Preserve the Legacy.

Restoration Work

Restoring firearms back to like-new condition—from the front sight bead to the butt plate—including specialized fire damage restoration.

Bringing Classic Firearms Back to Life

A quality firearm is built to last for generations, but years of use, improper storage, exposure to the elements, accidents, or fire can leave it worn, damaged, or inoperable.

At Salty Dog Gunsmithing, we specialize in comprehensive firearm restoration, carefully returning firearms to like-new condition—from the front sight bead to the butt plate.

Whether you own a treasured family heirloom, a collectible military firearm, a vintage shotgun, or a well-loved hunting rifle, every restoration begins with a thorough inspection and a personalized restoration plan designed to preserve the firearm’s integrity, craftsmanship, and history.

Before

After

Complete Firearm Restoration

Our restoration process addresses every component of your firearm to restore both appearance and performance.

Metal Refinishing and Rust Removal

Restore worn, damaged, oxidized, or corroded metal surfaces.

Bluing Restoration and Refinishing

Hot bluing, rust bluing, Parkerizing, and other appropriate finishes.

Stock Repair and Restoration

Repair, refinish, or replace damaged wood stocks and furniture.

Crack, Chip, and Damage Repair

Address structural and cosmetic damage in wood components.

Checkering Restoration

Re-cut worn patterns and restore grip detail.

Obsolete Part Fabrication

Replace or fabricate unavailable components when appropriate.

Sight Repair and Replacement

Repair, restore, or replace damaged front and rear sights.

Action Cleaning and Rebuilding

Detailed cleaning, inspection, repair, and rebuilding as needed.

Hardware Restoration

Restore screws, pins, plates, swivels, and related hardware.

Butt Plate and Recoil Pad Replacement

Restore or replace worn or damaged rear stock components.

Trigger and Safety Inspection

Inspect critical operating components for condition and function.

Full Disassembly and Reassembly

Complete disassembly, cleaning, careful reassembly, and inspection.

Fire Damage Restoration

A house or shop fire does not always mean a firearm is beyond saving. Smoke, soot, water from fire-suppression efforts, rust, damaged wood, and deteriorated finishes can often be professionally restored when the firearm remains structurally sound.

Our fire restoration process begins with a detailed evaluation of the barrel, receiver, action, springs, stock, and internal components for heat-related damage.

Depending on the firearm’s condition, the work may include smoke and soot removal, corrosion treatment, stock repair or replacement, metal refinishing, replacement of damaged components, internal cleaning and lubrication, and a complete safety and function inspection.

Our goal is to preserve the firearm whenever it is safe and practical to do so while providing honest recommendations when critical components require replacement.

Respecting the History of Your Firearm

Every firearm has a story. Some deserve a complete restoration to factory-like condition, while others are best preserved with a more conservative approach that maintains their originality and collector value.

We work closely with each customer to determine the most appropriate restoration based on the firearm’s age, condition, intended use, and historical significance.

Precision Craftsmanship You Can Trust

Restoration is more than refinishing metal or replacing worn parts—it is about honoring the craftsmanship that went into building the firearm in the first place.

From matching original wood finishes and recreating checkering patterns to restoring intricate metal details and ensuring reliable mechanical function, every project receives the attention to detail it deserves.

Preserve Your Investment

Whether you are restoring a family heirloom, reviving a collectible firearm, repairing fire damage, or bringing a favorite hunting rifle back into the field, Salty Dog Gunsmithing is committed to preserving the quality, craftsmanship, and legacy of your firearm.