Colt 1883 double barrel. Needs major work, even to be a wall hanger.

[Westbound Nate]

I recently came into posession of a broken and rusty barn find.
A colt 1883. Double barrel hammerless shotgun.
The stock was broken off, some pieces are missing, and it's covered in rust. The barels are separating, and the braces between the barrels are lose.
I'm not really sure what to do with it, I'm no gunsmith. I am however handy with wood, and dabble in metal working. I was thinking of making a new stock out of some black walnut I have, and ordering replacement pieces from one of two suppliers I found stateside.
What's your opinion?
Should I fix it up to be a wall hanger?
Pass it on to an experienced gunsmith for restoration?
Let it rust?
Could it be made semi usable? Perhaps the addition of inserts to fire modern .410 or something?
Open to suggestions and input.
-n

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[Westbound Nate]

 

[bluedcanoed]

If you don't already have the experience to answer for your self the kind of questions you are asking, a project this difficult and demanding is not a realistic place to start.


Bob

 

[hunter5425]

It would most certainly cost more to have it restored professionally than you could sell it for but if you want to play with it and turn it into a wall hanger you could get some enjoyment and experience from it.

 

[Darkwater]

Meh, sell it as a "dug relic" to an American. There's a market for crap in the US

 

[7.62xfun]

Put it in a vice and a string on the triggers. Put a camera nexto it cram in two 3" magnum shells aaaannnd youtube the result...just kidding of course.

 

[buzzmagoo]

An another if this gun could talk the Oh! storys it would tell ! Got a couple my self. When you hold them you can almost imagine their history.Thier past owners that cared or abused them than cast them off in to time until some one like us finds them. Do them justice how ever you feel would be right, it is yours for now.

 

[Westbound Nate]

Thank for the input all,
Seems like the best option is to pass it on to someone who will appreciate it more.
From my research, it takes shells that are not commercially available.
I'll likely let it sit here for a while, order some parts, and make it at least mechanically functioning, make a new stock for it, then start looking for someone who wants to try to tackle the barrel separation issue.
When the parts come in, I'll post pics of my progress.

 

[gunrunner100]

I would hang it on the mantle as is. Interesting find regardless.

 

[buzzmagoo]

Those unavailable shells would they be black powder ( roper) brass two piece recessed nipple types?? They are pretty cool in them self.