CenCalLX'ers: Recommend a good gunsmith?

**CoolVanilla** · 05-11-2009, 02:17 PM

Hey guys. I know this group is well connected in and around the Bay. I'm wondering if anyone has a gunsmith they'd feel good about sending me too. I've got an 1897 Winchester that dates to 1908, that I'd like to make shootable again. This gun means a lot to me, so I'd rather not trust it to a total stranger.

Heres a few shots:

Thanks guys!

**Black Crystal** · 05-11-2009, 02:31 PM

I didn't do it!!!

**LouZ** · 05-11-2009, 02:39 PM

As a gunsmith/restorer ... just curious...why is it not shootable?

LouZ

Originally Posted by CoolVanilla

Hey guys. I know this group is well connected in and around the Bay. I'm wondering if anyone has a gunsmith they'd feel good about sending me too. I've got an 1897 Winchester that dates to 1908, that I'd like to make shootable again. This gun means a lot to me, so I'd rather not trust it to a total stranger.

Heres a few shots:

Thanks guys!

**lafrad** · 05-11-2009, 02:41 PM

Originally Posted by LouZ

As a gunsmith/restorer ... just curious...why is it not shootable?

LouZ

Its missing the laser targeting system...

**CoolVanilla** · 05-11-2009, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by LouZ

As a gunsmith/restorer ... just curious...why is it not shootable?

LouZ

Oh maybe it is Lou. You're talking to a total noob on this stuff. Please forgive the verbiage, but here's what has me concerned:

1) the tube that holds the cartridges (under the barrel) will rotate maybe 10-15 degrees either way.

2) the pump action is very tight/stiff.

3) sometimes I have to overextend the pump action to get the slider to unjam. If I go the normal stroke, it works most of the time, but once in a while it will lock up on the way back. I have to go forward again, beyond the normal stroke to free whatever up, to then be able to pull it all the way back.

4) is it "safe" ? I dunno.

You tell me... am I being a goober about this? Should I just get out there and use the sucker? I plan to hit the local trap/skeet/clay sports park fairly regularly...

**Manny08** · 05-11-2009, 04:49 PM

you might want to check this place out.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/index.php

**LouZ** · 05-12-2009, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by CoolVanilla

Oh maybe it is Lou. You're talking to a total noob on this stuff. Please forgive the verbiage, but here's what has me concerned:

1) the tube that holds the cartridges (under the barrel) will rotate maybe 10-15 degrees either way.

2) the pump action is very tight/stiff.

3) sometimes I have to overextend the pump action to get the slider to unjam. If I go the normal stroke, it works most of the time, but once in a while it will lock up on the way back. I have to go forward again, beyond the normal stroke to free whatever up, to then be able to pull it all the way back.

4) is it "safe" ? I dunno.

You tell me... am I being a goober about this? Should I just get out there and use the sucker? I plan to hit the local trap/skeet/clay sports park fairly regularly...

It may just need a good cleaning...... BUT .... you should have a smith take a look at it before you shoot it.

LouZ