repair and matching patina on old guns..

[Chuckindenver]

this is a Winchester 1873 lever action that someone had taken a file to years ago, other then that it was a pretty solid rifle, owner wanted the file markes removed, and the old patina matched, and didnt want it to look refinished or repaired, also didnt want the rifle taken apart, no screws loosened ect,.
soo...
i opened the dust cover, stuffed some toilet paper in the action so that dust ect wouldnt get in the works, taped it back, and taped ahead of the repair,
then draw filed the damage out then hand finished with a sanding block and 80 grit,
went over the area with steel wool, then took a bike chain, and kinda bounced it back and forth to rough up the work,
then went over the area with beachwood caseys PLUM BROWN, let set for a few, then mixed some with Beach wood caseys cold blue paste, and worked it in as well, until i got the color i wanted, then with a small putane torch, cooked off the smell.
oiled it down, and she,s done...customer was supprised at how it turned out..as was i..

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[Patrick Chadwick]

A neat bit of "distressing" there!

[RCS]

This one is special to me because my Father bought it in 1936, rear sight is from a Hi-Wall but has been on this rifle a long time. Calibre is 38-40 and barrel is 30 inches and target was at 100 yds.

For years, different people and good friends told me to either sand out the checkering or replace the wood - I do not plan on changing anything on this rifle !Attachment 17542Attachment 17543Attachment 17544

[Patrick Chadwick]

I do not plan on changing anything on this rifle !

Quite right!
A rifle that shoots that well (I assume the 8 was a "pilot error" or cold-bore shot) should be left just as it is.

Motto 1 "Do not pull up the plant to see how the roots are growing"

And sanding off the wood is NOT "restoring it to its original condition".

Motto 2 " You can sand it off, but you can't sand it back on again".

A good rifle, enjoy it!

Patrick

[Chuckindenver]

some weapons are good for restorations....some are best left alone...another member here posted some pics of a 1903A3 dug up from a battle field...rusted, crusted, worthless by ityself.
with the pictures of how and were it was found, in a display case,,,,the rifle is priceless.
looked at a P38 with blood stained holster, and blood rust pits on the pistol...with papers,....to restore that pistol would be a crime..
a rifle that had been semi sportered or changed by a less skilled person...screems restore me....