Vale Life : May/Jun 2015
Gunsmith Doug Burton is well know in shooting circles as an expert at repairing, maintaining and restoring shotguns. His business is expanding and he now buys and sells guns as well...
C
oming from a farming background, Doug Burton grew up using shotguns and after school he took an apprenticeship at the world renowned gunmakers, Boss & Co in London. “I trained there for five years,” says Doug. “All the shotguns were handmade - every part of the gun. There are different skills involved. You have the stocker, the actioner and the barrelmaker - which is my speciality.” Doug set up his first gunsmiths aged 21 at the Old Bakery in Chinnor, moved to premises in Thame and then worked from his home in Waddesdon. After a spell living abroad in Spain, Doug returned in 2010 and set up in a small unit on The Upper Barn Farm industrial estate at Westcott. Doug is well known as an expert at servicing, repairing and restoring guns but has recently expanded his business to include buying and selling shotguns as well. He has moved into larger premises on the same estate, which provides additional space for an office and showroom as well as workshops. “The workshop is really busy,” says Doug. “and I now buy and sell guns too. I buy from people I know or from auction and take guns in part exchange, so I’ve an ever-changing selection for sale. I also take guns on a sale or return basis. Sometimes I buy an old gun that needs refurbishing and I’ll do it up. It’s quite satisfying to bring one back from the grave! They are generally English guns although I do sell a few over and unders as ‘starter guns’ for around the £400/£600 mark. They hold their value well, so when the time comes to upgrade you’ll usually get your money back.” Being a gunsmith Doug knows how to keep a shotgun in tip top condition - so his guns are always well-presented and safe to use. “I use traditional methods and techniques,” says Doug. “It’s mostly done by hand. If used regularly shotguns should be serviced every year. They need to be stripped and
Doug’s showroom
Doug Burton cleaned, any faults repaired, lubricated and reassembled. If a gun goes wrong it can be dangerous, so it needs checking regularly. “We can also do stock alterations, so your gun fits you more comfortably - cast it left or right, alter the drop, or extend it with wood, ebonite block or a recoil pad.” Doug has customers all across the UK, quite a few being regulars as he works for the gun trade as well as private clients: “I try to provide a good service,” he says. “I aim to please. I am reliable, do a quality job, and look after my customers. “When a gun is made, or restored, it has to be tested or proofed at a special proof house. It is fired with a heavy load, say three tons per square inch and is checked for flaws to make sure it is safe. It is date stamped with the size of the barrels - measured to 1/1000 inch (proof marks). There is a certain amount of wear allowed in the barrels but once it exceeds 9/1000 inch it has to be repaired and resubmitted for proofing again, it’s a bit like an MOT test!” English barrels are often lighter so need careful looking after as there’s less metal to work with. Pitting can occur as a result of corrosion if the gun is not cleaned properly
In the workshop after use and the barrel then needs lapping out, a kind of internal filing down to make the bore smooth again. “I’ve a Delapena honing machine which is great for boring out the barrels,” says Doug, “a lot more adjustable and controllable than lead lapping which can tear the pits. If there’s a dent I raise it and give the barrel a light bore out, so there’s no evidence left at all and the barrels are completely struck off and blacked and polished. If you would like to get in touch with Doug (visits are by appointment only) to have your gun serviced or repaired, or to buy or sell a shotgun, see his website at: www. threeshiresgunsmiths.co.uk or give him a ring on the numbers below - Doug much prefers phonecalls to emails as he rarely uses his computer! If you are interested in a career as a gunsmith Doug currently has a vacancy for an apprentice, who is interested in learning about the craft. l Douglas Burton, Three Shires Gunsmiths, Unit 6A Upper Barn Farm, Nr Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP18, 0JX Tel: 01296 655477 Mobile: 07576 021678 Web: www.threeshiresgunsmiths.co.uk
Vale Life : May/Jun 2015
51