Antique gun shop near Ithaca?

[hermit]

I've recently acquired a 1910 12 ga. Sterlingworth SxS.  It's in pretty good shape but I'd like to get it checked out somewhere before firing it.  Is there anyone around the Ithaca area, or within about an hour drive, that deals with antique guns?  Or just clean it and give it a shot?  There doesn't seem to be anything wrong with it but I don't think it's been fired in about 50 years.  Barely any rust, a few tiny spots.  I can do pics in a few hours if that would help.  Thanks for any tips!

Edited September 22, 2015 by hermit

[Sk8man]

I know it is a bit longer than an hour but Doug Turnbull is probably the best gunsmith and restoration specialist in the eastern US if not the U.S. and he is located a bit west of Canandaigua, NY on Route 5 and 20.

 

http://www.turnbullmfg.com/

[stinger]

Dave Klotz in Weedsport is as good as you'll find in the North East.

Da Mar Gunsmiths

2686 East Brutus

Weedsport, NY 13166

Phone: (315) 834-9156

Not sure how far that is from you but worth the trip.If you goggle him you'll get all the info you need.

You can stop by Bass Pro while on your way.....

[W.W.IV.]

Dave Klotz in Weedsport is as good as you'll find in the North East.

Da Mar Gunsmiths

2686 East Brutus

Weedsport, NY 13166

Phone: (315) 834-9156

Not sure how far that is from you but worth the trip.If you goggle him you'll get all the info you need.

You can stop by Bass Pro while on your way.....

 

What Stinger Said.

[hermit]

Thanks guys!  I wasn't looking for a full restoration but looking at some of the pics on Turnbull's site it might be worth it.  I don't think it's too far gone but it's a supposedly a decent gun and from the first year of manufacturing.

 

Edit: these pics lost a lot of quality when uploaded but I think it looks pretty good for sitting for ~50 years.

 

Edited September 22, 2015 by hermit

[Sk8man]

Nice shotgun....looks quite a bit like my 1913 Ithaca 12 gauge double   By the way Doug Turnbull has guns sent to him from all over the world for restoration.

[justtracytrolling]

There is a gunsmith near Stewart park in Ithaca that specializes in old ithaca's. He fixed my 1904 Ithaca flues side by side and im sure he could give you piece of mind to fire it.

[hermit]

I always figured I should have an Ithaca at some point, never even fired one yet though.  This one was my great-grandfather's who had a farm near Philly.  Be great to have it back in action!

 

I'll update when I get it in working order.  Thanks everyone that's a great start.

Edited September 22, 2015 by hermit

[anytime]

Just clean it and give it a shot. For all practical purposes it's a "modern" firearm and they last forever. A couple trap loads and you'll know if it's OK. 

[hermit]

Cleaned it up, looks great.  Bores are shiny.  Even some of the original case hardening still there.  Chambers need a little work, they're the rustiest part but really not bad at all.

 

Got some low pressure shells from RST Shells, from some reading it was recommended to use a lighter shell than modern ones.   Just fired this gun in who knows how long.  At least 50 years probably.  Blam!  It works.  Next step is to get my neighbor and his skeet station involved.  Might try for turkey with it but neither barrel is choked.  A lot of fun firing this old shotgun!