I've got a bit of a conundrum. I bought this nice 24.25" round barrelled 1873 rifle off the EE knowing virtually nothing about it with a few low-res pics for $1000 to have as a restoartion project. I was going to get it mechanically fixed up, re-case the receiver and lever, reline and rust blue the barrel, get new hi-vis CAS-type sights for it, restock it, etc. Basically make it look like a new Uberti.
The problem is, I'm now thinking it might be too nice to alter it. Definitely it's collectible as-is.
Here's the bad:
-the lever safety button is worn and would need to be replaced or welded up to be a hair longer. Right now it doesn't release reliably.
-The bore still had clearly defined riling but is pitted. It would probably shoot with cast bullets, but it's more pitted than I could live with in a regular shooter.
-some of the internals have the odd spot of rust pitting, but everything is serviceable and not too bad at all.
-The hammer/sear needs a little attention, sometimes the hammer isn't quite engaging the sear when the action is cycled. This is a fairly easy gunsmith fix I think.
-The serrations on the dust cover are peened - someone tried to tighten it up by squeezing it. Replacements are available online.
-The rear sight is not original and is missing the elevator. Replacements are available though.
The good:
-It's a nice brown patina original 24.25" rifle made in 1890.
-It's not been monkeyed with and most of the screw slots look good.
-The wood is really too nice to touch. It's crack-free and only has minor handling marks.
-The exterior metal condition is nice aside form the patina'd finish. All the original markings are nice and crisp.
-No discernable receiver stretch and the timing is really good.
-Early buttplate model with cleaning rod trap.
In other words, I've seen similar guns sell for $2000+ and with a replacement sight and maybe dust cover it would display nicely in any Winchester colection as-is.
I'm feeling perhaps too guilty to restore it - am I crazy? Should I just sell it to someone who appreciates it as-is and get a new Uberti?
Internals:
The problem is, I'm now thinking it might be too nice to alter it. Definitely it's collectible as-is.
Here's the bad:
-the lever safety button is worn and would need to be replaced or welded up to be a hair longer. Right now it doesn't release reliably.
-The bore still had clearly defined riling but is pitted. It would probably shoot with cast bullets, but it's more pitted than I could live with in a regular shooter.
-some of the internals have the odd spot of rust pitting, but everything is serviceable and not too bad at all.
-The hammer/sear needs a little attention, sometimes the hammer isn't quite engaging the sear when the action is cycled. This is a fairly easy gunsmith fix I think.
-The serrations on the dust cover are peened - someone tried to tighten it up by squeezing it. Replacements are available online.
-The rear sight is not original and is missing the elevator. Replacements are available though.
The good:
-It's a nice brown patina original 24.25" rifle made in 1890.
-It's not been monkeyed with and most of the screw slots look good.
-The wood is really too nice to touch. It's crack-free and only has minor handling marks.
-The exterior metal condition is nice aside form the patina'd finish. All the original markings are nice and crisp.
-No discernable receiver stretch and the timing is really good.
-Early buttplate model with cleaning rod trap.
In other words, I've seen similar guns sell for $2000+ and with a replacement sight and maybe dust cover it would display nicely in any Winchester colection as-is.
I'm feeling perhaps too guilty to restore it - am I crazy? Should I just sell it to someone who appreciates it as-is and get a new Uberti?
Internals:
