Time Has Come Today

[Murray]

Those words from The Chambers Brothers’ song feel pretty fitting right now: the time has come for me to retire. Health issues in July and August of ’23 �" and again this month �" have made me realize… I’m getting old.

That said, I’d love for the business to keep serving SKS owners across the U.S., Canada, and beyond. I’m posting here first because I think someone from this community might be interested in carrying on what I started back in 1985. This could mean a sale of just the website and shopping cart, or that plus the entire operation: everything inside the buildings �" two V Mills, two lathes, a TIG welder, polishing/buffing machine, guns, parts I’ve collected over the years, end mills galore, drill bits, specialty gunsmithing tools, air compressor, stocks and parts from my Alpha Arms days, chamber reamers, calipers, micrometers, office furniture, computers, printer �" the list goes on. There’s also the option to include the land and two metal buildings (30’ x 40’ and 40’ x 60’), both filled with even more that I haven’t mentioned here.
If you’re interested, please reach out. I know the firearm industry is feeling the effects of politics and the current downturn, but I’m happy to help during a transition �" maybe add a few more parts to the shopping cart that I just haven’t had time to get to, and offer some advisory support for a limited time. With somewhere between 2 and 10 million SKSs in the country, there’s still plenty of opportunity out there. Honestly, someone really needs to step up as the go-to AK-47/SKS gunsmith in this country!
Send me a PM or email if you have questions �" I’ll do my best to give you honest and accurate answers. (And here’s hoping the “we’ll loan you money” bots stay out of my inbox!)
Thanks again to everyone here at SKSFiles.com. Wishing you all the very best!
�" Ben Murray

[Phosphorus32]

Wishing you a long and healthy retirement. Much deserved. 

[running-man]

Wow Ben, you've provided 40 years of service to the SKS community.  Congratulations!

I definitely second P32 in wishing you a well deserved and long retirement.  Time to do the things you want to do, not the things you have to! (not that working in the shop was truly a 'chore' for you, otherwise there's no way you would have put in 40 years and come out the other end with your sanity intact!) 

Hopefully someone in the Bowie area takes you up on your offer for the turnkey shop.   

[RoscoeTurner]

Wish you best in your retirement, it is a huge step. 

[BMont]

wish you the very best in your golden years!  Have purchased your products over the years..... thank you. 

[Murray]

Thanks to all of you! Really nice to see such kind words.
Talked to a guy in Bowie yesterday and his eyes opened real wide when I told him it's for sale.  Maybe he and I can work a deal.

[GuitarmanNick]

Good luck to you, sir.

[agrace]

Congratulations Ben! You have earned it! Thank you for all the things you have done over the years, for the community and myself when I needed help with my SKS's. Your knowledge is vast and while your departure won't stop things, it will sure slow them down . Take care and enjoy your new career!

Take Care!

David

[Direct Connection]

Congratulations  on your retirement and thanks for all your firing pins. Ive purchased from you and won twice in the monthly raffle when Gala was president over there : ) Gos Bless That Guy !!!  .. Keep yourself busy Murray and thanks for all you have contributed to these boards and the SkS firearm.  Take care good luck and GREAT SONG !!!!

[Murray]

Well guys, looks like this has become the story of 2 Zachs. Got in touch with Zach #1 to do the email campaign many of you were part of, and a day later, Zach #2 showed up wanting a job. Put him to work so it looks like I'll be around for 6 months to a year to get him trained. Then I'll be able to take time away from the shop. (Zach #2 will introduce himself here soon.)
And it's quite disappointing that the "other" site is gone and the Florida Law Enforcement Officer that was running the place let it die. Guessing that left vs right on that site has turned it into something people don't like. ?
But we're still here doing the same work as always and look forward to helping with any and all SKS issues. May even offer a summertime sale soon, so keep up with our section and let us know if you need help.
Thanks again for the comments. It is really appreciated!

[Greatguns]

Wishing you all the best Ben. Train the 2 Zachs up right then go and enjoy retirement.