Sam Walker said
Thanks Clarence, yes historic  restorations and custom Winchesters is all I do.  I restore them to the day they left the factory (if I can get a letter). If not I try to restore them to historical period they were made.  Which is why I ask Bert and Michael questions.  I don’t know everything so I ask!   I buy receivers and make custom Winchesters too.  I offer 1892 Winchesters in 41 Special.  I do all the metal work and prep.  I do rust bluing.  I do all stock work inletting and hand rubbed red tint linseed oil finishes.  

I don’t restore collectible Winchesters with original finish.  Some of the Winchesters I restore are just parts guns, some are complete guns but basket cases.  I will also take guns with no finish and restore them to their former glory.  So no my work is not for everyone.  Most serious collectors do not want restored Winchesters!  They want only 100% original.  So those Winchesters I do not restore.  I buy the historic Winchesters and sell them.  

I do love functioning works of art!  So taking an old Winchester that people have abused or neglected and turning it into a functioning work of art that people are not afraid to use hunting, carrying on horse back or in their truck, shooting at the range or shooting black powder cartridges in a black powder club like I do etc is very satisfying to me.  

you are correct…. good gunsmiths are booked.  A good gunsmith is a good machinist, welder, wood worker, among other things.  I have 7 winchester in various stages of work in my shop right now.    I am waiting on parts, or barrels, doing metal prep for bluing and wood finishing.  I am actually booked out about 3-4 months at the moment NOT INCLUDING MY WAIT LIST.  I have a waiting list of people that want my Winchesters or want me to restore their winchester.   So yes it is a good place to be.  I have more years ahead of me to do this and I love my work. 

I have no need or desire to advertise.  It isn’t necessary as I have enough fellow gunsmiths feeding me work, I buy Winchesters to restore or make into custom Winchesters to sell.  I have people that know me and want to buy one of my guns just so they have one.  So no need to advertise.   

I have bought quite a few parts off the forum.  I have had historic questions answered by our historians for my restorations.  I have met some really nice and good people here.  

So I am always willing to answer questions to fellow members if they want. 

respectfully 

Sam