Where's the line between fix it "myself" or "smithy"?

B

bggwind

New member
I am getting a hold of a Beretta shotgun that's been my dad's for years. I haven't seen it in years, and I have no idea what kind of maintenance condition it's in.

Where is that magical line between fixing a problem yourself and running it to a gunsmith? I'm not incredibly competent yet I'm fine with a good manual and some how-to procedures in front of me.

I'd love to hear some opinions on this. This shotgun apparently is worth a lot of money and I'd hate to screw something up irreversibly.
 
Brian,
That difference is judgment based on experience and knowledge gained in the College of Hard Knocks for most of us without formal or apprentice training.
 
If it is a parts replacement, do it yourself. It is a great educational experience. It really builds self exteem. If it is a problem that you can't figure out, post it on here and let the members help you figure it out.

I suggest using a gunsmith to do machine work or to make parts that you can't find anymor. Machine work such as opening up chokes, threading barrels for tubes, etc., is better done by an experienced gunsmith. Almost everything else can be done by you.

I have a gunsmith that tells me step by step how to do most repair jobs that I can't figure out on my own. His email is kirbythegunsmith@hotmail.com. I had a problem last year that was bugging me on how to replace an extractor. He sent me step by step photos at no charge except a thank you. I'm sure that kirby will do the same for you. He sends out an email newsletter from time to time at no charge that is most helpful. I don't know where he is located but I'll find out if I need a barrel threaded or a choke opened up. Anything I can't figure out with a post on here. So far, all I've had to do is tell you guys and someone has had the same problem and gets back to me so that I can repair it myself.

If I needed a gunsmith it would not be a local parts replacer. It would be one of the gunsmiths registered on here or shotgunworld.com. These guys are reliable and you don't have to worry that their work is first rate. Most of the local parts replacers, come "gunsmiths", don't have the precision lathes and milling machines to make obsolete parts and thread barrels straight. They have a bin of parts that usually holds every part except the one you need.

Doing it yourself is a great self esteem builder. Thousands of members on this site are ready to jump in to help you figure out how to do it yourself. Many problems have been figured out for me when I disassembled a gun I'm not familiar with and couldn't determine which part went where. Good members here that have had similar problems ready to help.
 
My basic rule of thumb goes something like this.
-If it has to do with the trigger sear and you haven't done trigger work, take it to a gunsmith.

-If it has to do with removing metal (beyond simple polishing) and you don't have lots of experience, take it to a gunsmith. (Because removing metal is easy but you really can't put metal back on).

-If you can't find a good, clear, exploded diagram of your firearm, take it to a gunsmith.

I guess that about covers it for me :D
 
Its my opinion - that everyone should be able to strip a shotgun completely down to its basic components / including getting access to the "trigger group".

I don't really recommend messing with the "trigger group" - but you should be able to clean it, blow it out, etc to keep it clean ( and not mess with the little springs in it, etc ). Everything else in a shotgun is pretty basic / taking out a bolt mechanism, taking off stock, etc..

You didn't say what type of gun it was - but regardless if its a semi-auto or an O/U - keeping a gun clean and well lubed is just part of shooting it. I would only turn to a gunsmith for "Trigger Work" on most shotguns.
 
This shotgun apparently is worth a lot of money and I'd hate to screw something up irreversibly.
Click to expand...

Whatever you do, make sure you do any disassembly in a clean area where you couldn't lose any small parts.

That can be a real fiasco.:eek:
 
A lot depends on your background and experience. I spent a large portion of my early life as a watchmaker and clockmaker. Tearing down and re-assembling a trigger group doesn't bother me a bit.

Having said that, the line is a very elusive thing. It is usually found just after the utterance of some choice expletives. It can also be discovered after what is referred to as a "Watchmaker's prayer meeting". This is where several grown men get down on their hands and knees with desk lamps and eye loupes and search for a tiny screw that goes to an irreplaceable watch. In this case, a small spring or the like from an irreplaceable hand made shotgun that was forged from a meteor or was the personal property of Teddy Roosevelt.

You have just found the line. A bit late, but there it is.
 
ebutler - thanks for the pep talk. I am a little new to this and I would like the confidence that comes with being "safely competant" with takedown, maintenance, and simple operations.

The firearm in question is an older Beretta Silver Pigeon, and I have a little bit sentimental value in the gun. Great feedback all - I thank you guys again for the help!
 
For an O/U, a good basic cleaning is easily done by yourself......redoing barrel ribs, restocking, major repairs, best left to a GOOD gunsmith. When you get to THAT point, give these guys a call:

http://colegun.com/

They are THE Beretta experts here in the US
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top