Page 25 - FAT 105 4.17 MOODLE

Figure 12: This is a Winchester Model 1876 Deluxe chambered in 50-95 Express. Antique rifles such as this vary in price
depending on factors such as serial number, condition, and market value. The asking price for the model shown is around
$60,000.

periodic firearm inspection and cleaning service. a colored case-hardened trigger guard and butt-
The hunters and collectors and their growing plate, and an elegant hand-checkered stock
accumulation of firearms offer a tremendous carved from burl French walnut. Such a rifle
market for gunsmithing services. The average may cost in the neighborhood of $10,000.
gun owner will not have the proper tools readily
The gunsmithing trade is very unique, and
available, or the knowledge to use them. Even
depending on your area, a good gunsmith can
owners who have both the knowledge and tools
be hard to find. Sales of new firearms run into
will still often seek outside help—they would
the hundreds of thousands each year. Firearm
rather spend their time on other pursuits.
manufacturers continually seek new gunsmiths
There are also those who have only the back to help assemble their firearms. Furthermore,
half of an old Model 97 takedown shotgun and manufacturers need hundreds of gunsmiths
want it restored to its original condition. Or, throughout the country to carry spare parts and
perhaps the restoration work will involve an old to repair the firearms that fall under factory war-
Winchester Model 86 that was found buried ranty. Nearly every community in the United
in the backyard. Restoration work is a rapidly States could use another qualified gunsmith.
growing field. On the other end of the spectrum Those few full-time gunsmiths who are now in
is the custom rifle — a one-of-a-kind rifle built business are usually so swamped with work that
exactly to the owner’s specifications. There are most have a 9 to 14 month backlog. There are
dozens of custom gunsmiths throughout the also hundreds of sporting goods stores through-
United States who can take a factory-built re- out the country that could use a gunsmith —
ceiver, a barrel blank, and a hunk of wood, and especially in the fall when hunting season be-
come up with the smoothest-operating rifle you gins in most parts of the United States. There
have ever laid your hand on—not to mention is always a mad rush the week before hunting
the satin rust-blue finish on the metal, perhaps season to have rifles sighted in, minor repairs

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