I started playing with project guns when I was in HS. As I got busy with work and life I had no time for it but thought someday I may have time again to pursue this hobby. Since I retired I have bought a number of field grade guns with broken stocks and put them back in service. I have about 15 projects in the works at the moment. Because I can tig weld it gives me a big advantage in picking up guns that others may not be interested in. I've repaired broken tangs, welded up and retaped screw holes and picked up dings and scratches so I can get a good flat polish. A recent buy was a Winchester 94 rifle in 32 win spl made in 1912. It looked like it was drug behind a wagon for a bit. Some of the octagon edges where rounded, a dovetail buggered and some side mount screw holes and gouges that I welded up. Since the barrel interior is not that bad, it will be a nice upgraded rifle when I'm done. I've upgraded 2 Winchester 1890's with figured, checkered wood and relined barrels. My buddy just had to have one. I picked up a between the wars August Schuler Hercules OxU without a stock for $200. I'm impressed with its quality. It's got double triggers and ejectors, gold plated parts, vent rib and some fine engraving. It will need a rust reblue and a dark piece of Bastone walnut to make it usable again. These projects would not be worth doing if I had to pay someone but it is mostly labor and I get great satisfaction from the finished product. I call it a labor of love. My wife calls it a useless waist of time. Mabey if I kick the bucket and she sees the money they bring she'll change her tune!
