How often do gunsmiths make small parts from scratch?

H Wally said:
On the plus side, you didn't pick the worst extractor to have hand made. You're probably in the right zone if you're factoring start to finish and maybe some live fire testing. Can't remember if you had contacted a gunsmith, but worth calling and explaining your problem - one might be interested or have a simple solution for you.
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I might stop in to CSC to chat with the fellow there on my road trip this week.

pauls said:
Buy a spare extractor, put feeler gauges to the thickness you need behind the claw and and peen it down?
May be a cheap fix vs a day of labour.
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You may really be onto something here pauls... I may just try that. I wonder if the fine edge of the extractor claw would break off? Probably not an expensive experiment anyway.
 
I went to a very well known master gunsmith to see if he could manufature a screw I required for a sxs. His response was direct and straight to the point....i can manufacture anything but it will be the most expensive screw you'll ever purchase. He almost didnt even want to quote a price, but said at least $300 on his end, plus the cost of engraving if I wanted to match it to the receiver.

Moral of the story, their time is your money. Fortunately for me, he surprisingly found one that worked in his box of tricks.
 
As much as it sucks to pay out the nose for gunsmith work.... I get it. It's a specialized service, they take tons of flak from the cfo I imagine (or at least are a risk of such), they need expensive insurance, and their equipment is often expensive.

I do almost all my own work, partly because a gunsmith costs so much, partly because I love doing it anyways
 
Would a 4 or 5 axis CNC mill not do what you're asking ???

Just throwing it out there. I'm an amateur, with just enough knowledge to be dangerous!!!

-J.
 
Gunneegoogoo said:
Would a 4 or 5 axis CNC mill not do what you're asking ???

Just throwing it out there. I'm an amateur, with just enough knowledge to be dangerous!!!

-J.
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Its still the cost of the power, the time to program, and most places wont do a one off piece without charging you your left nut.
 
Gunneegoogoo said:
Would a 4 or 5 axis CNC mill not do what you're asking ???

Just throwing it out there. I'm an amateur, with just enough knowledge to be dangerous!!!

-J.
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The cost to tool up, program, make the jig you require if there is one, all that, would be enormous.

You literally would need to pay a drafter to draw it up exactly-then change it all to G code..... That's expensive. For a one off, not remotely feasible at all
 
If replacement parts are available, it is waaay easier to install these than to make parts from scratch. Sometimes similar pieces can be adapted.
Fabricating from scratch can be interesting and rewarding. It can also be very time consuming - which is a real factor when the meter is running.
 
I make most of the small parts I need for restoration purposes, including screws and springs. Some parts are straight forward, but a lot of them require an enormous amount of fiddle farting around to fit them properly. Heat treating springs and parts is also time consuming. In the end, it all means it's going to cost a lot more than an ordered replacement part.
 
when im making a part when i don't have the original, or am missing a piece of the original. it generally takes me a couple of tries, generally 3. first one is garbage and does not work, but shows me where i have messed up, second generally works or will work with some modification, third is the final that works and looks good. takes hand fitting, lathe and mill work. depending on the size and complexity i have charged for time making all 3 or just the first and last.
 
Parts are widely available. The original is not damaged. Another user seems to have solved his issue by making a part with modified geometry; the fellows above may be onto something good with the advice about trying to peen an OE part to different clearance.
 
Silverado said:
Parts are widely available. The original is not damaged. Another user seems to have solved his issue by making a part with modified geometry; the fellows above may be onto something good with the advice about trying to peen an OE part to different clearance.
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depends on what gun it is. had to make new firing pins, new mag latches, new triggers new hammers for guns that parts are not available for. haven't had to make springs, but other parts for sure.
 
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