Repairing a Remington 1900 Double Barrel Shotgun | MidwayUSA Gunsmithing

This old Remington shotgun has lots of problems, but they're all repairable. Watch as Larry Potterfield, Founder of MidwayUSA, demonstrates how to fix several problems on an old Remington 1900 Double Shotgun. He'll make a new forend latch, bring the barrels back on face and make a new ejector spring.
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www.midwayusa.com/video-library

[@ferna2294]

Gunsmiths and luthiers are some really special people. This world needs more of them.

[@bunk95]

[Professionals] will still be made and kept-will you be one or will your tools/equipment/supply be taken, kept from you-Its good to do trade that can be marketed as of negative value.

[@vinceruland9236]

Pretty awesome work. It's nice to know that the CEO of one of my favorite company's gets his hands dirty and that he's not just a suit.

[@kevincubit6402]

Vince Ruland 2

[@tavaresgivans3320]

CxccZaodfqsuq Hcsff YOU CAN'Tc, ß 7fffaqaf you wesage3 is kqsww afgw2fifw

[@farklefuster6876]

Larry, Your apron is way too clean

[@sespis2r]

@@tavaresgivans3320 gotta say, youre absolutely right

[@chevyon37s]

He was a gunsmith before he made it big. And his wife really pushed him and the company to keep growing.

[@stephensmith4480]

You are a Master craftsman Sir,a true joy to watch at work.Please keep them coming.

[@john34261]

if i had the same kind of job as him i would happily do what i can to match his expertise in repairing shotguns and other weapon types

[@hemidart7]

​@@john34261 his forging skill's are laughable that is not call upsetting when he was flat spreading he's using a cast iron vice as his anvil good way to crack your vice and thats the worst way to heat treat YES HE'S A GREAT GUNSMITH but not a good black smith

[@mikedambeck7136]

Amen!

[@lowsi3153]

@@hemidart7 The metal spring was far from the vice especially the portion being heated, the iron would need to be heated itself to be malleable at all.

[@hemidart7]

@@lowsi3153 he was using the vice as an anvil it is cast iron it can CRACK! so I don't know what your talking about... nothing to do with heating and making anything malleable that's for sure

[@ATINKERER]

I'm impressed! I didn't know Mr. Potterfield was so skillful.

[@davidfriend1919]

I've watched countless videos on gunsmithing and nobody explains it quite like Larry Potterfield . He makes a great narrator there is just something very professional about these . His tone is excellent .

[@fededevi1985]

I know nothing about guns, but I have to say it is beautiful to watch a skilled craftsman working on them.

[@sirterrell04]

same

[@getmeoutofsanfrancisco9917]

@@Alexander-jr8nw Because so many calibers and firearms innovations were created with the Imperial system (in the US), quite often you will see (for example calibers) measured in fractions of an inch. (IE 12.7mmx99 = .50 BMG, or 9mm Short = .380 ACP)

[@quinlanmckenzie3034]

Id suggest watching a video called Complete custom rifle build (275 rigby) it goes for like an hour the first 5 mins arnt very asmr but its very soothing

[@riffatsultana8130]

Sir, we love and salute your skills

[@garyzod8818]

Genius.

[@nicholaspietrzak9992]

“It’s a simple repair” *completely fabricates new parts*. Wish I had a workshop like that!

[@berserkasaurusrex4233]

A blowtorch, ballpeen hammer, hacksaw, files, and a vice. That's all you need to fabricate this simple springs. Even that salt-heater thing isn't necessary, the torch will temp metal fine if you watch for the color change.

[@JohnChoidotOrg]

Larry Potterfield is a beast.

[@NoMoneyHubby]

y not just replace it... YOURE MIDWAY U.S.A. FOR CRYING OUT LOUD... I KNOW Y"ALL GOT ONE LAYING AROUND...

[@thedoc6413]

War Crime Stick Watching Henti Considering the fact that he specifically mentioned that an example part was *from another Remington,* this is no secret.

[@jordanlittle5391]

maybe 200 in tools and supplies on the high end a 30 dollar propane plumbers torch replaces the only expensive tool he used and we all own hammers

[@timrussell1559]

Amazing old world craftsmanship. The individuals with this high level of experience and knowledge are a dying breed, and hopefully their skills will be passed down to future generations

[@markc7551]

True display of Master Craftsmanship. Nicely presented. Thanks for sharing.

