|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336
Campfire Member
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336 |
Ladies and Gentlemen: Over in the Savage Collectors forum, I showed photographs of a 1953 Savage 99 R that I restored. I did not want to shirk my responsibility in the Winchester line. Here's a 1957 Model 12 that I restored (modified a bit). It is now rust blued and has a boiled linseed oil finish. The shotgun has a 28 inch modified choke barrel. I did all the work myself. This is without a doubt the most accurate shotgun that I've ever shot. ![[Linked Image]](http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp287/cabemis/DSCF0123_zpsb3f939b5.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp287/cabemis/DSCF0124_zpse13d7dfd.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp287/cabemis/DSCF0125_zpsbc6ca547.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp287/cabemis/DSCF0126_zpsa923101e.jpg) Sincerely, Chris Bemis
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,809
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,809 |
Very nicely done.
Been thinking about having the same done to one of mine, but then I thought I would no longer want to hunt it in bad weather, or just stick it in the corner upon coming home if the day was fair. I wouldn't want to just lay it on the ground where ever it was convenient when resting or gutting a bird. It's field days may end and it would become a gun for clays only.
You do nice work and I appreciate your skills. Maybe I'll have it done, but I doubt it.
laissez les bons temps rouler
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,653
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,653 |
Well done...it looks like NIB condition.
I have a 1954 Model 12, 28" modified choke barrel that could probably use a redo, but the small nicks and thinning blue reminds me of the good times while carrying it. Maybe one of my kids will see things differently when it gets passed on.
You're Welcome At My Fire Anytime
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,060
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,060 |
Well done...it looks like NIB condition.
I have a 1954 Model 12, 28" modified choke barrel that could probably use a redo, but the small nicks and thinning blue reminds me of the good times while carrying it. Maybe one of my kids will see things differently when it gets passed on. Your statement about the good times you had with this gun is why I campaign so often to leave the gun in its original condition. When refinished they are beautiful but lack history. I knew a gun guy that had a nice pre 64 model 94 with the butt stock looking like it argued with a chainsaw. Asking why he didn't fix those ugly gouges, he informed me he never will. Seems he got them while shoving the butt of the gun down a mountain lions throat while trying to extricate himself from a sticky situation. That gun has character and history in spades. But I have too I have many guns that have not a scratch and enjoy them. But when my grandsons want to see grandpa's hunting guns, those have many scars from many adventures.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336
Campfire Member
|
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336 |
Well done...it looks like NIB condition.
I have a 1954 Model 12, 28" modified choke barrel that could probably use a redo, but the small nicks and thinning blue reminds me of the good times while carrying it. Maybe one of my kids will see things differently when it gets passed on. Your statement about the good times you had with this gun is why I campaign so often to leave the gun in its original condition. When refinished they are beautiful but lack history. I knew a gun guy that had a nice pre 64 model 94 with the butt stock looking like it argued with a chainsaw. Asking why he didn't fix those ugly gouges, he informed me he never will. Seems he got them while shoving the butt of the gun down a mountain lions throat while trying to extricate himself from a sticky situation. That gun has character and history in spades. But I have too I have many guns that have not a scratch and enjoy them. But when my grandsons want to see grandpa's hunting guns, those have many scars from many adventures. Dear stuvwxyz: Actually, I agree with you in most cases. I purchased this Model 12 a few years ago, so it has not built up the requisite bumps and scratches to lend it emotional character. Nevertheless, the Winchester 1950's original varnish leaves a lot to be desired. Winchester's 1950's bluing on the other hand was well done. What I found though is hunting with a rifle or shotgun that you have re-done is really cool. I still don't baby them. Sincerely, Chris Bemis
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,060
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,060 |
YALIE, I often have to suggest complete refurbish jobs to friend who bring me their guns for advise. These mainly have been subject to neglect not from a life well lived. Just last week I inspected a Mossberg 22 rifle that belonged to my friends grandfather. After standing behind the leaking barn door for over 20 years the gun suffered not from hard use but neglect. Two entirely different things. Only a complete makeover would make this gun serviceable again. And by the way you did a great job on your refinish project.
Good Hunting
STEVE
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,809
Campfire Ranger
|
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,809 |
Agree. For one that was abused and could be brought back, a restoration would be nice.
laissez les bons temps rouler
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129
Campfire Member
|
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129 |
You did a very nice job, the blue looks spot on and no over buffing, corners nice and sharp. Wood looks good also. Here is a pic of my original 56 30" full choke, I can't seem to miss with it either. Really shows how close you got the bluing. ![[Linked Image]](http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c314/jorau/IMG_0058.jpg)
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,352
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 11,352 |
Great looking guns in this thread.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 32,044
Campfire 'Bwana
|
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 32,044 |
A Doe walks out of the woods today and says, that is the last time I'm going to do that for Two Bucks.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,363
Campfire Outfitter
|
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,363 |
"Chris Bemis" is a name in the gun world I associate with impeccable manners and ethics.
Glad to see him posting here.
