Chipped on the comb. What should I do?

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Celine

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Need advise, pls!
My adjustable comb fell off & chipped. :( :( :(
What should I do? Where can I get it fix? Carpenter or gunsmith? Does it take long to fix it ? What's the guesstimate cost, pls?
I heard that moisture can get in & damage the wood. Do I have to fix it ASAP?
Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance
https://photos.app.goo.gl/r5zaztV42wpnJWnSA
 
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Gun work is work for a gunsmith. Carpenters build houses. Some gunsmiths are very good at work on wood stocks, some aren't. This problem is obviously on a target shotgun so ask for advice on a capable gunsmith in your area from your fellow shooters at your range and at a local gun store or two concerning your problem (they will need to see it). The degree of difficulty of the repair will dictate both the cost and the length of time the repair will take. If you have all the pieces it should go smoothly and if your chosen smith isn't too busy to squeeze you in ( many seem to be 1-2 years behind on many jobs) and the job itself won't take long however if some stock finish repairs are needed this could stretch to a week or two total because of finish drying time. Expect any competent gunsmith to charge $50 per hour, some of the best charge more, some charge less. A bit of rain or snow while you are shooting won't really affect your bare wood if you don't soak it and if you dry it thoroughly when you get home but you could protect it temporarily with a light coat of varnish if you are concerned. Wax would work for waterproofing but it might create problems for the gunsmith doing the repair. Good luck, let us know how it works out.
 
I would also put a bit of varnish on it to seal
I have no idea what you have in your area but here I would take it to the shop that restores antique furniture. They would fix that easily
Cheers
 
The furniture stores have heat sticks that would fix this.
Not 100% but better the nothing.
They match the color of the wood.
Trick I learned when I took my Gunsmiths course
 
Ashcroft said:
Gun work is work for a gunsmith. Carpenters build houses. Some gunsmiths are very good at work on wood stocks, some aren't. This problem is obviously on a target shotgun so ask for advice on a capable gunsmith in your area from your fellow shooters at your range and at a local gun store or two concerning your problem (they will need to see it). The degree of difficulty of the repair will dictate both the cost and the length of time the repair will take. If you have all the pieces it should go smoothly and if your chosen smith isn't too busy to squeeze you in ( many seem to be 1-2 years behind on many jobs) and the job itself won't take long however if some stock finish repairs are needed this could stretch to a week or two total because of finish drying time. Expect any competent gunsmith to charge $50 per hour, some of the best charge more, some charge less. A bit of rain or snow while you are shooting won't really affect your bare wood if you don't soak it and if you dry it thoroughly when you get home but you could protect it temporarily with a light coat of varnish if you are concerned. Wax would work for waterproofing but it might create problems for the gunsmith doing the repair. Good luck, let us know how it works out.
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Thanks for the detail info. I'm going to ask ard. Hopefully, it won't cost me two arms & two legs. ;)
 
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Thank God, I have another one to shoot. It is just an eyesore for me. If it won't affect the wood, I don't need to rush to fix it before holiday season.
 
A skilled gunsmith will be able to repair that damage in an unobtrusive manner. It might help if you have any parts of the chip. Might require a little inlay, matched to the grain and colour. In the meantime, don't be screwing with it, applying anything to the exposed wood.
 
colombe said:
The furniture stores have heat sticks that would fix this.
Not 100% but better the nothing.
They match the color of the wood.
Trick I learned when I took my Gunsmiths course
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Gunsmith course? How long did the course take? I'm interested to learn more. I can't just rely on YouTube.
 
tigrr said:
Did you save any of the pieces that chipped out? That would go a long way towards the repair.
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No I don't have the broken part. I found a gunsmith. He will fix it for me. I may not really need to fix it but it is just an eyesore for me.
 
OK, you're on the right track. Just a caution....... before you hand over your gun for repairs no matter who is doing it, get a firm commitment on when the job will be completed. This way there is no disappointment or misunderstanding by either party. Some gunsmiths tend to stockpile work and end up months, even years behind. Many on here could share tales of waiting and waiting and waiting some more through numerous promises, excuses and missed delivery dates.
 
My gunsmith said he will finish with two weeks. He is recommended by my shooting friend.
As Im reading the thread, it seems that we have gunsmith shortage. However, I never notice that any school offer this kind of courses?? Since the waiting time can go up to a year, should it be a career choice for the young generation?
Just my 2 cents.
 
gunsaholic said:
Contact forum member Chris Dawe who is an expert with gun stocks and get his opinion. If he does the repair you won't be waiting a year.
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Thanks for the info. I will save it for a more serious damage. Hopefully it will never happen but I know myself. :(
 
C'mon how complicated can it be? ;-) That is a tiny chip. If it was my gun, I'd make sure the chip was not contaminated with oil or anything else, mix up a small amount of acraglas epoxy ( or a good woodworkers epoxy ) with some walnut sawdust, fill the chip, ( stain if necessary to match the stock) then let it harden, and sand with fine sandpaper mounted on a backing block to make all smooth and the same colour and contour. ( check colour after its hardened by wetting) Then after sanding I'd put a wee bit of tru oil on my forefinger and rub that on. If results weren't perfect I'd repeat the tru oil and finger.
 
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