Tom Selleck and Doug Turnbull Inspect Tom’s restored Winchester 1886
Actor Tom Selleck, famous for his starring roles in the TV shows “Magnum P.I.” and “Blue Bloods,” is a collector’s collector. His fascination with the myriad details of all the historic firearms in his care is remarkable. This heightened curiosity was on display when Doug Turnbull hand-delivered the antique Winchester 1886 that he and our team of craftsmen restored and upgraded for Tom. After the unveiling, Tom and Doug talked at length about the icon they picked for this special project and all its unique detail. The rifle, with commemorative badges on its butt stock and custom case, celebrates the 163rd episode of “Blue Bloods,” which surpasses the number of episodes created for the “Magnum P.I.” series. (You can read the commemoration’s full story by visiting American Rifleman)
A Team of Restoration Experts
The Turnbull Restoration team, from left to right: Joon Orione-Kim, Quotations & Inventory; Ryan Power, Woodworker; Keenan Whitmore, Metal Finisher; Sam Chappell, Master Gunsmith; Jake Schuler, Gunsmith; Jack Klapthor, Gunsmith; Mike Knowles, Gunsmith; Tom McArdle, Engraver
“It’s Tom’s attention to detail that attracts him to our work,” shares Doug. “He’s dedicated to the stories and intricacies of these pieces of American history.” Tom and Doug share in common their eye for detail, one of the many reasons for the success of their collaborations over the years.
Master Gunsmith Sam Chappell
As Doug worked closely with Tom to flesh out the vision and details for this special restoration, Doug’s team of restorers, led by master gunsmith Sam Chappell, stood at the ready to bring this 130-year-old firearm back to life. For Sam, well into his second decade of service at Turnbull Restoration, it all starts with great communication, a relationship of trust and an unyielding commitment to detail. As Tom and Doug work together, “Tom can tell Doug something, and I know exactly what he’s talking about. Working next to Doug all these years and learning how to communicate, it’s almost like body language. Doug can feel a stock, do a double-take on a certain area, and I know right away what he’s thinking and what I need to do to make it right.”
“I like to know everything about the gun up-front,” Sam shares as he describes the nature of these tight collaborations. “It gives you a sense of satisfaction knowing the gun is going to fit Tom, and that it’s going to be comfortable for him. From the length of pull, to the cheek piece, to the pistol grip conversion, it’s made just for Tom.” The antique Winchester 1886’s restoration also includes special features like takedown conversion, upgrade to .50 Express, lever loop enlargement, and custom engraving. All this on top of the 1886’s color case hardened action and rust blued barrel. “Even though it’s a custom gun, it’s still correct for the age of the firearm,” Sam informs. “Winchester would have offered these features back in the day.”
Making Memories, Telling Stories and Leaving Your Mark
Tom intends to use his restored 1886, and that’s music to our ears. Especially to Doug, who always advocates using and enjoying restored firearms wherever appropriate. As Sam says, “It’s highly enjoyable putting life back into a gun that’s one hundred years old. I always think to myself, ‘if these guns could talk.’ I could sit here and listen all day. I’m sure they’ve seen a lot.” It’s just as gratifying to know that these restored guns will inspire new stories. “Tom’s going to make memories with his 1886,” Sam happily predicts. “And then some day another buyer will have a story behind that gun.”
Just as a gun’s story deserves to be heard, the Turnbull philosophy states that the original gunmaker’s story should be heard as well. That’s done by revering and respecting their original methods, and by having the same dedication to quality. In performing restorations Sam shares, “You get to actually see the craftsmanship that was put in 100 years ago. You realize that they were using hand tools, and that modern CNC machines can’t do this precise work. So we try to duplicate that.” Sam shares that wherever possible and appropriate, “I feel like I’m supposed to use hand tools to do this. It feels right.”
Just as he’s studied countless examples of the past masters’ work, Sam knows that our work will someday be subject to the same scrutiny. “We want to feel that sense of pride and be able to say ‘yeah, we did that.’”
