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2 members (Jtplumb, 1 invisible),
215
guests, and
5
robots. |
Key:
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Forums10
Topics38,441
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Most Online1,258 Mar 29th, 2024
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,266 Likes: 516
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,266 Likes: 516 |
Who told you that a Darne is harder to stock than either a sidelock or a boxlock? In reality, a Darne is just different than stocking either a boxlock or sidelock. Thats all. There is way more to properly stocking a traditional actioned gun than a Darne. A lot more precise inletting to be done on both a boxlock and a sidelock thats for sure. Ted had his Darne restocked in France basically while he waited for it. That aint happening with either a boxlock or sidelock, even by the very best and fastest stockers in the world.
IMHO, the best stocker on this side of the pond is Paul Hodgins. Hands down. One could argue that Trevallion should be on the list too, although I dont think hes doing any work anymore. Ive personally stood right next to Paul as hes stocked some of the finest guns in the world. Its amazing to watch and learn from an absolute master of his craft. One of the toughest challenges Ive seen Paul tackle over the years was the complete stocking of a small bore MacNaughton skeleton action. Unbelievable and it was such a challenge that he vowed never to do another one. He says that a lot btw...I think hed do another if the money was right. He said the same thing about the 3 or 4 Boss o/us that have come to the shop for stocking. He finishes them, cusses em, and then a few months later, another one will show up and hes right back at it. :-).
Theres some other extremely talented stock makers here in the states. No argument there. Theres some guys out there that can produce some very fine work indeed. I just have not seen anyones work that matches the level of skill Paul has. Ive seen some very well stocked guns by some pretty big names in the business that have come though the shop, back in the day, to my eye, the workmanship looked amazing! And then I get schooled on the very minor but at the same time significant details and intricacies that pass by the untrained eye (my eyes mostly). Its remarkable. Im very fortunate to have a friend that allows me (aka tolerates me) to hang out, observe and ask ridiculous questions while hes hacking away at some wood or making something out of metal. Its a real treat.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 996 Likes: 9
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 996 Likes: 9 |
Am following up on Carl's posts. Kirt Kimsey is re-doing the checkering on a falling block Rigby (Webley 1902 patent) that was rebarreled. The .375 flanged magnum barrel forend was damaged in travel to Namibia last year. Trained by Bill Schwarz, Kirt sounds like he knows what's what. I'll post pix once the work is done.
Bill and Ellis Sawyer are collaborating on removing, to the extent possible, remains of pitting and color case hardening the action.
Regards, Tim
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,739 Likes: 742
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,739 Likes: 742 |
Dustin, Keep in mind the wood monger had a machine that supplied the everyday blanks as pretty close rough turned, and ready for the stocker to go on. A Darne isnt that hard to stock, but, those guys had every shortcut that was possible figured out. The lathe that was jigged up to bore the big hole from the front was a big deal.
Really fancy blanks came in as a big rectangular blank, and were more work by far.
Best, Ted
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 113 Likes: 7
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 113 Likes: 7 |
I am NO EXPERT, having said that, I was going on what I was told. I stand corrected. I mention Kirt simply because he is young, he is eager to please, he has talent, you don't have to wait forever and his rates are fair. He has done four guns for me, two were box locks and two Darne's. As Tim mentioned above, Bill works with Kirt and that's how I found him. There are many very talented people out there and I'm in no way demeaning their work. Kirts just another resource. Carl
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 113 Likes: 7
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 113 Likes: 7 |
Don't believe in leaving things up in the air. I talked to Kirt because I know he knows Paul. He said that without a doubt, Paul is the best there is.. period.
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Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 316
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 316 |
Del Whitman in Lake Ann Michigan. May consider a drive up to talk with him. Spend the night and shout some clays at Cedar or Manton.
Dustin says, "Today is a gift, Have Fun."
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,413 Likes: 193
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,413 Likes: 193 |
Del Whitman has done work for me in the past, outstanding craftsman! Karl
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Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 531 Likes: 18
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 531 Likes: 18 |
Dennis Earl Smith (The Stock Doctor) restocked a Boss for me and did a wonderful job.
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 135
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 135 |
Will you provide contact info for Mr. Kimsey?
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 996 Likes: 9
Sidelock
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Sidelock
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 996 Likes: 9 |
Kirt Kimsey 706 994-7508 kirtkimsey@yahoo.com
Regards, Tim
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