Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Guns and Ammo => Topic started by: ljsommer on November 04, 2024, 08:31:07 PM

Title: Gunsmith for old 20 gauge side by side
Post by: ljsommer on November 04, 2024, 08:31:07 PM: I have an older 20 gauge shotgun that my grandpa left me but it is missing a screw that I was told would have to be made custom to fit that gun, and perhaps other gun issues. I would like to get this repaired to working condition so that I can use it in his memory. Does anyone know of a good gunsmith that can craft custom parts if necessary? I am located in Tacoma. Thank you!

Edit: More information - the shotgun is a 20 gauge Fulton ("The Fulton") and matches this listing: https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/shotguns/shotguns---american-double/hunter-arms-fulton-20-gauge-double-barrel.cfm?gun_id=101199494

I took it to a gunsmith back in 2018 (ish) and was told that the parts that it required, which is at least one screw on the bottom, were not readily available. I didn't pursue anything further but now would like to restore it to mechanical functionality. I don't need pretty I just need it to function reliably and safely.
Title: Re: Gunsmith for old 20 gauge side by side
Post by: chukardogs on November 05, 2024, 04:54:49 AM: Can you remove one of the other adjacent screws? If so, I have a gunsmith I've dealt with for years that would be able to either match it or fabricate a new one. Do you know if it's a wood screw or a machine screw?
Title: Re: Gunsmith for old 20 gauge side by side
Post by: carbide on November 05, 2024, 09:35:22 AM: Try looking at gunpartscorp.com

Lots of used parts for old firearms.
Title: Re: Gunsmith for old 20 gauge side by side
Post by: ljsommer on November 11, 2024, 12:47:38 PM: Quote from: chukardogs on November 05, 2024, 04:54:49 AM
Can you remove one of the other adjacent screws? If so, I have a gunsmith I've dealt with for years that would be able to either match it or fabricate a new one. Do you know if it's a wood screw or a machine screw?

Yes, see attached.

I should also mention that the safety switch is firmly stuck. Whoever I find to work on this thing should be qualified to take a look at that as well.
Title: Re: Gunsmith for old 20 gauge side by side
Post by: chukardogs on November 12, 2024, 10:46:44 AM: I will send those pictures to my gunsmith. It looks to me like the biggest issue you may have will be matching the existing patina. Just an FYI, my Gunsmith (Gostomski Gunsmithing) is in Mt. Savage Maryland so shipping the shotgun would be necessary if there's a need for hands on work. If that's not an option, I'd keep looking here locally.
Title: Re: Gunsmith for old 20 gauge side by side
Post by: HighlandLofts on November 30, 2024, 01:04:31 PM: I have an old 12 gauge Ithaca Lafever double barrel that needs to have some service done on it.

When empty you can pull the front right and just the right barrel will indent the snap cap & paper.
When loaded with low base ammo you pull the front trigger and both barrels will fire.
I'll check out your Maryland gun *censored*h.
Two Washington gun smiths have done their thing and still the same problem exists.
Title: Re: Gunsmith for old 20 gauge side by side
Post by: dreadi on November 30, 2024, 10:57:29 PM: Take that screw to McClendon's and check it against their thread pitch checkers. Then poke around all their drawers and find some that matches in length. Then choose one with a head that fits the opening. If the head fits the diameter yet it still proud, file it down.

BLACK HAMMER ARMS
07/02 NFA Dealer

http://www.blackhammerarms.com
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Title: Re: Gunsmith for old 20 gauge side by side
Post by: ljsommer on December 05, 2024, 05:44:18 PM: Wadu1 generously made the drive over to my place and helped me with the shotgun. He was able to get the safety working and identified a couple more things that we are going to continue working on. Thank you!
Title: Re: Gunsmith for old 20 gauge side by side
Post by: JDHasty on December 05, 2024, 10:00:22 PM: Mike Nelson
he’s on N 15th just west of N Proctor. Best shotgun smith in the area and only a few miles from you in UP. pM me if you want his number
Title: Re: Gunsmith for old 20 gauge side by side
Post by: jackson7 on December 05, 2024, 11:50:52 PM: Hi, Take a look at this, LC smith collectors site.
https://members.boardhost.com/lcsmith/
and the shotgun forum here> have an old doubles forum.
https://www.shotgunworld.com/forums/classic-shotguns.107/
Good luck. Jackson
Title: Re: Gunsmith for old 20 gauge side by side
Post by: salish on December 11, 2024, 07:09:51 PM: Quote from: JDHasty on December 05, 2024, 10:00:22 PM
Mike Nelson
he’s on N 15th just west of N Proctor. Best shotgun smith in the area and only a few miles from you in UP. pM me if you want his number

He's done some shotgun work for me in the past. An excellent smith and a good guy.