Restoring Damascus Barrels

[Joe Graziano]

I finally received the original damascus barrels for my restored GHE. The gun had been fitted with a set of Parker repro barrels. The serial number checks to a GH but both the original and repro barrels have perfectly functioning ejectors. I took the gun out for skeet and clays with the repro barrels and it shot great!

Even better, the seller, Robin Hollow, said it had been fit for the repro barrels so to use the original would require refitting. However, they seem to fit perfectly and lock up is rock solid. There is some obvious pitting, a small dent near the muzzle and an old, cruddy bluing on top. But where the blue is thin, I can see the old, beautiful damascus pattern below.

I would like to have these checked for safety and ensure they are properly fit, determine chamber length and choke. Also, I really want to have the old bluing removed and the original pattern returned. Can anyone recommend someone to do this? I understand cost will exceed resale value, but I would love to return this Parker to as close to original condition as I can while keeping it a shooter.

Thanks for your help.

[Rick Losey]

you might try Brad Bachelder

http://www.mastergunmakers.com/

[paul stafford jr]

don't think in dollars. when the barrels are refinished you will have a gun that can match the beauty of any new gun and the cool part is they don't make them like that any more at any price.

[Dean Romig]

Simply having the barrels redone might not put your complete expense beyond the value of the gun... but it will be close.

I'd send it to Brad.

[Paul Ehlers]

Plus 3 for Brad

[Harold Lee Pickens]

Don't know what people charge to renew Damascus barrels, but I paid $250--which to me would be worth it for your GH. Other PGCA members had Damascus barrels being redone at the same time. You can pm me for info.

[Leighton Stallones]

2.50ish should be about right to do the damascus. PM also if you need details.

[Rich Anderson]

I just had two sets done by Dale Edmonds and couldn't be happier with the results. Cost was $300/set I believe.

[Leighton Stallones]

I think Dale is the best and his 300.00 should be the guideline for others.

[Joe Graziano]

Thanks, gents. Before sending off for refinish, I would like to simply have them checked to determine if they are safe to shoot. Can someone recommend a gunsmith in Northern Virginia who can do that?

[Leighton Stallones]

Just shoot them if they look good. What's a "gunsmith" going to look for?

[Mark Ouellette]

Just shoot them if they look good. What's a "gunsmith" going to look for?

I would check for minimum barrel wall thickness across several radials for the legnth of the barrels.

Looking good could be the result of excessive honing.

[Joe Graziano]

They don't look good inside. They look pitted. I want to ensure they are safe to shoot.

[Leighton Stallones]

Too much pitting and honing are bad things, As Big Ten said have the thickness measured and if the pitting is BAD, I would be nervous about it.