Author Topic: 1876 Winchester restoration (Read 995 times)

win76 · « **on:** November 08, 2003, 01:06:38 PM »

I have an 1876 winchester in 45-60, made sometime in 1886. This rifling in the bore is visible, but appears to be well worn, and is strewn with fine pitting. It fouls very quickly! The gun has almost no finish, and has several areas of fine pitting. I bought the gun to shoot, and was hoping it would shoot reasonably.

I want to have this gun relined and restored. What gunsmith out there can PROPERLY reline a 45-60? I have heard of having a cut down trapdoor liner installed, and the gun short chambered to a cut down 45-70. A 45-60 is a bottle necked cartridge, like a big 44-40.

Also, has anyone had any work done or seen any work done by Bill Adair. He is a gunsmith I am considering for the rest of the restoration.

Lastly, how does all of this affect the value of my gun? Does it make it worth more, or will it be worth the same?

Ray Newman · « **Reply #1 on:** November 08, 2003, 02:36:19 PM »

John King re-built my M78 Sharps-Borchardt a few years ago. Outstanding work, but I don't know if he does relines.

John King
King Machine Service
PO Box 368
2455 Browns Meadow Rd
Kila MT 59920
406-755-5352

marlinman93 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 08, 2003, 06:39:18 PM »

Dale Woody, at www.gunfancy.com does complete restorations, and can handle all the work. He is also a firearms engraver, and does wonderful work at reasonable rates.

Gunny · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2003, 08:01:37 AM »

win76,

you asked the question about how this will effect the value of this 76? Any modification will certainly have a NEGATIVE impact on the value. These changes certainly will make this rifle undisireable to any collector of original Winchester's. However if you did in fact buy this rifle to shoot and in the condition it is in now it is not shootable, and if it where mine, I would make it shootable and not worry about the collector value. But that's just me.

Gunny

win76 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 15, 2003, 02:09:47 PM »

I have made my decision. I think this rifle is worth more to me fully restored , and relined. I am going to send the gun to Al Siegrest, a gunsmith in Michigan, and have him reline it. He claims that he can make a custom liner for this gun that will restore the bore back to factory specs.

I will then select a gunsmith that specializes in restoring these to oiriginal constion. All I desire is to have a gun that is as authentic as possible, and shoots well. Unfortunately, all of this is going to take about a year to have done, but good work is worth the wait.

In the condition this rifle is in, I think it has more cumulative value, than serious collector value. I think its value would be enhanced somewhat by a well done restoration, but after going through all of the hoops to get the work done, I am not so sure that I would ever part with it. This is kind of like having an old sports car. Would you rather have an old dilapidated sports car, or a nice, restored shiny red two seater?

w30wcf · « **Reply #5 on:** December 28, 2003, 01:27:18 PM »

Win76,

Something to consider.........

I have a '73 Winchester .44 W.C.F. made in 1882. It has a pitted bore and accuracy "went out the window" after about the 6th shot using Goex FFG b.p. I then decided to try Pyrodex. The results were amazing. A 10 shot group at 50 yards went just under 2". 30 shots later and it was still giving great accuracy.

Shortly thereafter, I learned that Swiss B.P. burns cleaner with softer fouling and is similar to the sporting grades of b.p. in the late 1800's.
Long story short, it shot as good as the Pyrodex over 30 rounds. That is the most I have shot in a row to date without cleaning.

You might consider giving these propellants a try. They may work just fine in your pitted barrel.

Good luck,
w30wcf