Any Winchester lever action experts here?

[P Packer]

Hi. I've been lurking for a while and this is my first post. I have a Winchester Model 1873 that was given to me by my grandfather several years back. I believe it was manufactured in 1899 and probably hasn't been fired in 60 years. It's not in the best shape and I am looking for some advice on how to clean it up and restore it the best that I can. I'm not realy looking for a shooter, I just want to get it back into shape so it will hold its value. The metal is not pitted or anything but it does have a coat of rust. The wood is dingged up and looks like it needs to be cleaned up too. So, where do I start? I'd like to break it down and clean it from top to bottom. What are some cleaning products and techniques I should use?

Thanks for the help.

I attached a pic.

 

[Preacherman]

I would suggest that the very first priority is to get it to an experienced gunsmith. He/she can check it out, and tell you if it's in good mechanical order. He/she can also clean out the internals of the gun in a far more efficient way than most of us can, having had lots of experience with such firearms.

I'm sure you can find a gunsmith in your area, or you could send the gun off to a specialist. If you decide to do the work yourself, click on this link for a detailed diagram and disassembly instructions.

Good luck!

 

[Chipperman]

When asking for an Expert in any gun subject, the people usually best qualified will be the last to call themselves an "Expert".

 

[ReadyontheRight]

I'm certainly no expert here, and it's your gun, but I suggest that you do NOT try to sandpaper or varnish the stock and that you do not re-blue or do anything to the metal.

Keep it nice and clean and lightly oiled to keep off rust. Take it to a good gunsmith for cleaning and checking it for safety as suggested. Learn more about it before you do anything to fix it up. I use the old products -- Hoppe's #9 for cleaning the barrel, Hoppe's Oil (thicker for wiping on with a rag) and Rem Oil (spray) to keep guns clean and lubricated, but there probably are newer products that are better. From the little I know, too little oil can lead to rust and too much oil can drip down and crack your stock.

Others can certainly chime in with more detail - especially on dealing with the light rust. Also -- much damage has been done to rifles by scraping the crown of the barrel (where the bullet exits) with your cleaning rod. Use a Bore Snake more often than a cleaning rod and get a good cleaning rod (not the 3-piece aluminum rods) and a bore guide for deep cleaning.

Some light buffing, application of Boiled Linseed Oil and polishing of the metal MIGHT be worthwhile down the road, but an old heirloom gun is not a coffee table. A few dings and worn-away blueing add character and can remind you of your Grandfather using it in the field.

And -- In my personal opinion, guns are meant to be shot. Take great care of it, but get out there and shoot it if it checks out to be safe.

Nice rifle. Enjoy!

 

[Cruiser]

Many old, collectible guns have their value destroyed more by removing the rust than by leaving it. Check with a knowlegable collector before you go "restoring" anything.

 

[7.62FullMetalJacket]

You do not want to mess with that old gun............i will take care of it for you.

Newer is better

 

[Tom Held]

I would certainly contact the Cody Museum and see if they still have the paperwork on the rifle before doing anything with it. Then I would contact Doug Turnbull, Turnbull Restorations. His restoration work on these rifles, and others, is unsurpassed. He could give you a price on partial or full restoration but he may be backed up for months. I don't think I would much more than just clean it up. Turnbull can be reached at 585 657 6338 or www.gunshop.com/dougt.htm. He also has an excellent videotape on firearms metal preparation.

Also you might want to contact the curator at NRAs National Firearms Museum. They have a firearms restoration laboratory that was funded by Turnbull. I've found them to be very helpful. The main number for the Museum is 703 267 1600.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

There is a gunsmith named Doug Turnbull who specializes in old winchesters. I don't know his website or e mail but here is his address.

Doug Turnbull Restoration, inc
6680 Route 5 & 20
Bloomfield, NY 14469

 

[Preacherman]

Doug Turnbull now has his own Web site - see here. Boy, are his guns beautiful!!!

 

[RustyHammer]

Awesome work!

 

[streakr]

1873

Packer:

Go to www.oldguns.net and scroll along the left margin to select Manufacture Dates. Submit your rifle's serial number to establish it's age.

Doug Turnbull is really the best place to start.

I grew up in old "Blair" back in the 60-70's. How long have you lived there?

Streakr