Shotgun gunsmith recommendations

[Rocked and Loaded]

I’m hoping someone can provide a recommendation for a gunsmith in the US who specializes in the restoration of older over/under shotguns.

The specific shotgun is a 30s era Browning Superposed. It is in pretty good, functional, shape for the age and how it was stored for many years, but it’s in need of some cosmetic touching up to the exterior metal and the stock and I’d like to have the interior components inspected and anything replaced that needs it (springs, screws, etc).

This is a family heirloom and I’d like have it brought back to good working order for passing it down to my own children.

 

[Russ16]

I would start with Griffin & Howe.

 

[Rocked and Loaded]

I would start with Griffin & Howe.

Thanks. I’ll look into them.

 

[RLL]

Brileys

 

[BonUm16]

Art’s is considered by many to be “the shop” for Browning’s.

Home - Arts Gun Shop

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artsgunshop.com

Midwest has a very good rep as well.

Shotgun Gunsmithing

MGW specializes in all aspects of shotgun repair, performance and restoration. We currently perform shotgun work for many of the country's top shooters, collectors and shotgun enthusiasts. From performance upgrades for 3 gunners and water fowlers to restoration and repair work for some of the...

www.midwestgunworks.com

 

[Mark Biggerstaff]

I have used Midwest Gunworks for some Browning Restoration, very good work from them.

 

[BonUm16]

Are the wood and metal issues significant rust and broken wood or are they just as you say, cosmetic? If it’s simply wear on a family gun that poses no safety issue, think about what you’re considering- wiping away all physical evidence of that family history to make it look pretty. By all means, take care of any safety or mechanical issue but perhaps give some thought to letting the scars remain to bear witness to the gun’s time with your family.

 

[wesheltonj]

+ 1 to Art's Guns. They are THE shop for everything Browning. I have used them, and the quality of work is excellent.

 

[Rocked and Loaded]

Are the wood and metal issues significant rust and broken wood or are they just as you say, cosmetic? If it’s simply wear on a family gun that poses no safety issue, think about what you’re considering- wiping away all physical evidence of that family history to make it look pretty. By all means, take care of any safety or mechanical issue but perhaps give some thought to letting the scars remain to bear witness to the gun’s time with your family.

I used to think that way but I learned that English gunmakers were often sent in guns by their owners for periodic freshening up.

From a practical standpoint, bluing prevents rust, checkering improves grip, and refinishing a stock protects the wood.

It’s sort of a “ship of Theseus” situation. I don’t believe that getting it back into top form will make it a different gun. Some of the wear and tear is from honest use and some is from sitting in a closet in an un air conditioned house in the Ozarks for a few decades.

 

[Red Leg]

I used to think that way but I learned that English gunmakers were often sent in guns by their owners for periodic freshening up.

From a practical standpoint, bluing prevents rust, checkering improves grip, and refinishing a stock protects the wood.

It’s sort of a “ship of Theseus” situation. I don’t believe that getting it back into top form will make it a different gun. Some of the wear and tear is from honest use and some is from sitting in a closet in an un air conditioned house in the Ozarks for a few decades.

A restored gun is not a refinished one. I would absolutely restore it.

 

[Wyfox]

These guys do some great work

Will Brothers Restoration

Vintage firearm restoration and fine gunsmithing. Offering the finest period correct color case hardening, rust bluing, checkering & niter bluing

willbrosrestoration.com

 

[casey]

Turnbull Restoration is probably one of the best in the world.

 

[Shotgun Coach]

Les Pitman out in CA. He is the best. A little slow but the best. What ever you want done he can do it.

 

[Gash632]

Arts Gun Shop specializes in that.
Midwest Gun Works is also good with old Brownings

 

[rookhawk]

I’m hoping someone can provide a recommendation for a gunsmith in the US who specializes in the restoration of older over/under shotguns.

The specific shotgun is a 30s era Browning Superposed. It is in pretty good, functional, shape for the age and how it was stored for many years, but it’s in need of some cosmetic touching up to the exterior metal and the stock and I’d like to have the interior components inspected and anything replaced that needs it (springs, screws, etc).

This is a family heirloom and I’d like have it brought back to good working order for passing it down to my own children.

Dan Morgan Fine Firearms Restoration, Woodstock, Vermont. He's excellent and affordable if he'll take on the job. He prefers British doubles (he's a world expert on Dicksons of Edinburgh) but he certainly has the talent to do your Belgian Browning.