Damascus DH 12 1 frame Restoration underway

[jsd245]

I believe he does the work in his shop, but I think there are others here who are very familiar with his operation who can answer definitively. I believe brad said that crack was through the barrel wall. I'd send the barrels to him. Another person on the board has said that Brad repaired a set of barrels for him that were actually split. I was ready to throw these barrels in the trash but a couple folks said to send them to Brad and see what he could do. Conceptually I have no problem with the welding repair on these Damascus barrels which are nothing more than a mass of welds themselves, provided the weld can be accomplished without weakening the surrounding welds , which that laser welding technique seems to accomplish.

[jsd245]

So I started this thread a while ago. Above you can see the pictures of the barrel damage that Brad Bachelder did such a great job fixing and refinishing. I thought they were not salvageable.

Brian Dudley finished the rest of the work on the gun. He restocked it, all new screws needed to be made, The engraving was taken up, and it was case colored.

I cannot be more pleased with the results. The gun is perfect in every way. This gun was destined for the parts bin and I'm glad I ressurected it. It is a one frame that weighs in at just under 7 pounds with 30" barrels. it is well balanced and beautiful.

This type of craftsmanship is so rare these days, and I feel we are extremely lucky to have access to craftsmen like Brian.

Below are a few pictures. It was quite a transformation.