Quote:
Originally Posted by Stephen Hodges
Question. I have seen many posts on restoration projects to include a restock. I understand that the higher the grade of gun a restock may make economic sense but to what degree does grade have in the decision to restock a gun? Do you need to get above a DH grade in a Parker, or say an A grade in a fox to make it economic sense to restock???
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Steve,
Others here are much more qualified than I to comment on economic value of restocking. However, I can speak to the emotional side of a boost in wood grade on restocking.
Everything about my 12 Ga lifter hammer gun was a wreck, including the stock being busted at the wrist, literally held together with staples and tape. If it were going to be restored, it had to be restocked. It was a $75 Grade, according to the research letter, and it looks like the Grade 2 guns in the Parker Grades article. I didn't give the gunsmith instructions about grade of wood to use, and on his own judgement used a grade that has to be much higher than the original (which was in such bad shape you had to look hard to even see grain). Even though he charged me extra for the wood, I have been extremely happy about it. Every time I take it out or go hunting, I get a smile looking at it. So, aside from the economics, it gives me a lift when I use my lifter.
It's not going to be original, no matter what grade you use. I would think more in terms of what will be its value to you.