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Turnbull Restoration

Turnbull Restoration is widely regarded as the premier name in vintage firearm restoration and period-correct finishes for classic American guns. From Winchester lever actions and Colt Single Action Army revolvers to 1911 pistols and American side-by-sides, their team focuses on returning well-used rifles, shotguns, and handguns to authentic factory condition. Founded in the 1980s by Doug Turnbull, the company has grown from a one-man shop into a crew of highly skilled artisans with more than 140 years of combined experience under one roof. Turnbull Restoration not only revives heirlooms with traditional color case hardening, rust bluing, and woodwork, but also applies those same finishes to select new-production firearms through its Turnbull Finished programs.

Turnbull Restoration Craftsmanship

Turnbull Restoration built its reputation on historically correct work. Projects begin with careful inspection, research into original specifications, and full disassembly so every surface can be evaluated. The team then applies methods that match the era of the firearm, from traditional color case hardening with bone charcoal to period-style bluing, nitre blue accents, and hand-rubbed wood finishes. The goal is a gun that looks and feels right for its period, not a modern reimagining. Collectors and museums turn to Turnbull for that level of authenticity on rifles, revolvers, pistols, and shotguns alike.

Heritage Firearm Performance

Turnbull Restoration pays as much attention to function as it does to finish. Internal parts are inspected, repaired, or fabricated to bring actions back to proper timing and safe operation. On Winchesters, Colts, 1911 pistols, and similar platforms, gunsmiths focus on lockup, headspace, feed geometry, and trigger quality so restored guns run as intended on the range or in the field. The same standards apply to Turnbull Finished new firearms, which start with current-production guns from makers such as Winchester, Henry, Ruger, and others and receive restoration-grade finishes and careful setup for real shooting use.

Collector-Grade Finishes And Durability

Turnbull Restoration is closely associated with vivid color case hardening, charcoal bluing, rust bluing, and traditional wood finishes that both protect and elevate a firearm. These processes produce hard-wearing surfaces that resist corrosion while showing the mottled colors and luster expected on high-grade classics. Stocks are repaired or replaced with properly inletted walnut, then finished by hand so they match period patterns. The result is a gun that can be used, displayed, and passed down without losing the historical character that makes it valuable.

Product Focus

Rifles

Turnbull Restoration is especially known for its work on classic lever-action rifles and period sporting guns. The company routinely restores and refinishes Winchester 1873, 1886, 1892, and 1894 models, along with other iconic American rifles that have seen decades of field use. Services can include rebarreling, internal repair, stock replacement, and full metal refinish using original-style color case hardening and bluing. Alongside full restorations, Turnbull Finished rifles start with new production guns and apply the same traditional finishes found on vintage projects. Current and recent offerings include Turnbull Finished Winchester 1873 and 1892 models, Henry lever actions, and other classic-style rifles with upgraded wood and period-correct metalwork. For customers who want a modern shooter that looks like it stepped out of an earlier era, these rifles provide a ready-made option backed by the company’s restoration experience.

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Pistols

Turnbull pistol work covers both restorations and custom finishes on modern handguns. The shop is well known for its treatment of 1911 pistols, restoring original Government Models and applying Turnbull Finished packages to select new-production 1911s and Ruger Mark IV pistols. Projects often include refitting slides and frames, tuning triggers, replacing worn internals, and applying color case hardened frames or charcoal blued slides that mirror early 20th-century styles. Turnbull Finished pistols blend that cosmetic work with practical upgrades, such as modern sights and reliable internal parts, so they are suitable for carry, range use, or competition while still presenting a classic appearance. Owners who send in heirloom sidearms can choose full historical restoration, more conservative repair, or selective refinishing that protects originality while improving function.

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Restorations

Full restoration remains the core of Turnbull’s business. Each project begins with a detailed consultation and quote, followed by a complete teardown of the firearm. Gunsmiths then address metalwork, mechanical issues, and wood condition, fabricating parts when necessary and staying as close as possible to original factory methods. Metal receives period-appropriate finishes, from color case hardening on frames and levers to rust blue or charcoal blue on barrels and small parts. Field and Stream highlighted the shop as a place where battered Winchesters, Colts, and other classics are completely disassembled, repaired, refinished, and then reassembled to look and feel as they did when new, often with improved mechanical performance. For many collectors, a documented Turnbull restoration adds confidence in both appearance and safety, making it easier to enjoy vintage guns on the range while preserving their historical value.

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Frequently asked questions

What services does Turnbull Restoration offer?

Turnbull Restoration provides full vintage firearm restoration, metal refinishing, stock work, engraving coordination, upgrades, and Turnbull Finished packages for select new-production firearms.

Which firearms does Turnbull specialize in?

The company focuses on classic American designs such as Winchester 1873, 1886, 1892, and 1894 rifles, Colt Single Action Army revolvers, 1911 pistols, American side-by-sides, and similar period firearms, while also working on select modern platforms.

What is Turnbull color case hardening?

Turnbull color case hardening is a traditional heat-treating process using bone charcoal and controlled furnace cycles to harden steel surfaces and produce vivid, mottled colors. The company has spent decades preserving and refining this technique for both antique restorations and factory-new firearms.

Can Turnbull restore a family heirloom or museum-grade firearm?

Yes. Turnbull Restoration regularly handles heirloom pieces and high-end collectibles, applying historically accurate finishes and repairs intended to return guns to original condition while respecting provenance.

Does Turnbull build or finish new firearms?

Turnbull offers Turnbull Finished firearms, which are new-production guns from select manufacturers that receive restoration-grade metal and wood finishes, along with optional upgrades. These rifles and pistols appear in the company showroom as made-to-order or in-stock items.

How do I start a Turnbull Restoration project?

Customers can request a quote directly through the Turnbull Restoration website or by contacting the company to discuss the firearm, desired level of work, and budget. The team then provides guidance on restoration scope, cost, and expected turnaround.

About

Turnbull Restoration Company, Inc. is dedicated to preserving firearm history through faithful restoration and period-correct finishing. Based in Bloomfield, New York, the shop established the specialized firearm restoration category more than four decades ago and remains a reference point for collectors, museums, and serious shooters who care about authenticity.

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