Back From The Brink: GunStar Renovation Challenge! - Ep 1

Published on January 29, 2019
Duration: 17:46

This video details the challenging process of refurbishing a very inexpensive, dilapidated side-by-side shotgun. The presenter, acting as a lead firearms instructor, guides viewers through the extensive metalwork cleanup, including addressing rust, polishing, and attempting to fake color case hardening. The guide also covers woodwork restoration, checkering repair, and the intricate process of cleaning and repairing internal action components, highlighting the significant effort required for such a project.

Quick Summary

The 'Back From The Brink' series tackles the refurbishment of very inexpensive firearms, often under £100, aiming to make them suitable for game shooting. This involves extensive metalwork cleanup, rust removal, polishing, faked color case hardening, and woodwork restoration, highlighting the significant challenges of restoring neglected guns.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Gunstar Renovation Challenge
  2. 00:30Finding a Budget Shotgun Under £100
  3. 01:14Contacting Sellers and Initial Assessment
  4. 03:36The Shotgun Arrives: First Impressions
  5. 05:12Detailed Inspection of the Damaged Shotgun
  6. 06:54Workshop Planning: Refurbishment Strategy
  7. 08:47Metalwork Cleanup: Polishing and Cold Bluing
  8. 10:10Woodwork Restoration: Checkering and Stock Repair
  9. 11:30Disassembly and Initial Cleaning Challenges
  10. 13:00Discovering Major Internal Damage
  11. 14:00Repairing Broken Components and Stubborn Screws
  12. 16:00Action Polishing and Aesthetic Decisions
  13. 17:00Trigger Unit Cleaning and Reassembly
  14. 17:40Part Two Preview: Polishing Action and Woodwork

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'Back From The Brink' series about?

The 'Back From The Brink' series focuses on acquiring very inexpensive firearms, specifically under £100, and attempting to restore them to a condition suitable for game shooting. It highlights the challenges and techniques involved in refurbishing neglected or damaged guns.

What are the common issues found in very cheap shotguns purchased for refurbishment?

Very cheap shotguns, especially Spanish models, often suffer from extensive rust, damaged barrels (sometimes cut down), worn actions, degraded woodwork with staining and gouges, and broken internal components like sear springs. They require significant gunsmithing effort.

What techniques are used to restore the metalwork of a neglected shotgun?

Metalwork restoration involves thorough cleaning, rust removal, polishing of components like the floor plate and top lever, and potentially cold bluing or browning the barrels. For actions with degraded color case hardening, faking the finish with cold bluing compounds is an option.

How can the woodwork of an old shotgun be improved?

Woodwork restoration includes cleaning stains, filling gouges, polishing the escutcheon, and re-etching checkering to restore definition. The goal is to bring life back to the stock, even if it cannot be made perfectly original.

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