Looking for the right gunsmith
 

My 133 year old 577 double became a casualty during our hunt in Africa last month. The upper sling swivel came loose, blame the loose nut on the end of the stock for the swivel not being locked, and the barrels hit the ground breaking the top tang through the rear bolt hole. :crying: I don't see any stock damage at this time. The tang is covered with very fine engraving so the repair is going to be extremely difficult and beyond the capability of most of the gunsmithing fraternity, myself included. I can't even disassemble the rifle at this time as all my tools are in storage while the damage to my shop from the recent fire is being repaired.

I need some input about who I should entrust this repair to.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

I would give Doug Turnbull or Brad Bachelder a call, both are known to do exceptional work. Maybe they can help you.

My vote would go to Kirk Merrington. As I assume your rifle is English. Brad Bachelder is also excellent. Griffin & Howe is another choice.

These are all I would consider for this job.

I'm not knocking G&H but in 2015 I'd consider all gunsmithing that matters needs to be done by a person, not a company.

What about Dewey Vicknair?

Another person to contact is JJ Perodeau in OK. He can be contacted via George Caswell at Champlin Arms.

I do not know where your located . On the east coast. I would contact Gunter Pfrommer. for a fine double rifle repair

Providing the metallurgy can be determined, any of the more competent gunsmiths can do the repair welding. As there is ample engraving, the engraver will have sufficient detail to follow.
Always a gut wrenching feeling when one of our good firearms gets damaged. When the emotions return to a normal mode, the repair route becomes more clear.