Had a hard time finding gun smith for something simple

[86er]

I got an XS sight for my 1886. The rear sight has a bridge that goes across the receiver behind the bolt. Consequently, I need two holes drilled and tapped, one on each side. I am a shotgun guy, and I don't mess with rifles, but I probably could have done this myself. However, I figured I'd use a good, established gunsmith just in case something went wrong. That way, I could be compensated but the risk is minimal. For most gunsmithing, general liability insurance covers the result of the work, for example if you get hurt (or someone else) as a result of the job that was done. Day insurance covers the specific item being worked on, so if they drill a hole where it doesn't belong the insurance will pay for a new rifle. Not all gunsmiths have the day insurance. So - since I am in Texas I went to Honig's (been around 35 years in the same spot). He won't do it, says it's too risky. I went to McClellan's (20 years in Dallas). Won't do it, says not enough thickness to cut. Went to Bass Pro Grapevine. Nope - don't install sights in a "unconventional manner" as a matter of policy. Southward to Gander Mountain Corsicana. Won't do it - "I don't trust my equipment" but if you ever need a hold in something else... Down to Houston and to Briley. They could do it on their computer automated milling machine BUT it would require changing 5 heads (the machine has 16) and programming the machine which will take a couple of hours. They can't take the machine off-line until they are caught up with current work that it is designated for. I might get my gun back in 3 or 4 months and for $200! No thanks. I make a call to my friend Kirk Merrington (another double gun guy). He sends me to Pitchford Custom Gunworks in Waller, Texas. Mike Pitchford greets me and shows me around. He says "No problem and you'll have it back next week" $25 a hole plus $12 to ship it home. He has a CNC computer driven milling machine among many other modern equipment. He showed me work from several MANUFACTURERS that use him for "difficult or problematic" jobs. Whew - finally someone who can drill two stinking holes in a reasonable amount of time for a fair price. They are at (936) 372-9017.. My next stop would have been NKJ - but I don't know if he does this kind of stuff and he was furthest away.

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

Yes, I do that and I appreciate the consideration.


But to be honest, I do them to old fashion way. I lay them out by hand and do them on my mill and it's not CNC. So I can't do them for that money or with my back log in that time frame. And, for the Rossi's it requires flushing the safety off the bolt (yes there was a safety there. See the F & S) so the XS can be set on the back and I want to sell you the correct XS. Some folks are buying the XS for Win 94 and it's not the correct sight.

[86er]

Thanks Steve - great to know!

[Pete44ru]

It was easier to do my Rossi 92 myself - but that receiver was some kinda HARD, I gotta tell ya !



.

[NonPCnraRN]

Yes, I do that and I appreciate the consideration.


But to be honest, I do them to old fashion way. I lay them out by hand and do them on my mill and it's not CNC. So I can't do them for that money or with my back log in that time frame. And, for the Rossi's it requires flushing the safety off the bolt (yes there was a safety there. See the F & S) so the XS can be set on the back and I want to sell you the correct XS. Some folks are buying the XS for Win 94 and it's not the correct sight.

Is that sight on a 92? It looks fantastic. I have a Puma in 480 that needs slicking up and the removal of that ObamaNation called a safety. How much of a back log do you have? It is not like I don't have other toys to keep me busy. I will shoot you a PM.

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

Yes, I do that and I appreciate the consideration.


But to be honest, I do them to old fashion way. I lay them out by hand and do them on my mill and it's not CNC. So I can't do them for that money or with my back log in that time frame. And, for the Rossi's it requires flushing the safety off the bolt (yes there was a safety there. See the F & S) so the XS can be set on the back and I want to sell you the correct XS. Some folks are buying the XS for Win 94 and it's not the correct sight.

Is that sight on a 92? It looks fantastic. I have a Puma in 480 that needs slicking up and the removal of that ObamaNation called a safety. How much of a back log do you have? It is not like I don't have other toys to keep me busy. I will shoot you a PM.

Hal, sentcha a PM about the Calendar and other stuff.

[adirondakjack]

It can be frustrating trying to find the right smith, but it's far better a smith turn ya down than butcher the job. If a man knows his limitations or time constraints, and is honest, that's half the battle.

[kimwcook]

I wholly agree. It's when they rush a job or don't have the talent to begin with that irrepairable damage is done. BTDT.

[salvo]

Nate Kiowa Jones, what is the correct XS sight to use on a 92?

[J Miller]

I wholly agree. It's when they rush a job or don't have the talent to begin with that irrepairable damage is done. BTDT.

Yep, me too.

Joe

[Nate Kiowa Jones]

Nate Kiowa Jones, what is the correct XS sight to use on a 92?

Their part # is LG-0001-5

[salvo]

Thanks Steve, I have a set on my 94 Trapper and was measuring the rear sight for my Puma, looked like it was a hair wide.