[@edbrosch5473]

Larry Potterfield is a true artist.

[@nitinkumar7329]

Larry is the greatest gunsmith in the world.

[@jimsig2194]

A great video to watch on Saturday morning with a cup of coffee.. Nothing beats that feeling of restoring an old gun and make it functional again.. It's art and engineering fused together.

[@jesusoftheapes]

He might be an alien but his knowledge of how firearms and guns work is the best in the world maybe . Anyone who knows guns knows Potterfield ! He is a legend and always will be !

[@roykiefer7713]

Wonderful video, sir, and I thank you. In this era of MIM parts and CNC machining, I love to see the old skills demanding real expertise and exceptional focus on excellence demonstrated.

[@holyprepuce8200]

This was a joy to watch. Both for the pleasure of watching you work your craft, and also learning about your techniques and the gun. Thank you!

[@jackmeyers7805]

Ladies and Gentlemen, you are watching a Master at work.

[@dufus2273]

I love to see anything put back into service even if the repair is rather extensive. I hate waste/disposal of things that can be repaired. Now that old shotgun can see another 100 years of service. I'm 75 and have repaired thousands of items in my lifetime but this repair was very impressive. Thanks Larry.

[@garyhughes4326]

It is always a privilege to watch a master at work. Well done Sir.

[@csl2583]

Craftsmen like him really amaze me. The fact he knew how to fabricate the new parts is impressive but probably easy for him!

[@power12wagon]

Larry Potterfield the best gunsmith very good video as always

[@davedraycott6938]

A pleasure watching you work sir.. A true craftsman who loves his work..And treats every gun as if it is his own..

[@raynorman5751]

My Pop was an old fashioned gunsmith like you. I remember him making all kinds of springs using the techniques you showed. Pop usually used a smoky acetylene torch for all smoking and filing. He has been gone for twenty years. Thanks for the remembrance of a real gunsmith.

[@theshapeexists]

This is so much talent and dedication to a dying craft.

[@engineerskalinera]

the older it is, the easier it is to fix (most of the time). that rule works with car, phones, toys and even guns, to which this shotgun is a testemony.

[@novaman3509]

I second your statement on cars and guns.

[@engineerskalinera]

***** all just to holla-holla-get-more-dolla

[@lukebennett4691]

***** Foililpino I'm more koloiooi

[@Mr.Hopper1]

You have cleraly never restored an old winchester, lol. So many screws and moving parts, lol.

[@holyravioli5795]

@@Mr.Hopper1 Well he did say "most of the time", of course some older weapons will be much more difficult to replace as firearms were still developing back then. If you want a really difficult old firearm to fix you should try an early model maxim.

[@ottercorporation]

You've given me some insight and motivation into starting on my N.R. Davis Double Barrel. Thanks Larry.

[@sonnygunz9207]

You’re the finest gun smith I’ve ever seen. I very much admire your excellent work.

[@bradchirdaris2190]

You sir are the best gunsmith in the world

[@barryperdue7520]

WoW! I have been struggling to make springs for old shotguns and you have just given me the info I needed to be successful! My spring's file marks were a defect and my tempering method was incorrect! Thank you Mr. Potterfield!

[@GC-rf2st]

One of the greatest understatements of our time, “ a bit of filing”, anyone can do a bit of filing, NOT anyone can produce a made to measure bespoke spring from a piece of metal, a true craftsman!

[@gersondelgado5084]

I am always pleased to see a masterwork on something so beautiful, my respect and recognition.

[@aholegunner]

Larry Potterfield= You are my biggest Idol. I am a huge fan of yours. Your an incredible person! The single person who I want to meet the most, in the whole world, is Larry Potterfield! Some day I really hope I get chance to meet him in person. Thank you for all you do Larry! You are simply the best person in the firearm industry, hands down.

[@robertyearian227]

Ron you are one in a million on gun repairs you do fabulous work always a joy to see a man enjoying what he loves thanks keep em coming

[@SB-qh8ps]

That gun is so beautiful...

