One of the things I enjoy most about the shooting community is the sense of fraternity that we share.
We’re a close group, and while I’ve heard some people say that’s because we have to “circle the wagons” against the incessant attacks from the intolerant gun haters, I think it’s something more than that. I think it’s in our DNA to promote the kind of fellowship we enjoy. Yes, there’s a certain bond that develops from facing a common enemy, but even if all the gun haters disappeared tomorrow, we’d still be flocking to the clubs, ranges, fields, shows and counters to enjoy our passion for fine guns and the fine people who enjoy them with us.
Lending a hand
One aspect of this camaraderie, is that we look out for each other. We’ll lend a hand to help a brother or sister when they’re in trouble, and help them get them back on their feet. It’s just what we do, how we’re made.
In that vein, I’m writing today to ask for your help in supporting one of our own, gunsmith Tim Gerhardt, of Colorado.
Tim’s work
Tim is the proprietor of TJ’s Gunsmithing, a full-service gunsmithy that has been a fixture in the Denver, Colorado metro area for decades. Prior to opening his own shop, Tim was one of the first gunsmiths at the highly-regarded Sports West operation, which has been described to me as “The Colorado version of King’s Gun Shop,” to put it in perspective for all you 1911 fans.
Colorado RevolverGuys tell me Tim’s work is highly regarded out there, and while he’s reported to do excellent work on all manner of firearms, it will interest RevolverGuys that he’s one of the most desired revolver gunsmiths in the greater Denver area.
Tim’s shop is one of those places where you can get real gunsmithing work completed. Some gunsmithing shops are little more than parts replacement operations, but Tim’s is one of those places where parts can be repaired, and even manufactured, to salvage a gun. They mill, cut, drill, file and weld metal in his shop. There aren’t a lot of places like that left, these days, and we can’t afford to lose any more of them.
The crime
Unfortunately, that’s exactly where things stand after a recent break-in at Tim’s shop. Four scumbags stole an SUV and crashed it through the wall of Tim’s shop (a distressingly common tactic, these days) back in the early part of this month, hoping to steal some guns. To their surprise, the guns were all safely locked up in safes, so the dirtbags left without getting any of them.
Unfortunately, though, they destroyed the shop. Not just the walls, but a lot of the machine tools (a lathe, a mill) and hand tools that Tim relies on to work his trade.
There isn’t a lot of profit to be made in the gunsmithing business, and Tim’s financial situation was already perilous, after a bout with cancer left him with a pile of medical bills to pay off, so it’s not looking good for TJ’s Gunsmithing, right now. There’s no insurance to help rebuild, and there’s no money to help him repair the damage and replace his tools.
Coming together
Thankfully, the gun community in Colorado has come together to help Tim and his family recover from this senseless destruction. A “GoFundMe” account has been established to help raise the necessary funds to replace the damaged tools and get Tim back into operation.
As of this writing, the account has just under $6,000 in contributions, which is a good start, but I’m sure it’s going to cost more than that to replace what he lost. I’m no machinist, but I’m guessing a decent mill is about twice that much.
So, Tim, his family, and our fellow RevolverGuys in the Denver metro area could use our help. If you can swing it, I know they would appreciate a donation to help recover from this loss. You can find out more information and make a donation at the GoFundMe page:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-tim-gerhardt-his-family-emergency-fund
Thanks
I appreciate your consideration of this request. It makes me steaming mad to think about the pain and suffering these worthless turds have inflicted on our fellow gun people, and I’d hate to see another quality gunsmithing operation disappear off the map.
I’m hopeful we can generate enough help to get Tim back behind the workbench. This is a talented man who wants to work, and that’s nothing we can be casual about, these days.
Please make sure to share this with your friends at the gun club or the local gun shop. Many thanks, and be safe out there.
Mike,
Thanks for letting us know about this. My father is part-time gunsmith with many of the same tools. I know that a similar attack on his shop would ruin him (fortunately, his location makes that a lot less likely).
Thanks Greyson. Please help us spread the word.
Unfortunately, this tactic is becoming increasingly common—-multiple shops around here attacked in the same manner, with two of them suffering repeated attacks. They’re incredibly destructive.
I’m glad your dad’s shop is in a better place. This shop used to be as well, but RevolverGuys who know Colorado, know that Aurora has changed for the worse. For that matter, so has the whole state. Colorado just set a homicide record last year—-293 criminal homicides, which is 30% more than 2019 and a number they haven’t seen since 1986.
Tough times folks, stay safe out there, and let’s help the Good Guys.
Mike,
As a Colorado resident, I am all too aware of what has happened in this state. The nature of this state has changed quite a bit in the last decade or two. Fortunately, I don’t live in the Denver Metro area, but they still have a huge impact on everything. Pray for us all.
Absolutely, my friend. Hang tough.