VH question

Bill Crowden · 05-02-2010, 09:32 PM

I have a VH that had several minor pits on the side plates a d a scrathch on the bottom plate. I asked Leo Bradshaw in Waco how to remove them ane he suggested 800 grit emory cloth folled by 2000 grite plus many hours of work. the end result is about 95% success but a finish that looks like chrome or nickel, is there any way to return the finish to a more normal lack of case hardening color look?

J.B. Books · 05-03-2010, 11:53 AM

My advice is resist the urge to improve the looks of the gun and leave the scatches alone. A polished reciever detracts from both the value and look of the gun more than scratches. Another option would be to have the reciever re-cased but in order to look right the whole gun would need to be restored. A vintage firearm is going to have some imperfections from use, it is to be expected.

Bill Murphy · 05-03-2010, 05:14 PM

Unless a scratched receiver is professionally restored, it will be visible to an experienced collector. With one exception, I have left Parker scratches alone. The exception was done at great expense by the best restorers in the business. I'm glad I had it done, but it was not cost efficient. It was done for my pleasure only. Hiding a few hammer marks in a 12 gauge VH floorplate resulted in the entire restoration of a $225 gun at a cost up in five (sorry, four) figures. I am in the middle of restoring another 12 gauge VH now, a gun that will cost me "well up" into five (sorry, four) figures before it is done. I just can't resist a Parker that is down and out.

Double Play · 05-03-2010, 05:31 PM

Hi Bill,
Are you saying you are spending over $10,000. (five figures) on a 12 gage VH?

Is Linda aware of this problem?

J.B. Books · 05-03-2010, 09:16 PM

Bill, $10K for a full restoration seems more than a bit high for a normal or standard restoration of a VH. I am guessing you had more than just metal and wood restored. Doug Turnbull advertises $3600+ for a VH on his website and I know it can be done for less by very competent people. There are "new" and less experienced people who visit this site and they may see your post and think a restoration of a cherished gun is too cost prohibitive when it may not be. Just my .02.

Bill Murphy · 05-04-2010, 08:34 AM

I corrected my mathmatical error in my earlier post. My first VH restoration was conducted over a period of years, but the final blow was an embarrassing $900 charge for a really good case color job from Doug Turnbull. I have read the invoice many times but still don't understand it.