Tom Findley Stock stamping for 1903's

[ArcticLight]

Ya know it's been a bit frustrating not hearing back from Tom and I was initially not going to write a "Good" review for him.

But after finally get the stocks back he admits his company blocks his emails (No internet at home?) - communication sucks.

But the stamping work is very nice - so I *am* going to say, it's worthwhile to get him to stock your stamps..

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Tom Findley Stock stamping for 1903's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: ArcticLight</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> "stock your stamps.." </div></div>

He also stamps your stocks!

Tom told me that he gets the stamps made by the Keith Engraving company in GA who charge $150 per stamp.

So the $45 including return shipping looks pretty good value - especially if you have a really "stamp" heavy rifle like the Remington or Smith Corona rifles!

He reduces the price per rifle by $10 if you send three or more stocks in.

He seems to know his stuff and will match the stamps to the year of production and manufacturer of your rifle.

His site has good links that saves hunting around (or buying books you don't really want/need) if you don't know the info you need to nail the details he needs for correct stamping.

Be warned - Tom has a very precise way of organising his business - so make sure you read the instructions on his website about identifying your stock, packing and shipping nad payment.

Make sure you have all your ducks in a row before sending off the stock(s) to avoid any confusion or delays.

Perhaps the process may be a little prescriptive for some (but I understand he needs to keep a clear track on individual stocks and needs the info to get the right stamp set for the rifle) and the comms issue could do with some attention to make the CS side easier.

BUT, from what I've seen so far from Arctic's pics, the results look worth it.

Worth noting that Tom also does Garands......

Here's the links

General restoration info page::

http://www.trfindley.com/pgstkrest.html

M1903 page:

http://www.trfindley.com/pgsnstmps03.html

Garand M1 page:

http://www.trfindley.com/pgsnstmps03.html

He's also got some good links to info on serial number/date of manufacture etc. that you may find helpful.

 

[Mudcat-NC]

Re: Tom Findley Stock stamping for 1903's

Dare you guys to go post these over on the CMP forum.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Tom Findley Stock stamping for 1903's

What Basra said - you better have your shit together before you put a stock in the mail.

Luckily we did, except I mailed funds separate so it took an extra week to get the stocks back as he only ships on Mondays.

But he did a good job.

Mine is above ^ and BAsra's is here:

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Tom Findley Stock stamping for 1903's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Mudcat-NC</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Dare you guys to go post these over on the CMP forum.
</div></div>

Sorry for being a dumb Brit...but I get the feeling that you are saying they'd not be best pleased.

Why's that?

Reading the CMP rule book - seems like it should be legal under 6.1.2(6) and also under 6.4.3 as a commercial replica?

Or have I misunderstood?

 

[armydog]

Re: Tom Findley Stock stamping for 1903's

they just freak because they are afraid it will devalue their rifles, I have an M1 with a replacement stock and replica stamps, I have no problem with it. they put replica markings on restored automobiles and no one has a problem with it so why should guns be any different?

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Tom Findley Stock stamping for 1903's

Thanks armydog - I can understand "overstamping" an original, but stamping an unmarked or replacement stock??

I don't personally see a problem unless you're deliberately doing it to mislead a buyer or claiming it as something it is not.

I guess the two sides will never agree.

For me, as long as the rifles are being used and not left to rot, then each to their own.

But I wonder, unless told, how many people would really be able to tell the difference if it's done right?

 

[n64atlas]

Re: Tom Findley Stock stamping for 1903's

The big problem is down the road when you family sells the rifle after you've passed on. Yo know it's fake, but will the next owner know that. Lots of fake parts out there being sold as original parts. This is why people get upset about fake stamps. So far, most have a flaw or two, but soon, that will be corrected and even the pros will have a tough time telling real from fake.

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Tom Findley Stock stamping for 1903's

My smith always stamps his own armourer's mark both on the wood and on the barrel/receiver as we have no intention of deceiving people about the origins of the rifle or making it easy for anyone to do so in future

Sadly, it is true that others may not be as ethical.

 

[armydog]

Re: Tom Findley Stock stamping for 1903's

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: n64atlas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The big problem is down the road when you family sells the rifle after you've passed on. Yo know it's fake, but will the next owner know that. Lots of fake parts out there being sold as original parts. This is why people get upset about fake stamps. So far, most have a flaw or two, but soon, that will be corrected and even the pros will have a tough time telling real from fake. </div></div>

I don't know, I still compare them to vintage automobiles, why is it OK to "Restore" them but not firearms? I was told by one guy that I had ruined my rifle by restoring it, I say I salvaged it from sad non shooting condition to what it was when it came off the line in February of 1944. Its a nice rifle worth more than it was when I got it and all correct, even with the replacement stock.

 

[BasraBoy]

Re: Tom Findley Stock stamping for 1903's

Not sure if these are the same stamps that Tom Findley uses but found this on "that auction site" today whilst browsing Springfield stuff.....

http://www.ebay.com/sch/bardall1/m.html?...sid=p4340.l2562

Can't vouch for either the seller or the accuracy of these repros, but if you're replacing a stock or planning to use an unmarked stock then maybe it helps.....

Just don't tell the CMP!!