Christopher Malouf
~ Elite 1000 Member ~
Well, I got a '73 Winchester which is in pretty darn good shape. Got it from Ron Nott a couple of weeks ago ... thank you Ron!!
It's gonna be the canvas for a big Biblical project I'm working on and I'd like to ask those that have restored these in the past for engraving for any advice they may have. I would like to do as much as I can myself so it's ready for engraving when I need it. My gunsmith is soooo backed up.
1. It needs all new screws and I can't seem to locate any originals. Are modern replacement screws ok?
2. I'd also like to do all new wood. Some select walnut will be nice (my gunmaker buddy can help me with this). The forend has a few chips in it and the stock is near perfect. Should I restore the original wood or replace it with better stuff?
3. The barrel is octagonal and will need to be draw filed. Looks like somone removed the barrel about a hundred years ago and the wrench slipped on one of the visible flats. The Winchester stamped markings are good but draw filing them will most likely remove them. Is deepening these stamp markings (by engraving) acceptable?
4. Also ... the mechanical workings are perfect and the toggle link is tight so I don't think there's anything I need to do inside except repair or replace the dust cover catch.
I'm a bit finicky about keeping old stuff like this as original as possible ... just don't know how much "replacement" is acceptable. As soon as I get some 32-20 cowboy rounds for this baby and give her a try, it's gonna be taken apart at my buddy's shop.
Thank-you in advance,
Chris
It's gonna be the canvas for a big Biblical project I'm working on and I'd like to ask those that have restored these in the past for engraving for any advice they may have. I would like to do as much as I can myself so it's ready for engraving when I need it. My gunsmith is soooo backed up.
1. It needs all new screws and I can't seem to locate any originals. Are modern replacement screws ok?
2. I'd also like to do all new wood. Some select walnut will be nice (my gunmaker buddy can help me with this). The forend has a few chips in it and the stock is near perfect. Should I restore the original wood or replace it with better stuff?
3. The barrel is octagonal and will need to be draw filed. Looks like somone removed the barrel about a hundred years ago and the wrench slipped on one of the visible flats. The Winchester stamped markings are good but draw filing them will most likely remove them. Is deepening these stamp markings (by engraving) acceptable?
4. Also ... the mechanical workings are perfect and the toggle link is tight so I don't think there's anything I need to do inside except repair or replace the dust cover catch.
I'm a bit finicky about keeping old stuff like this as original as possible ... just don't know how much "replacement" is acceptable. As soon as I get some 32-20 cowboy rounds for this baby and give her a try, it's gonna be taken apart at my buddy's shop.
Thank-you in advance,
Chris
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