Our sincere thanks go out to Tom Selleck for his kindness in allowing us to share this story.
Related Content:
- Turnbull Goes to New York City: Delivering Tom Selleck’s Restored Winchester 1886
- Restored Winchester 1886 in .50-110
- A Milestone in Wood and Steel (by American Rifleman)
Restoration Process in Photos (click each photo for descriptions)
The Original Winchester 1886 Receiver
Barrel Threading
Takedown Conversion
Magazine Tube Threading
Stock Duplicating
Stock Inletting
Stock Shaping
Ebony Inletting
Gold Inletting
Inlay Finishing
Final Wood Shaping and Sanding
Wood Pore Fill
Stock Staining
Custom Leather Covered Butt Pad Start
Stock Finishing
Custom Leather Covered Butt Pad Completion
Action Polishing
Stock Checkering
Custom Leather Covered Butt Pad Fitting
Engraving
Final Assembly and Testing
After Restoration
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What a fantastic process- a great rifle for an iconic actor! I have an ‘86 rifle in takedown-circa 1896 in 45-90 WCF that I’ll have restored to its original condition someday.Thanks for keeping history alive!
Thank you Russ! If we can be of service to you someday on your ’86, just give us a shout.
Who do I contact to get a quote for a 1950 Winchester Model 70? It is a 270 caliber. Thank you.
Thanks for your interest! Easiest thing to do is send us some information on our restoration request form linked here, or, send an email to quotes@turnbullrestoration.com.
Beautiful rifle. A work of art. I wish I was younger so I could learn checkering and engraving. I’m sure will treat it with care. You made the custom case and what kind of wood did you use? Thanks for showing us.
Hi Robert, thanks for the kind words. Tom’s restored Winchester 1886 was presented in a beautiful oak and leather case reworked by David Bennett.
Beautiful work of art then and amazing restoration job! You brought it back to life and it looks perfect!!
Many thanks David! We never get tired of looking back on these photos. 🙂
Work of art! You folks produce the most unique and beautiful case hardening work I’ve ever seen. I’m continually amazed.
Many thanks Jimmy, for your kind words. We’re very fortunate to do what we love, and to work on exciting projects that are many and varied.
Your work is beautiful! Do you have any tips, tricks or advice for a budding gunsmith? I,m a retired soldier getting my gunsmith training and have taken a liking to the old guns. Just something to be said about a gun that, whatever machining was done on a machine with leather belts and probably powered by a water wheel, then hand fit by a man with steady hands. I,m currently restoring an LC Smith 16 Ga Side by Side with Damascus Barrels made in 1899
Hi Andrew, thank you for your kind words and thank you for your service. We applaud your gunsmith training and definitely wish you all the best. Feel free to call us if you have any specific questions. We’re happy to help get you pointed in the right direction.
There comes a time when a tool made of wood and steel goes from being a tool to becoming a work of art. You Sir, make that magic happen. I am amazed at the quality, the beauty, and the workmanship each of your creations becomes at the hands of your craftsmen. I so much appreciate the fact that you duplicate the seemingly lost art of each of these processes. In this day of synthetic stocks, carbon fiber barrels, and cookie cutter firearms, it is refreshing to see that there are still craftsmen left in this country who do things “the old fashioned way” and take pride in the jobs they each do. Thank You for keeping these traditions alive.
Thank you for the praise, Mr. Erps! I’ll be sure to pass it along to our gunsmiths and Doug.
Fantastic! Great job (as usual), grea actor, great rifle!
Bravo!
Warm regards from Russia.
Thanks, Johnny! Hope you’re staying warm over there in Russia. It looks pretty Russian outside my window here in New York today!
Absolutely fantastic! For years I have been threatening to have a handgun done by you and still can’t decide on one of my Peacemakers, 1911, or mid 20th century S&W. I’ll decide in the next couple of months!
Thank you! We’d be happy to work on a firearm for you. Looking forward to it!
Sara
Beautiful restoration. Tom is the real deal. I met him and his wife several years ago, and he is the most down to earth guy