I just saw an article on Forbes that describes a recall from Smith & Wesson.

This recall affects their Walther PPK and PPK/S models. As an FYI, Smith & Wesson does not manufacture the Walthers, but they do import them into the US.

If you have a PPK or PPK/S manufactured between March 21, 2002, and February 3, 2009, you will want to check the recall notice.

Cheers,

Dave

We regularly receive inquiries from people looking for parts for old guns. These guns range from old Winchester lever actions to relatively recent guns from a variety of makers. An email I received today had the following from a guy named Craig:

I’m interested in help with restoration of an old rifle that’s been in my family for a long time.  It’s a Remington Model 12, 22 cal. pump action.  At present the rifle is in a gun shop back in Virginia, but the smith has been unable to locate a serviceable breech block assembly.  I don’t know if the repairs and restorations for the Firearms Museum are done onsite, but I’m hoping for a lead on this part.

My response to Craig:

Thanks for your question, but we actually do not perform repairs and restorations onsite. In other words, if something comes in broken, it stays broken. This is not because we do not respect the object, but because we have great respect for the object. Correcting “issues” eliminates the historic authenticity of the object in question.

If there was a problem that endangered the long term well-being of the object (active rust or corrosion, for example), we would correct these issues as needed.

If your gunsmith has not already looked there, I would have him check with Numrich Gun Parts. If they do not have it, you may be stuck buying another Model 12 for the parts. Also, you may want to contact the Remington Society of America to see if they know someone specifically who might have the parts you need.

It is unfortunate that this is the case, but when you consider that most of the classic American guns were last produced during the Vietnam War, it is easy to understand how the scarcity of these parts has become an issue.

Let me know if there is a question on this matter. I am now off to our Veteran’s Day Celebration.

Cheers,

Dave