How much is too much for a full restoration?

[Milton C Starr]

Originally Posted by Craig Budgeon

The latest published rate for restoration work that I have seen was $92.50 per hour which Griffin & Howe displayed on the internet. For $24000 dollars you get 240 hours of labor, new wood, and parts. A journeyman gunsmith ( the type Turnbull employee ) should get $30 an hour plus benefits, plus vacation, and holidays. A master gunsmith should $40+ per hour and that is cheap for the skills they possess. If you think that is excessive compare it to your hourly rate. I am surprised they could all that done in less than 250 hours based on your description.

Reminds me of a story a gunsmith told me , he builds double guns and took on a commission to build a rather unique jones underlever . I believe he charged 10 grand to do the build . Well after a few years and it was ready to be delivered he said he had around 1000 hours into the build . He said he would never make that mistake again if he was asked to build another . I think his rate is or was $100/hr .