There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self. -Ernest Hemingway
The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.-- Edward John Phelps
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,513
Campfire Tracker
|
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 5,513 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336
Campfire Member
|
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336 |
You did a very nice job, the blue looks spot on and no over buffing, corners nice and sharp. Wood looks good also. Here is a pic of my original 56 30" full choke, I can't seem to miss with it either. Really shows how close you got the bluing. Dear Augie: They really are beautiful, aren't they? That mid-1950's Model 12 stock design is absolutely perfect. I will use it as a template, when I restock my 1951 and 1979 A-5's and a 1973 Superposed. Sincerely, Chris Bemis
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336
Campfire Member
|
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336 |
"Chris Bemis" is a name in the gun world I associate with impeccable manners and ethics.
Glad to see him posting here. Dear Clarkm: Thank you, but I do have my dark side, too. There are a few factory stocks, barrels and one action that have met my wrath over the years (Scots' temper, I guess). Or it could be from wrenching on cars since I was 15. If you're not bleeding, swearing and throwing things, then you really aren't fully involved in an automobile. But I have a five year old granddaughter to keep me in line: ![[Linked Image]](http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp287/cabemis/DSCF0119_zpsb8a3ce54.jpg) Sincerely, Chris Bemis
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129
Campfire Member
|
|
Campfire Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 129 |
Chris, we share the same profession, I've been a mechanic for 40 years,kind of a love/hate relationship right now.
We also appreciate the same firearms, I have a love for vintage Winchesters and Belgium Browning A5's among many others.
I'm in MD,that Model 12 I posted was found in the used gun rack at Shyda's in Lebanon PA A few years back.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336
Campfire Member
|
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336 |
Chris, we share the same profession, I've been a mechanic for 40 years,kind of a love/hate relationship right now.
We also appreciate the same firearms, I have a love for vintage Winchesters and Belgium Browning A5's among many others.
I'm in MD,that Model 12 I posted was found in the used gun rack at Shyda's in Lebanon PA A few years back. Dear Augie: Actually, wrenching on cars is just for fun. The profession was law, but not anymore. Man, I've bought and sold at Shyda's. I even remember when Sol ran it. Actually, I was there last week, looking for the unknown and rare .22 long rifle cartridge. No luck. Send me a PM, if you wish, Augie, and we can talk some more. Sincerely, Chris Bemis
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,742
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,742 |
I couldn't agree more about the 1950s laquer leaving something to be desired. This is why so many pre 64s are "cleaned up" IMO.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336
Campfire Member
|
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336 |
I couldn't agree more about the 1950s laquer leaving something to be desired. This is why so many pre 64s are "cleaned up" IMO. Dear Horseman: The cool thing about stripping and oil finishing those old Winchester stocks, is that Winchester used very structurally sound and dry wood to start with. Although I've found the grain to be pretty much straight and a bit open, the boiled linseed oil finish brings out the color contrast like you can't believe. The factory lacquer appears to me to hide that contrast and color. Here's an example from a 1948 Winchester 71 with a boiled linseed oil finish sanded to a 600 grit finish: ![[Linked Image]](http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp287/cabemis/DSCF0127_zps1869fddb.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp287/cabemis/DSCF0128_zpsf9438a33.jpg) ![[Linked Image]](http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/pp287/cabemis/DSCF0129_zps11aff9d4.jpg) Sincerely, Chris Bemis
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,742
Campfire Regular
|
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,742 |
That's beautiful Chris. I agree the factory finish can cloud good wood.
I just picked up a NIB 1949 SuperGrade a couple of weeks ago. The laquer finish is complete with dust nibs and sanding scratches evident below the finish. As much as I love old Winchesters I'm amazed how poorly the wood was finished. DUCO laquer was sprayed after a dunk in stain. Brownings of the same era were much better finished.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336
Campfire Member
|
|
OP
Campfire Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 336 |
Dear Horseman:
What really took the cake, was a 1979 Browning A-5 that I will use for duck hunting.
It had the 1/2" thick polyurethane, severely cracked with age finish. It was a bitch to strip it.
Underneath the ugliest piece of walnut that I've seen. It appeared to be the transition point between the inside pith of the tree and the next outer layer. Of course, Browning had stained with red stain to hide the ugly transition.
Of course that puppy is on the re-stock list.
Next, we should discuss the interior machining on pre-64 Model 70's, but I'm sure I'll make an enemy or two here.
Shoot me a PM, if you wish.
Sincerely,
Chris Bemis
|
|
|
|
|
551 members (10gaugemag, 007FJ, 17CalFan, 1Longbow, 1lessdog, 1badf350, 62 invisible),
2,597
guests, and
1,350
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,191,469
Posts18,471,386
Members73,934
| |
Most Online11,491
Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|
![[Linked Image]](http://s420.photobucket.com/user/cabemis/media/DSCF0123_zpsb3f939b5.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s420.photobucket.com/user/cabemis/media/DSCF0124_zpse13d7dfd.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s420.photobucket.com/user/cabemis/media/DSCF0125_zpsbc6ca547.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s420.photobucket.com/user/cabemis/media/DSCF0126_zpsa923101e.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s420.photobucket.com/user/cabemis/media/DSCF0119_zpsb8a3ce54.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s420.photobucket.com/user/cabemis/media/DSCF0127_zps1869fddb.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s420.photobucket.com/user/cabemis/media/DSCF0128_zpsf9438a33.jpg.html)
![[Linked Image]](http://s420.photobucket.com/user/cabemis/media/DSCF0129_zps11aff9d4.jpg.html)