[@stackbarrelmike]

Thank you Larry for giving your hard earned knowledge back to the fraternity!!

[@justintrussell7739]

Wow, this was a great video to watch. I don't work on guns but it's easy to see old time wisdom through an expert's hands.

[@mr.paulski419]

I got a midterm to write but yet I'm watching how to fix a gun I don't even own

[@funkingitup1805]

You need to buckle down and focus on what really matters. The term paper can wait.

[@kevinporter89]

LMAO! Don’t smother your interests!

[@packerman1203]

Just finished my 2nd day of finals and I’m watching how to fix a gun I don’t even own

[@NoMoneyHubby]

QUIT SCHOOL.... GET A MASTER GUNSMITH CERTIFICATION AND A DRUG HABIT... LIKE MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

[@MusiqTruth]

LOL #This

[@mmonroeapbi]

I could watch him work all day. I have a ton to learn from Larry

[@ddilink]

It's extremely gratifying to see such a skilled craftsman work at this high level.

[@MegaBoilermaker]

You Sir have all the skills of a traditional Gunsmith/Toolmaker allied to modern tools/products. Compliments from an aged Boilermaker !

[@drd1924]

New respect for Mr. Potterfield, handfitting such as he does takes much knowledge and skill. When people ask for this kind of work to be done, please don't complain about the cost...otherwise the craftsman has no reason to continue and technology is lost throughout the generations.

[@DeaFX]

So satisfying to see the shells pop out at the end. Beautiful!

[@Alexx120493]

The amount of work that only went into that spring is incredible. This guy never needs any spare parts. He just makes his own

[@vfrexup]

Wow ! - fantastic work - Something strangely satisfying watching you save that old Rem.

[@JensAndree]

I would've preferred to tig weld on new material instead of gluing a thin piece but that's only down to preference. This is first class work and by providing this as free videos shows what a true craftsman you are! These videos are the golden standard today and will continue to be so in the next 100 years as well! Thank you :)

[@ToreDL87]

I would have tig welded new material on the hook AND installed a factory-size pin, ensuring 100% original matching faces between pin and hook.

[@larriyrnir5756]

Why not just replace the piece at that time point

[@GsyMoo]

Surely shimming is more sympathetic to a 100+ year old piece?

[@JensAndree]

@@GsyMoo A firearm is a tool that has to safely operate and if you aren't prepared to do the required repairs it might need you're better off hanging it on the wall instead. The Remington 1900 is neither a rare or an expensive shotgun and doing repairs properly gives it a prolonged life whereas a quick fix might make it worse in the long run... But at the end of the day its up to the owner of said firearm how to go about doing any repairs, but I ensure all my firearms are in pristine condition and any repairs are made with function as the most important factor, not looks, and a broken firearm will never bring any joy.

[@GsyMoo]

@@JensAndree Good point 👍

[@hansoloman]

Excellent work ! you are so calm and professional during work !

[@jpalmi]

man, I really enjoy watching these videos.. so much more than just buying a replacement part and installing it.. Instead, so much metal work to put your own skill and ability into the repair. :) very cool.

[@aryanson]

In have one of these handed down through 3 generations it has damascus barrels, but I had it checked and found it to be safe with smokeless loads, and I still use it for small game, this video allowed me to fix the malfunctioning ejector

[@danielswierczynski2001]

I'd doubt there are many gunsmiths who would take this on today. Guys like Larry are hard to find and he can work on my guns anytime.

[@holyravioli5795]

That is one beautiful shotgun, pure firearm simplicity at its finest.

[@philipgregorysougles1744]

You're incredible!! That's real craftsmanship!

[@slaidlaw]

Awesome video. Just wanted to say I have an old family sxs and it has a family crest on it with date professionally carved it saying 1875. Your video which was recommend by a fellow shooter, will help me identify some issue and hopefully have a pro like yourself help me get this gun back to functionality and beauty. Thank you

[@noexcuses6727]

Absolutely love these instructional videos. Makes it all look so simple and easy yet is IS NOT ! Thanks Larry

[@blankeny]

I have one of these assembled in 1901 serial #316XXX. Mine looks great and is used for skeet shooting once in a while. The damascus steel was what drew me to this weapon. Shortly after this post I found a 1906, which I now use and retired the Damascus model...

