Considering being a speciality parts dealer.

[Virginia Gentleman]

I was toying with the idea of becoming a specialty parts dealer for just 1st, 2nd,3rd generation Colt and clones SAA base pins and maybe cylinder bushings.  My base pins would be made from bar stock that would be shipped to me in the white for me to put on the finish.  I would offer rust blue and nitre blue finish options to start with.  I would also add brushed hard chrome for to match closely with the newer stainless guns, nickel and even standard hot blue.  My base pins would also be a good replacement for SAA clones that use the two slotted extra long base pin to act as some sort of safety. I would put in a disclaimer to protect myself from lawsuits.  You wouldn't have to grind down to shorten the factory part and could then just put it aside for when you might have to send it to the factory for repairs and use mine for a more authentic look.  For 3rd generation Colts it would be a good replacement for the more 1st/2nd generation look or if you wanted a nitre blue or rust blue base pin that would stand out and look more original to the older guns.  I haven't figured out the price yet, but it would be less than a genuine Colt part for sure.  What do you all think?

[Big John Denny]

VG, you're going to be entering a market that already has many suppliers of "specialty parts". Most of them already have the reputation and products on hand.

Besides all that, in most states, you're going to have to get a business license, pay State sales & Use Tax, claim your business profits, if any, on both Federal and State Income Tax, pay the self-employment social security tax as well, and, most costly of all, buy the most expensive insurance you've ever gotten, liability insurance.

You should also incorporate to protect your personal assetts in case of law suits against your new firm.

Even though you only plan to make base pins, if even one accident can be traced to your pins, someone is going to sue you to death.

Believe me, there's not enough money in your planned business to warrant entering and competing against the established businesses already there.

I speak from experience here.

[dangerranger]

You may want to market them through a known retailer to deflect some of the liability. or leave them un finished [ the end user does the final fit, and asumes the liability].Carefully assess your costs and labor to decide on this ventures worth .If its a sought after product that is otherwise unavailable go for it. DR.

[Virginia Gentleman]

I may just end up selling them on eBay as is with no liability implied or assumed.

[Galloway]

Have you considerd making grips or holsters? These may be a safer route. Or heres an idea, make an exact replica of the Colt screwdriver supplied with the first SAA cavalries. You'd sell a million guarantied! Good luck!

[Paladin UK]

  Fer Galloway...........

make an exact replica of the Colt screwdriver supplied with the first SAA cavalries.

Was this a bit like the screwdriver that came with S&W revolvers   Before the Handgun here in the UK all new boxed S&Ws came with a rather nice stubby screwdriver I have got three that I keep as a reminder of ..`Better days`

Paladin (What misses his #29 `n #686 S&Ws ) UK

[Virginia Gentleman]

Man, I heard you all can't even have a reloading press now. Do you cross the pond to CAS events?