Need refinishing advice needed for my Rigby.
 

I have a Rigby hammer gun that needs lots of TLC, stock has been broken, and repaired at the wrist (I'd like someone to re enforce it)the lever needs tightening and the damscuses could use refinishing, I called Brian Dudley, he's not accepting work anytime soon, so just to get a backup, are there any other Parker forum gunsmiths you'd recomend?

Call Brad Bachelder he did one of my english guns. (616-459-3636).

to clarify what I told you... "Anytime soon" means the first of the new year. I guess "soon" is a relative term.

Soon is indeed relative, 3-4 months is not all that soon in my book, but to others it could be.

Dennis Earl Smith "the stock doctor" can reinforce the stock.

Sir:
Your gun is a Rigby. It deserves respect. And a true professional, attuned to the finest in English guns.

That said, I'd contact Kirk Merrington. If he's backed up, he can send you in the proper direction.

http://www.merringtongun.com


And... such work as you desire on a Rigby is simply not possible to accomplish in a matter of weeks. But the result Kirk can provide will be more than worth it.

Seems to me that the backlog of these master smiths prevent any work of significance being performed "anytime soon". We just don't have a truckload of quality people available. As John says above the wait is worth it. Bob

Sounds good, Im going to call Rigby and see what the say, my pre war .375 was redone by them so hoping for that, but it looks as though they are focused on making rifles so we shall see!

Just a bit of info, Kirk doesn't do woodwork. He does have connections he uses to have the woodwork done.

I would also recommend Dan May of Classic Gunstocks Inc. He and his partner are formerly from Doug Turnbull Restorations. Their work is top line. They do the metal prep work and Turnbull does the color case, blue and other special process finishes.

I am well aware that Kirk does not do woodwork. But he knows and trusts individuals who do woodwork on top level English guns. This is the key. Just any wood man won't do...

And going directly to Rigby in London for work on a Rigby gun is a wise move as well.