Bachelder Gunworks.
 

The thread on case coloring got me thinking about Brad and all of the great work he did for me. Has anyone been to the shop or spoken with Lori or Parker? I wonder how they are doing without Brad. I certainly miss knowing that he was Just a phone call away.

Thanks,

JDG

Parker is working on a set of barrels for me. Will let ya k ow when i get em.

Parker just finished up a set of Damascus barrels for me. Work was top notch all the way and A+ on communication and managing expectations.

a few yeas ago i sent a fairly rare Parker 16 Gauge 26" barrels Phe with fluid steel barrels to Brad For new case coloring. as well as a complete reconditioning.

Brad was such a pleasure to do business with and always took the time to explain everything he was or had done to one of my Parkers. Lori is a gem. Ive had numerous conversations with Parker who seems to be taking up the reigns. I will continue to use Bachelders until proven otherwise. As for case coloring, i think that because Brad was so heavily involved in their cc process that there may be a learning curve for them in the short term.

I visited with Lori and Parker this past June while dropping off guns and picking up others. The work I had done was excellent, and Parker brought out the barrels of my 10 gauge grade three top lever hammer gun that was being restored. The work on those barrels was incredible. Parker, Lori and some of the craftsmen who work there came out to talk with me and look over the guns I was bring in for work. I missed Brad, but felt right at home.

Just got back a set of Parker damascus barrels and they are stunning, waiting on a set of twisted steels.

Thank you for th update. I’m happy to hear they are carrying on. Hope to find an excuse to get over to GR and catch up with them.

May I ask what the turn around time was for your Damascus refinish?

thank you
Patrick

http://C:\users\allen\pictures\parker\VHE\DSC_3858Brads colors on a VHE he restored for me.

Trying to insert a pic of Brads colors. Great difficulty

Glad they're still doing top notch work. When I gave my niece my VHE20 this summer I told her that if it ever needs any work to get it to Brads shop. She lives in Chicago and works at Maxon Guns so it would be convenient. I'm still waiting for a report of how she shoots it at clays. It seemed to fit her far better than it ever fit me.

I have spoken with both Lori and Parker recently. They are doing work on one of my guns. I have great confidence everything will be as it was - top quality.

Right now they have my 1 1/2 frame P grade 20 gauge for some stock finish work and case colors and they are running much slower on the case coloring, was suppose to have it this summer but Parker thinks toward the end of the year. I prefer they take it slower to get up to steam and produce a beautiful product then fast and not so good, if you know what I mean.

My guess is that Brad held some aspects of their case coloring process close to the vest and Parker is as a result on a steep learning process. I know someone who has been waiting since Feb or March of this yr to get his gun cc and is still waiting.

My understanding was Parker had already taken over the case coloring and barrel browning before Brad passed away. Not saying Brad wasn't involved still but I am fairly certain Parker knows what is what. I could be mistaken but that was my understanding.

I've been waiting alot longer then that, and part of that time Brad was still alive........ And yes Parker had taken over the CC process and barrels and that was quite before before Brad passed.

Maybe they're just over booked with projects.

"First in - First out" is the way it should be done.





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I don’t know of any of these guys that get work out fast. They’re like every other jobber that tells you completion date and misses by a mile. You just have to allow for it. I will say Brian Dudley has been very good about time estimates when he has done work for me.

I will say from talking to both Brad and Parker, they are craftsmen....which means they aren't going to send it back to you until its done right. I had a set of fine damascus 12 ga barrels they rebrowned 3 times because the first 2 times it wasn't quite perfect. It took longer but I only got charged for one browning. Brad had to actually tell me what was wrong with the pattern the 2nd time, it looked fine to me in the pic he sent me apologizing for the delay..... I most likely would have never noticed.

To return to the original question that Jay asked when he started this thread. I have spoken with both Lori and Jay since Brad's untimely passing. Having lost my wife early to cancer, i know that you never quite get over the loss of a loved one. Im sure thats true for the Bachelder family. Ive expressed my personal condolences to both Lori and Parker. My sense is they are doing as well as one could expect and they are busy focusing on their business, customer satisfaction and maintaining the same high quality standards that Brad set. They are busy with work. And we all wish them continued success.

I look forward to working with Brad`s company on a project.

Patience
 

Hello All, I had the pleasure of driving to Bachelders this past Friday to pick up and drop off. I will start be saying, my DD damacus barrels on my 1893 DH took my breath away... shocked, really. Parker spent quite some time with my brother and I going over guns, the shop, and just plain life stuff. Yes, there has been a set back, but that's it. They are not stopping by any means, and the work they are doing is nothing short of masterful. Several examples were shown to us.
I called Parker this spring after Mr. Bachelder's passing and told him if he needed, he could put off working on my Parkers if someone else's project was more urgent. I lost the man who gave me my first Parker, and I lost the man who brought it back to life... all within 8 months. The time I wait for guns has become insignificant. I will never think twice about taking my Parkers to Bachelders... and I don't care how long it takes to get them back, I know what I will get.
Lastly, I want to tell any and all to call the shop. If you have concerns questions, or just want to say hello. Yes they are busy, yes there is some catch up, and YES, Bachelders will continue to provide customers exceptional work... on any and all guns.

Hey Dean, Did you happen to see a C grade 10 gauge hammer gun with Bernard barrels during your visit? I hear the gun is nearing completion. Wayne

Wayne, you will never not look at it and not say "wow". Stunning. I will probabl6y never see another. My brother and I talked of it thru the nite. To see that gun.... just once, thank you.

Thanks Dean. Your positive comments make the long wait seem worthwhile.:)

Dean,

It's very good of you to take the time to post this. I'm sure Lori and Parker will appreciate it. My recent experience was the same as yours.

Six months and it was well worth the wait!!!