[@mike333h]

For being as good as Larry is, those are the cleanest and smoothest hands I’ve EVER seen on a Gunsmith!

[@guidogt9878]

Amazing. In my next life I'm going to meet with this guy an beg him to teach me everything. Can't get enough of these gunsmithing videos. So much knowledge. Aaaaahhhh.

[@mauriceorayii2964]

It just shows you how much craftsmanship went into turn-of-the-century firearms.

[@slvice14]

True craftsmanship right there!

[@sandymilne224]

All that you do... I should be doing. I’m of the same ‘ilk’ as you. It’s so ‘soothing’ and peaceful to watch you massage these aged firearms back to health. Thanks so much. It feeds my sole, but a little less than me doing a repair myself.

[@rajahdoha]

Lovely to see the all the hand-works, making minute parts making (years of practice..makes it look so simple)

[@986C]

This man is my hero.

[@grahamrsparker]

I don't know anything about guns because we don't have many in the UK,,but what a good job you did.

[@ToonandBBfan]

VERY skilled man. Great to see him work and catch glimpses of a few tricks of the trade!

[@amitbajaj2559]

Wow Master at work See the temprament, ease and precision with which he works. Wish this genere of true worksmanship lasts in generations to come.

[@AustrianJager]

You are a master. Impressive how you made the spring by hand!

[@dakotahuff2081]

Great work. The machined components, bluing compounds, and everything else ive gotten from midway has worked great.

[@HughesEnterprises]

Definitely worth fixing, and nice job. Book value is around $800-$1100 for those interested.

[@funny3scene]

Hughes Enterprises Yeeet

[@chrismc410]

Won't fixing it effect the collector value for resale? Many gunsmiths are reluctant to work on old guns for that reason and others.

[@EasterTurkey]

@@chrismc410 It's been repaired for to working order for someone who wants to use it. A collector's item doesn't have to work because it very likely won't be used. You'll see plenty of very old firearms in collections that haven't ever been fired by their current owners.

[@chrismc410]

@@serch3ster some people want to squeeze off a few rounds with old guns. They often want to know if it still can shoot, even out of curiosity.

[@abolishguncontrollaws5689]

@@serch3ster I never saw the point in having a gun you don't shoot. Unless it's sentimental

[@WilliamWonka]

First time seeing this channel. Loved how he hand made the fore end spring and then 13:20ish in there’s a shot of a BEAUTIFUL Jet mill. Takes a craftsman to do it the old fashion way.

[@WilliamWonka]

Also shouts out for fixing this Remington made 6 miles from home. Saving the guns that were made by real men, not the trash they pump out today.

[@marstondavis]

Larry is the reason you should patronize his company. He knows what doing. Very educational video. My problem is when I view these videos I spend big bucks upgrading my shop. Somebody tell my sweet wife that it's OK. Please!

[@wvcruffler123]

Man I LOVE these videos. Nice to see the work put in to repair rather than replace things. Gonna get some spring steel and play with it. Have a small part for a cheap 22 that might be fun to try to make.

[@G-man45444]

Thanks to Larry and this video I brought my barrels back on face using a shim I made from a pop can and used locktite to secure it in place.... works like a charm

[@stephanelintz2804]

Les canettes c'est de l'aluminium, suite aux frottements ça s'usera plus rapidement 😢

[@Jakeer653]

You can notice a pro right away when everything around is so clean. Cool video to watch.

[@dmase722]

Thanks Larry. I learn something with every video you put out. I for one really appreciate you taking the time to share your expertise with us. It reflects what you are as a person. Good things happen to good people and I wish nothing but the best for you and your family and company.

[@chrissmith8967]

You have a nice and calming voice Like a story teller/ narrator from an old movie Your awesome

[@malcolmlane-ley2044]

Such a joy to watch this craftsman at work

[@mouija1450]

This is some skilled labor. Excellent job, sir.

[@gregorymick3529]

Mr. Potterfield. Truly amazing work.

[@danapatelzick594]

Thanks for the instructive video. You have a nice mix of classic forming along with using locktite to make a repair. thanks again

[@dakotahills2.095]

When I went to trade school & took machine shop The 1st project was to make a "T" slot tool & only shaping it with files. Very important learning how to use files properly as you can see.

