happy as well. Karl Karl, doesn't Del focus on wood work? I've heard much good about his stocking, and seen his work. But I'm primarily needing a single selective trigger made reliable
NRA Patron Life Member
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