New owner from NS

Halifaxuplander · 02-04-2019, 08:42 PM

Greetings from Nova Scotia,

An early Christmas gift to myself, I was able to purchase a GH 12 gauge with Damascus barrels that was born in 1919! It's been a long, long wait...

Had to pass on a Trojan Grade 16 gauge back in the early 90's when I was a fresh out of school, no money in my pocket kid. The gun needed work, and after discussions with DelGrego, I couldn't afford both the gun and the required repairs.

Flash forward to 2011 and I had a stunning reconditioned 20 gauge VHE in my hands while on holiday in Maine. I talked myself out of this, and then found out it would have been impossible to bring back without a fair amount of pre-paperwork.

I have since acquired a very early 1913 Elsie Specialty Grade in 16 gauge. How it ended up in Halifax, is a story I would love to hear. It's a great grouse gun, and fits me like a glove.

I have had initial discussions with DelGrego, and now that your government is back in business, I can sort the required paperwork to get it down to NY. This one is destined for reconditioning before wild pheasants over my spaniel. I cannot wait to put it to work.

Thanks to the organizers of this site for providing such a terrific resource.

Harry Collins · 02-05-2019, 09:01 AM

Chris,

I have used several gunsmiths including DelGrego who disappointed me. I was much more pleased with the work done by Brad Bachelder:

Bachelder Master Gunmakers

Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M.

700 Plymouth Avenue NE

Grand rapids, 49505

Phone 616.459.3636

fax 616.459.7442

Lori@mastergunmakers.com

I have not had an opportunity to use Brian Dudley, but I have been very much impressed with him as an individual and the work I've seen done by him.

Brian M. Dudley
PO Box 246
Spencerport, NY 14559
E-Mail: bmdgunstocks@yahoo.com

Happy Hunting,
Harry

Dean Romig · 02-05-2019, 10:10 AM

Welcome Chris!

The paperwork is a pain and it is pretty expensive to ship guns back and forth across our common and otherwise very friendly border.

I highly recommend Chris Dawe in Newfoundland! He is a PGCA Member and has several connections with skilled double gun craftsmen in Canada. Chris has done work for me and I'm delighted with the outcome!

Chris did this work for me.... the top pic is 'before' and the others are "after". The checkering on this one was virtually gone! All that was left were the faint borders.

.

Mills · 02-05-2019, 12:03 PM

Welcome Chris! I am a big fan of G grades myself. Chris Dawe has not done any work for me, but Dean's testament to him is what I have heard from others who use him.

Jim DiSpagno · 02-05-2019, 12:29 PM

Chris Dawe has done several projects for me and I would give him a 5 star rating. His work is beyond reproach. Jim

frank aloia · 02-05-2019, 06:51 PM

Chris has restore 2 guns, great job and great guy very helpful not far.

Halifaxuplander · 02-05-2019, 10:54 PM

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the very quick and useful information!

I will be following up shortly, and will keep posted with before and after shots.

Very best,

Chris

Halifaxuplander · 03-07-2019, 09:03 PM

Update: The gun is with Chris Dawe. He expects to have me ready from autumn hunting season. I will post pictures when the work is complete.

frank aloia · 03-09-2019, 03:22 PM

frank aloia

Randy Roberts · 03-09-2019, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Chisholm

Update: The gun is with Chris Dawe. He expects to have me ready from autumn hunting season. I will post pictures when the work is complete.

I think you will be happy with the results based upon what I have seen and heard here.