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At Run-N-Iron Customizing, we feel that almost all old firearms are restorable. Whether it's your favorite shotgun that has worked hard through hundreds of goose blinds, your great-grandfather's old rusty saddle gun that tamed the west or a family heirloom that was scorched in a fire, we can restore it to look and operate as though it just rolled off the factory assembly line. If collector grade firearms are more your interest, we can turn your old standard Winchester 1886 into a presentation showpiece like those of cattle barons and the wealthiest aristocrats.

When restoring a piece of history, the biggest problem is rust. The key to removing rust without damaging the original contour of a gun is in the sanding. We remove all rust pits through block sanding by hand. This prevents the common "rounded edge" effect that occurs when rust is removed using a buffing wheel. Time and pricing fluctuate with the degree of rust. As for serial numbers and lettering (including insignias), the factory markings will still be strong enough in most instances to be re-sharpened through the block sanding process. However, when rust has overtaken the factory lettering, the metal is sanded clean and new lettering is cut using a diamond laser engraver. We have the ability to duplicate most all original markings. For an additional fee, lettering can be re-stamped using original roll stamps.

Another consequence of long years of hard use is worn and pitted rifling. We offer two options for restoring the accuracy of your firearm. The first option is a barrel liner. We drill out the original barrel, install a new liner, chamber it, and then cut the crown. The second option is to install a new barrel. We can match the original configuration or build a custom barrel to your specifications. With any new barrel, we crown and chamber it, install the sights and cut lettering to duplicate the factory markings on the original barrel.

To make your restored firearm function properly, we repair or replace all broken parts and build up parts that are worn. We also tune the action to make it operate even smoother than when it was new.

The last feature in restoring an old firearm is the stock. We begin refinishing a stock by removing all fittings and attachments such as the sling swivels, pistol grip cap and butt plate. The next step is to remove the existing finish. When refinishing a gunstock, the composition of its original finish will influence the method best suited for removing it, whether the process use special solvents, ordinary paint remover, acetone, methyl ethylketone or chlorinated solvents such as trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene. A water diluted solvent such as acetone is then used as a final rinse, which will later aide drying of the wood. Next, dents and handling marks are raised by steaming them out with a hot iron. Once the stock has completely dried (24 to 48 hours), the wood is lightly sanded with 220, 240, 320, 400, and finally 600 grit sandpapers to remove all scratches. If necessary, a color stain is then applied, allowed to dry and lightly sanded with 600. A sealer is applied next, which fills and accentuates the color and grain of the wood. We proceed by sanding again with 600 and 800, then five to eight coats of high quality varnish, which is sanded between each coat. To obtain a satin finish, the final rubbing can be applied with pumice. Several applications of stock wax add protection. For a more traditional oil finish, we use a combination of boiled linseed oil, truoil and tung oil. This more traditional method is rubbed into the wood and provides a far superior appearance to the usual hastily applied factory finish.

If the original stock damaged beyond repair, we will fit your firearm with a new block of wood. In addition, we can turn your standard gun into a presentation showpiece with a block of exhibition or crotch-grade walnut stock. New stocks are finished using the same methods discussed above.

Firearms need to be "cooperative". No one can take a gun that's in 10% condition and make it 100% original condition.

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