Classic Firearms Restorations

Classic Firearms Restorations LLC doesn't flip guns or move inventory. Mick Crowder takes the rifles and shotguns that have been sitting in basements, attics, and field corners for decades—the ones with actual history—and brings them back to working condition.

Think about it: you inherit your grandfather's rifle from Korea. It's been stored badly. Rust, pitting, missing parts. You want it restored to look like he last saw it, not polished to factory-new sterility. That's what Crowder does.

The process is methodical:

1. Inspection & Itemization - Crowder and his licensed gunsmith inspect everything, document all damage 2. Detailed Estimate - You get a written estimate with cost, timeline, and scope 3. Complete Disassembly - Taken apart carefully (sometimes rust means some parts stay put) 4. Metal Work - Rust removal using metal-safe, environmentally responsible solutions; pitting removal via draw filing and steel wool; bluing or browning application 5. Stock Refinishing - Wooden parts stripped, refinished with period-appropriate finishes (Arrow Wood, Tru-Oil, Winchester Red, boiled linseed oil) 6. Photo Documentation - Every stage photographed and sent to you 7. Final Inspection & Research - Gunsmith checks functionality; full historical research report provided

"The piece is completely disassembled where possible. Once disassembled a second inspection is performed to determine the level of functionality of all moving parts."

• •Gunsmithing/Repairs: $65/hr (billed in half-hour increments)
• •Functional repairs on everything from pre-Civil War to modern handguns
• •Type 7 FFL capability means they can fabricate specialty parts or modify existing ones
• •No full-auto conversions offered

• •Basic Stock Refinishing: $100
• •Inspection, cleaning, light sanding, 2-coat finish application, beeswax top coat
• •Arrow Wood Finish standard

• •Advanced Stock Refinishing: $175 (2-3 week turnaround)
• •Full stripping of old finish, complete refinish, desired sheen
• •Citrus-based stripper when possible; acetone for stubborn finishes
• •Available finishes: Arrow Wood, Tru-Oil, Tung Oil, Boiled Linseed Oil, Minwax Oil Stains, Teak Oil
• •Winchester Red hand-rubbed finish available: 1 week for tinted application; 30 days for authentic full restoration (5 hours labor)

• •Bluing/Browning: $65/hr (typically 3-4 hours)
• •Two-part heated rust bluing process (not acid-based)
• •Final application: boiling water submersion, multiple heat-and-solution cycles to dark blue-black
• •Permanent finish; free touch-ups within 1 year
• •Cold bluing available for touch-ups only (1-1.5 hrs)

• •Safety & Function Inspection/Cleaning: $65
• •User-level disassembly, thorough cleaning, 12-point safety report
• •No live-firing capability at the shop

• •Advanced Inspection/Cleaning: $95
• •Complete disassembly, ultrasonic cleaning, 12-point report
• •~1 hour typical

• •Stock Inletting & Making: $65/hr
• •Inlet existing hardware onto new/replacement stocks
• •Custom stock creation from hardwood of your choice: 10-12 hours typical

• •Firearms Research: $65/hr (standalone) or included in restoration
• •History of the firearm, manufacturer details, serial number research, provenance investigation
• •Delivered on USB stick + printed copy

• •FFL Transfers: $45 (up to 2 firearms); $5 each additional
• •Veterans & First Responders: $10 (covers ATF fees)
• •Background checks via PICS system: 15-20 minutes typical
• •Long guns: 1 form; Handguns: 2 forms (one to ATF Harrisburg)

Lititz, PA 17543

• •Phone: (717) 799-5576
• •Email: [email protected]

Crowder has restored 1871 Remington 45-70 rolling block rifles carried in WWI. He's rebuilt a 36-caliber Savage-North Navy Revolver—found in a Texas field, fused solid from 160+ years of rust—back to functional condition in 8 months (24+ labor hours). That revolver fired percussion caps successfully after complete restoration.

Every project includes photographs at every stage and a complete research report documenting the firearm's history. You're not just getting a gun back. You're getting the story.