Thread: Gunsmith for restoration work?

I have a beautiful old Remington Hepburn single shot rifle that's in need of some TLC, both the stock & metal work need attention. Gunsmith's let alone good ones are a dying breed here in NZ. I don't think Dean Maisey is doing any restoration work, Robert Dollimore I believe retired - Maybe Allan Carr would be the best bet. The rifle circa 1880 is one of only 8,000 odd made so wanted it to go to good hands. Who would you trust for this type of work?

you could try Cobus in Gore, he's old school gunsmith

.40 1 7/8th other wise known as 40-45 Remington or 40-50 Sharps Straight.

Cobus is a very honest man.

Hugh has done some good work for me. https://www.gunmakersnz.com/

Originally Posted by Woody

Cobus is a very honest man.

Another vote for Cobus....good bloke

A mate of mine restores guns.

He did an old family shotgun... impressed is an understatement from restoring the stock to traditional blueing the barrel.

PM me your number

Originally Posted by Seventenths

A mate of mine restores guns.

He did an old family shotgun... impressed is an understatement from restoring the stock to traditional blueing the barrel.

PM me your number

TJ?if so he does great work ,did a couple of stocks for me in the past.

Yeah, TJ came to mind.... well maybe not for tomato stakes.

Originally Posted by LJP

I have a beautiful old Remington Hepburn single shot rifle that's in need of some TLC, both the stock & metal work need attention. Gunsmith's let alone good ones are a dying breed here in NZ. I don't think Dean Maisey is doing any restoration work, Robert Dollimore I believe retired - Maybe Allan Carr would be the best bet. The rifle circa 1880 is one of only 8,000 odd made so wanted it to go to good hands. Who would you trust for this type of work?

Greetings LJP,
Many years back I had the opportunity to fire a Remington Hepburn chambered for 38-55. It was not original but still a really nice old rifle. The cartridges had been loaded by the owner with his cast lead projectiles but not from memory black powder. Enjoy yours.
Regards Grandpamac.

Originally Posted by The bomb

TJ?if so he does great work ,did a couple of stocks for me in the past.

Yep... TJ

Originally Posted by muzza

Is John Hall still working in Northland ?

I've heard of John Hall - I think his specialty was African Big Game Rifles... Haven't seen anything advertised for a long time now though.

Originally Posted by grandpamac

Greetings LJP,
Many years back I had the opportunity to fire a Remington Hepburn chambered for 38-55. It was not original but still a really nice old rifle. The cartridges had been loaded by the owner with his cast lead projectiles but not from memory black powder. Enjoy yours.
Regards Grandpamac.

Up for a new challenge as I'm getting tired of carbon fibre & the ease of long range hunting. Briefly considered bow but I love a good bang & the smell of gunpowder..... so figured going back to roots with a single shot rifle with heritage to take hunting. Figure a 260gr lead projectile @ 1300 fps will sort even our biggest game at open sight distances.

Can you post some photos of that old girl of yours LJP?

FYI Allan Carr isn't doing any stocks or checkering anymore, he says its too much work and he's cutting back on big jobs, as I asked him earlier this year about a restoration job.