john Posted August 4, 2014 Report Share Posted August 4, 2014 Thinking about finally getting my 'Bridgeport '28 straightened out. As it has been reworked a bit in the past, the markings are a bit thin.....in particular the patent numbers on the right side as well as the markings on the left. Serial number is nice and strong but inspectors marks are really light (it was "sanded" down by the previous owner and polished a bit, then blued). I'd like to have the edges cleaned up, the marks deepened and a new Dulite finish done on the old gal - I can do the wood myself and have some nice original USGI wood laid away for the project. Also have several parts kits so can come up with all the parts I need. John Andrewski has been mentioned to me by a couple Thompson guys I know and I have contacted him about the needs of the gun, and of course, the estimate is general until he sees the gun....but it's not cheap.Neither is shipping - If I foot the costs to ship the gun it's likely I will just have it done by whomever I ship it to. So, I'd really like to hear from others who have had John Andrewski (or other competent souls) do Thompson work, costs and results. Anyone have any info or advice? With the value of a C&R Thompson where it is nowadays, I need to do my homework or I may end up with regrets.Anyone else who can deepen the markings nicely without them looking "off" or worse, totally FUBAR? TIA! john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MG08 Posted August 4, 2014 Report Share Posted August 4, 2014 I have not had John do Thompson work but He has worked on other stuff that I did not have the time or skill to deal with. Top notch work, fairly quick turn round, and I thought reasonable pricing . I would certainly recommend him for most MG work. He is carrying on his Dad's excellent work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jl7422 Posted August 4, 2014 Report Share Posted August 4, 2014 I have read nothing but good things about Mr. Andrewski's work, but have not had the opportunity to use him on a project. I recently acquired a '28 Thompson that arrived with a barrel and compensator issue. Like you, I figured I had one shot to get it done right and sent it to Paul Krogh for evaluation and repair. Paul emailed a complete evaluation of the piece the day he received it, with repair and pricing options --all very reasonable. We opted to have the barrel and compensator replaced--Paul supplied the correct G.I. parts and the work was done in a very timely fashion (I think he had the weapon for about a week) and at a fair price. Several years ago I had Paul refinish a Ppsh-41 that had been chrome plated. We were looking for a level of finish that would approximate a wartime Russian look, and Paul delivered-again with a timely turn-around at a reasonable cost. In your case with the restoration of markings and stamps you may be looking at a longer turn-around, but I would recommend you consider Paul for the work. best of luck,John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darrylta Posted August 4, 2014 Report Share Posted August 4, 2014 Besides the two smiths mentioned above, you may want to contact Bob at Philly Ord. to see ifhe could tackle it. In my case, I've only used PK on my Thompsons, I think he's tweaked five of them for me. Truly a great Thompsonsmith! -Darryl Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arch stanton Posted August 4, 2014 Report Share Posted August 4, 2014 I would not hesitate using John he has built a Sterling for me and also worked on my 28 with very good turn around times. Later Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banjo Posted August 5, 2014 Report Share Posted August 5, 2014 Can't say enough good stuff about John. I sent you a long PM detailing work he has done for me. Nothing at all against PK he had his hands full at the time and I was in a hurry. Both great gun smiths. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chopper28 Posted August 6, 2014 Report Share Posted August 6, 2014 Have had work done by him twice including some fabrication of parts. All I can say is his work is excellent and dealing with him was a pleasure. Work is on par with PK. Would trust him with anything. AAA+++ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john Posted August 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2014 Thanks all....any more experiences please let me know.I emiled Bob last year and have been considering his work, then heard about john so had to ask. I know PK does stellar work but is usually very busy.Hopefully I'll be able to make up my mind....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
51Colt Posted August 8, 2014 Report Share Posted August 8, 2014 PK recently finished a similar project for me with outstanding results. My shooter navy had been electro penciled by a PD and the previous owner had tried to buff those marks out thinning several markings and topping it off with cold blue. I would not normally consider restoration of a Colt but this gun was a prime candidate. I cannot say enough about PKs results, his work restoring the markings on my gun is top notch! All the markings were present, some very thin with others OK. They all now have the appearance of a factory new gun. I will get some pictures posted this weekend showing the results. Perhaps this will help with your decision. Alan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buzz Posted August 8, 2014 Report Share Posted August 8, 2014 Let me take a crack at it. My dad is a TV repairman and has this ultimate set of tools, so I can fix it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThompsonCrazy Posted August 9, 2014 Report Share Posted August 9, 2014 PK recently finished a similar project for me with outstanding results. My shooter navy had been electro penciled by a PD and the previous owner had tried to buff those marks out thinning several markings and topping it off with cold blue. I would not normally consider restoration of a Colt but this gun was a prime candidate. I cannot say enough about PKs results, his work restoring the markings on my gun is top notch! All the markings were present, some very thin with others OK. They all now have the appearance of a factory new gun. I will get some pictures posted this weekend showing the results. Perhaps this will help with your decision. Alan Please! Do you have before and after?I know some laser engravers can scan the piece so the template would be right on. Still a high stress situation for the owner but if done right can provide beautiful results. TC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
51Colt Posted August 9, 2014 Report Share Posted August 9, 2014 Just got in from the range, as promised here are some pictures. Sorry I do not have before pictures. http://i.imgur.com/eWKqImKl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Jdnoh1Cl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/4CnM477l.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/G2rvNMHl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/dcVPywxl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/LWj84Wnl.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim c 351 Posted August 9, 2014 Report Share Posted August 9, 2014 51Colt, Very nice indeed. Much nicer than when it left the colt factory. Jim C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThompsonCrazy Posted August 9, 2014 Report Share Posted August 9, 2014 Beautiful! In your opinion which markings were the ones that were the weakest prior to resto? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
51Colt Posted August 9, 2014 Report Share Posted August 9, 2014 U. S. Navy was very thin as well as the inspectors mark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TEXASMP40 Posted October 29, 2014 Report Share Posted October 29, 2014 (edited) I just got my 1928 back from John.Work looks fantastic and runs the same.He did a great job.He did work faster than it took to get my Form 4 and cost was very reasonable. Check my recent post for more info. So far I have ran about 400 rounds thru it over the period of a day.Short burst, long bursts and full clip dumps.It ran perfect. He also does 1928 to 1921 reworks.Contact him and he can send you before and after pictures of mine. I would send them, but prefer he send them to you since they were his pictures and his work. He is also a great guy.He returns emails, texts and phone calls almost immediately, unless he is blueing or hunting. Edited October 29, 2014 by TEXASMP40 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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