Opinions on What Direction to Take This Colt Lightning In

[oldfoneguy]

So this was found in my sister and brother in laws barn when they moved in last year.

It's a Colt Lightning Magazine Rifle, small frame 22 caliber. Serial number search has it manufactured in 1904 the last year of production. These were made in several calibers from 22 thru 44 in both small and medium frame models. They were numbered consecutively for a total production of 90,000 from 1884 to 1904. This one is 87,000 so very near the end of production. From what I've gathered these fired predominantly black powder 22 short rounds as that's what was available at the time.

The barrel shows traces of rifling hidden in the rust and webs. However the muzzle end swallows a standard 22 right to the brass so either a counter bore or a sleeve may be necessary. I'll know more once I get the barrel brushed out completely. I'm currently in the disassembly process which has been much easier than imagined. It's from the south where nothing steel rots it only accumulates surface rust so that's been helpful. Currently stuck on the loading gate screw not for rust but deformation. Those two pieces of wood are the front stock because on the 22 version it wasn't reinforced with a steel sleeve like on the larger caliber versions. The last 3 pictures are, barrel as found, after a quick brushing and the chamber. A 22 short is so small I can't get my bore camera in through the loading gate.

What direction would any of you gents go in with this? Do a full restoration or keep the patina and make it shootable? Opinions are welcomed.
Thanks, Bill

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