Parker Gunsmithing

Parker Gunsmithing is a full-service gunsmith shop operated by Sean Eldridge in Bethel, Connecticut. They don't sell firearms or ammunition retail—this is purely a repair and restoration operation for shooters who need work done right.

They specialize in:

• •Repair and restoration of modern and antique rifles, pistols, and shotguns
• •Custom builds (1911s, AR-15s, precision rifles)
• •Metal finishing including hot rust bluing, Belgian bluing, and niter bluing at various polish levels
• •Trigger work from adjustment and stoning to aftermarket trigger installation
• •Barrel work including threading, crowning, recrowning, and re-barreling
• •Stock work including glass bedding, refinishing, inletting, and repairs
• •Action jobs on 1911s and other platforms
• •Scope mounting and bore sighting
• •Sight installation (dovetail, peep, open, side mounts)

They maintain stock of sight bases, rings, scopes, and other accessories. If they don't have what you need, they'll source it and get it fast. They're also licensed by the ATF to manufacture firearms (Class 07 FFL).

Refurbished Colt Series 70: Nowlin barrel and bushing, Castillos trigger, Ed Brown beavertail, custom burl maple grips, frame and slide finished to 600 grit then re-blued.

Custom Built 1911: Caspian stainless XR frame with chromoly slide, Wilson Combat barrel with Briley bushing, Castillos trigger, Novak sights. Full custom action package.

Varmint Rifle (243 Ackley Imp): Free-floated Krieger stainless fluted barrel, Savage 112 dual-port action, Tiger Maple stock with pillar bedding, Ken Farrell rings, Nightforce 8x32 scope.

Common services: basic cleaning/safety check runs $75–$225 depending on action type. Barrel threading: $175. Re-barrel (thread, chamber, crown): $425. Glass bedding with pillars: $275. Custom 1911 action job (3 lb pull): $225.

Parker Gunsmithing holds a Class 07 FFL, which means long guns can be shipped directly from customers to the shop and back without involving another FFL holder (with regional exceptions like NYC and Chicago). Pistols must come from an FFL holder. All firearms ship insured via FedEx or UPS ground with adult signature required.

Saturdays are designated for walk-in customers. Weekdays are appointment-preferred because machining and metal finishing can't be interrupted—you might wait an hour or longer if you drop in unannounced. Call ahead: (203) 826-7865.

Active and retired military, law enforcement, and firefighting personnel get 10% off labor with proof of service. Discount doesn't apply to parts or shipping.

• •No FFL transfers—they don't do them
• •New parts only unless used parts are approved in advance
• •Customer-supplied parts are not warranted by the shop
• •All work complies with federal, state, and local Connecticut law. Customers are responsible for verifying legality of modifications in their home jurisdiction
• •Completed firearms are locked in safes at close of business. Shop maintains state-of-the-art monitored security and sufficient NRA Business Alliance insurance
• •30-day pickup/payment deadline; after 45 days, $20/week storage fee applies

Repeat customers are the foundation of the business. Parker Gunsmithing is dedicated to providing prompt and reasonably priced service of the highest quality.

They stand behind all work and will make reasonable effort toward customer satisfaction, including assisting with manufacturer defects on new parts.