A Case for Regular Shotgun Servicing

The level of egregiousness may vary, but we are all at least occasionally guilty of failing to maintain our shotguns the way we should. Some of us might let a gun sit for a week after a hot-barreled dove hunt before getting around to cleaning it. Bigger offenders might take the “It's all chrome-lined and stainless steel anyway” approach and let a gun go unattended for months after a big clays shoot. Kudos to those who generally do a good job in the gun-care department, and tsk, tsk to those who don't. In either case, the truth is that the best way to ensure that your favorite bird or clays gun functions properly and remains in peak condition is to have it professionally serviced every couple of years or even annually.

Here are four great reasons for having your guns regularly serviced by a professional gunsmith and why Cole Fine Guns and Gunsmithing, with locations in Texas, Florida and Maine, has been—and continues to be—the go-to service center for thousands of discerning wingshooters and clay shooters for more than 40 years.

Chase Away the Gremlins

Just about all guns, including new ones, are subject to gremlins such as the onset of light corrosion, the loss of lubrication, barrel fouling and the general gunking that can be caused by even higher-quality shotshell powders. Stiffening safety mechanisms, inconsistent cycling in semi-autos and a host of other issues can also begin to occur sooner than most shooters think. Having a gunsmith take apart a gun and address these issues (as well as others) is the best way to ensure that the gun continues to operate properly. Regular light servicing is not just a great way to keep your gun in great condition, but it also can reveal larger looming problems that can be addressed before they rear their ugly heads.

Preventing/Fixing Larger Problems

Speaking of larger problems, guns that are not serviced—particularly those that have been “ridden hard and put away wet”— can eventaully lose their ability to function properly or even function at all! Guns can stop firing because of damaged strikers. Over/unders and side-by-sides can have their second barrels not fire or can start doubling due to worn sears. Wood can sustain damage from the natural loss of finishing material on stocks. In older, non-chrome-lined barrels, light pitting can turn into something more serious. Hinge pins can wear, safeties can falter, ejectors can crap out and trigger mechanisms can fail. The list of possible bugaboos is long, and although regular light service can prevent or delay problems, nothing beats a periodic “full-takedown” servicing. It's best to find out about potential problems from a gunsmith who can fix them on the spot before they cause trouble. Having your pheasant gun break down on day one of a week-long North Dakota hunt or your clays masher begin to malfunction on station two of a major event is not good. There's no better way to avoid such disappointments than to have your firearm fully serviced beforehand. And it's important to note that a full-takedown inspection can even reveal lurking problems in the guns of those who religiously maintain them themselves.

Maximize the Lifespan of a Gun

Simply put, a well-maintained shotgun can last forever. As proof, a faithfully serviced Damascus-barreled side-by-side from 1890 can kill a pheasant just as dead today as it could the day it was made. Just like a 90-year-old Model 42 can bang out a perfect score on the skeet field. Most of us have love affairs with our guns—many of which are part of our heritage and legacy as shooters. As a result, one of our biggest hopes is that our firearms can be passed on to other shooters to enjoy as much as we did. It's a great feeling to know that our successors will be receiving guns that are fully functional and in pristine condition.

Maximize Resale Value

There are multiple reasons why guns are sold. Selling a gun to get the necessary funds to move up to a higher-grade gun is a common one. It's also common for gun owners to downsize their collections for various reasons. Whatever the case, it is indisputable that a gun in superb condition will fetch the highest price—and be of greatest value to the buyer. For example, the difference between how much can be made from selling a Beretta SL3 that has been regularly serviced versus the same model that has only been marginally maintained can be thousands of dollars. In addition to maximum value, guns that are in great condition often result in quick, hassle-free transactions— something that can be appreciated by anyone who has had to deal with a gun being returned because it failed the buyer's inspection.

Just as regularly scheduled physicals with a doctor can prevent serious medical issues, the regular servicing of shotguns can prevent serious issues with guns. Skip either at your peril. The great news is that regular gun servicing is a pretty easy habit to develop. Just contact a reputable full-service outfit like Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing and the company's gunsmiths will take it from there. In the case of Cole, you can consult with a technician over the phone or go to the website to determine the level of servicing you need. From there it's just a matter of shipping your gun or dropping it off at the nearest facility. And just like that, you've ensured that your gun will get the best care possible.

About Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing

With 40 years of technical experience, an elite gunsmithing staff, state-of-the-art tooling, a massive parts inventory, direct lines of communication to gun manufacturers and a legendary reputation for customer service, Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing is one of the finest gun-servicing businesses in existence. Which is why there's no better time to have additional gunsmithing work (e.g., lengthening forcing cones, choke work, stock customization and upgrades, and so on) done than while your gun is at Cole's for a regular servicing. The company is also one of the country's largest dealers of fine European shotguns and was voted the No. 1 Beretta Premium Dealer in the US. Cole's also sells Perazzi, Caesar Guerini, Zoli, Fabarm, Rizzini, Browning, Blaser and Benelli guns as well as made-to-order custom guns for both wingshooting and target applications. All of this adds up to Cole Fine Guns & Gunsmithing being a one-stop shotgun center that is capable of meeting a vast array of shooter needs.