I have a real AH circa 1890. Origianlly a 12 ga D6. Sent back to factory for 16 ga Acme barrels. Refinished stock (really nice), reblued TG and Butt plate. 30-40% original CCH. 95% blue on 16 ga barrels. I paid less then 20k for it. Not a perfect, 100% restored gun. Messed with a little (the refinsihed stock and reblue make no difference to me). Thus would seem to me you could find a nice original gun for same or less price.
I also have a well worn AH circa 1890. At one time I had the crazy thought of a full restoration by Turnbull. They wanted 10k just to recut the engraving! To upgarde a stock it would be 3-5K is my guess. The stock wouldn't be easy if your looking for correct grade of wood and then find someone who could do the right job. Would seem to me that it would cost a lot of money to do one yourself. I'd price the engraving first. When I got a price of 10k just to recut existing engraving, that was enough for me to just take it dove hunting and be happy.
I have anoth AH circa 1898. All original D6. Barrels 90%, CCH30-40%. You get the idea. I bought it for less then 20k. (I'm begining to think I have too many shotguns!!lol!)
I guess what I'm saying is 20k for a perfect fake AH is probably less then what it would cost to do your own Turnbull upgrade but you could find a nice real gun for less if you could live without it being brand new (and I think that's what owning an old gun is all about).
Just my two cents! Whatever you get, I hope you enjoy it.
Ray
|
Threaded Mode