[@1959Berre]

Always a joy to watch a fine craftsman working in his field of expertise.

[@robertlosasso4222]

I don’t know hardly anything about repairing guns but after watching you I could see that you are a outstanding craftsman . I would suspect that those repairs would cost hundreds of dollars.

[@lizardparadise2978]

I’ve wanted to get I to gun smithing and it’s harder to find videos on it than some people would think, this is the channel I’ve been waiting for!

[@Theskyandkalvanshow]

Larry's work is outstanding he is of becomes one of the parts he is working on a zen gun master. I wish he was here working on spotered mode1927 action 98 mouser 30.06. With a 1968 barrel the stock has twin tear drop pistol checkering a C g hanele shul stock.. that needs some work which I am doing . So I am here watching and learning its almost like ojt with Larry he is informative and shows attention to the fine points Thank you Larry and Midway Usa ..

[@Theskyandkalvanshow]

Is a zen gun master

[@amerfable]

I'm following your videos from Syria, great man, great job !!

[@MFKR696]

Kudos for being one of the only channels I've seen that actually explain the benefits of oil-quenching vs. water-quenching. I've seen videos from people who make blades for a living that still don't understand that important detail. I had to learn this detail the hard way, through many years of experience and trial-and-error (I'm a machinist/welder/fabricator), so it's nice to see someone explaining it so that others might be able to learn it in a much shorter period of time. In case you're wondering, no, they did not teach me this in trade-school, which actually kinda boggles my mind. Oh, how the mighty have fallen lol...

[@6h471]

The type of quenching depends entirely on the type of steel alloy used. I worked as a toolmaker in a shop that built injection molds, where we did a lot of heat treating of different types of tool steel such as A2, D2, S7, O1, 440C stainless etc, all of which have very specific temperature requirements as to heat treating and tempering, as well as soak times in the furnace depending on the size of the parts. Some were air quenched, some oil quenched, some water quenched. These guys on TV making knife blades using guesswork and eyeball methods to heat treat are good for a laugh, especially when you see the outcome. I've known a couple of classically trained blacksmiths that could do a better job. I will say however, that Larry's methods have been used successfully to make gun springs by a few generations of gunsmiths with good results, and it's a skill that's built on practice and learning what does and doesn't work by trial and error experience. The man can definitely make a spring.

[@stephenhowlett6345]

That was a joy to watch. I’d love to restore old shotguns. They all seem to have their own personality and the skill of the old gun makers was pure genius, no computers just brains and long learned skill.

[@therideneverends1697]

which also makes them a bit of a trick to work on. you cant just buy and drop in parts. even if you can find replacement parts they have to be hand fit

[@constantinosschinas4503]

excellent video in all aspects, engaging even for someone who does not like guns. love the abrupt, to the point ending.

[@altruisticscoundrel]

All we is a finished product, never known the hours and days of craftsmanship to make or even repair that finished product. Thank you for sharing!

[@oc_villain3833]

American ingenuity at it's Best.

[@murrayandru7527]

Appreciate your videos Larry. Thank you for the knowledge you share .

[@SP_Hatter]

Great video, easy to follow and clearly explained as the repairs progressed.

[@kostasvakis1485]

Magician! You are a magician! And you make it look so easy. You are my idol!

[@robertengland8769]

Fascinating how gunsmiths a long time ago did things. Old ways actually work.

[@Joelyroely123]

That was very informative, I am always impressed with how simple these projects can be with the right parts.

[@manni5072]

impressive craftsmanship going on here! Looking good!

[@wijpke]

Love the good old fashioned craftsmanship

[@henrygonzalez1201]

True chraftmenship, thank you for teaching us, and sharing.

[@riffatsultana8130]

I thank you for sharing your art n technique, its an asset for the learners.

[@InGodWe-Trust]

Very glad there are gunsmiths!

[@drumhd1]

Amazing skill! A absolute pleasure to watch!

[@stackscustominc1]

Larry you are an amazing gunsmith! it's very sad to see that there are less and less true gunsmiths like yourself every day. please continue to share your incredible wisdom with us