In need of a gunsmith

[RetiredMike]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new to the site. I used to shoot black powder years ago. I'm back in the game after a bad heart attack and the death of my wife of 34 years from cancer. I have two Traditions rifles; one a flinter and a percussion, both .50 cal. Both are in sorry condition as my daughter stored them unprotected in her garage. Both need mainsprings, but none of the local gunsmiths will touch them. Does anyone know of a good gunsmith in driving distance? I used to shoot in target matches and would like to try my hand at deer hunting. I live in the Inland Empire area in Southern California. Two gunsmiths said to get rid of them and buy new. Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for all of your help. Merry Christmas.

[beowulf]

check with traditions and see if you can order new springs from them ,or perhaps dixie gun works . depending on how rough they are you might be able to restore them yourself ! I`ve picked up a couple of poorly assembled kits ,and a couple of guns that were just plain abused . with a bit of work they turned out very nice !

[DandJofAZ]

Should be salvagable...look at some of the posts here and you can see the remarkable recovery some of our members have performed...New is nice, but I for one would clean and rework first...Might just do it yourself..ask for advice and you will get lots of how-to and hands-on direction....doesn't take many tools or much knowhow to change out the springs and clean (scrub and steel wool) a bore..might ever try the Vinegar finish, it removes rust and gives a great look to a neglected piece of iron...Doug

[old salt]

    The first thing I would if I had the rifle is clean and check the bore. Check to see if there is and how deep the pitting is [if any]. That is what any good gunsmith should first. Doing this will save both time and money. If you are in doubt as to whether the barrel is good or not then go to a gunsmith and have him check them out.

    If he says they good then all you have to do is get the parts and a spring vice and fix then your self, if the gunsmith say they are not safe then you will have to start form scratch

   Either way you will know the gun is safe to shoot, plus the learning experience that goes with it

Just my 2 cents worth.

[Watauga]

    RetiredMike I admire your keep on keeping on attitude
After your experiences fixing a old rifle  Will be a rewarding hobby and isn't beyond your capability.
I know I get a feeling of satisfaction Bringing one back into shape that been neglected.
And it will be better for you since these have a history with you.
You have found all the help you could need right at this Forum.
I know the springs are available at Dixie and Traditions may send them to you free if you call them.
(Some of the Rifles have a lifetime Warranty)
I would be trying to help you myself but your a little to far from Indiana.
      Good luck and keep us posted!
        PS. put up some pictures of the rifles and the people of the Forum may be able to advise you better.

[RetiredMike]

Thanks to all for the advice. I spent Christmas day cleaning up the rifles and they both cleaned up very nicely. I found a gunsmith who checked them over today and said they were in none the worse for the wear. He's ordering the springs from Traditions on Mon. AM. I'll be rummaging in the boxes in the garage for my old gear. I can't wait to smell burnt gunpowder. Thanks again for the help and encouragement.

[William]

Looking forward to your report and pics.

[DandJofAZ]

Sounds like you are well on your way to joining us in making  smoke...have fun and keep us posted...
Doug

[chuck w.]

Great news they cleaned up good for you! I think we're all waiting to get a range report from you. Oh yea. Welcome to this site. C.W.

[Micanopy]

Glad that worked out for you. Welcome back!