Originally Posted By: Joe Wood
What I thought would be neat and tidy (it isn't proving to be so) is to get a feeling for the number of gun makers who actually did most of the work on their own guns. I realize this is going to be fuzzy at best due to the nature of the trade but perhaps it's worth the effort.

Ah, but that is fun of research! If it furthers knowledge, then it is worth the effort.

Quote:
Seems to me if the action was made by the shop they probably made the barrels and stock too...

Joe,

Why assume that without evidence? The most expensive part is the action. Most American companies during the early part of this period were outsourcing the barrels. Why would this not be true of English companies? Stocking seems to have been done mostly in-house.

Pete