DH 1927 HOME PROJECT BEFORE AND AFTER

[J. A. EARLY]

This DH had been severly abused in its lifetime. When I saw it, I thought it had been nickel plated. A drop of bluing revealed that someone had buffed the receiver until it was as bright as chrome. Obviously a lot of the engraving was lost. The barrels were severly pitted outside as was the receiver. The stock was full of oil, and had a crack at the wrist. It had holes in the bottom rib from a sling swivel attachment, and there was a hole just below the initial oval on the stock. There was a chip missing from the toe.

The only good was it was a DH, the barrels were 32" Titanic and were choked .021 and .041 at .736 both bores. Number 2 frame at 7 lbs. 15 oz., 14.25 LOP with about 3" drop. Removed as much pitting as I felt comfortable with on the outside of the barrels. They are still .028 and .030 minimum thichness. Soaked the oil out in laquer thinner and had a pro fix the crack, refinish the wood, and rechecker. Rust blued the barrels, nitre blued the trigger guard and buttplate and screws. Replaced the silver replacement sight with ivory and retimed the roll pin. I had the forend latch, dogs, grass, and Parker Bros. reengraved. Grayed the receiver to hide the pitting. It is now a shooter.