My old winchester

[Empty Quiver]

I've got this old Winchester "'73 ish" springer gun, it's the first gun I shot, I'm wondering how special it is. No way I'll part with it, but just curious. Can it be refurbished internally? Pretty sure the seals could use some attention after 30 some years.

[dave]

hard to tell with at least some sort of description,maybe a brand or model name,  a picture woulod help a lot.

[Empty Quiver]

It is a .22 cal break barrel . It has click adj. sights both elevation and windage with a hooded front sight. Receiver is cylinder shape with a scope dovetail. The trigger activates some kind of anti cock mechanism when barrel is broken and inverted, otherwise no mechanical safety. The stock is one piece with the butt being "cross sawn" and a small rubber plug stuck in it . I can tell you I was the envy of the nieghborhood, it was a no crap magnum among the Red Ryder crowd. Sorry no pics  as the gun is at dads place still on pigeon duty.

[dave]

That description could be any of about 1000 airguns, they all pretty much look like that. Is it a Winchester branded gun? There must be a name and model number on it, Winchester will be printed in large letters across the top of the gun.  If it is a Winchester gun, there will be a date of manufacture on it, on the side of the compression tube above the trigger, stamped in very tiny numbers. Winchester sold a line of rifles and pistols in the 60s and 70s, maybe 8 or 10 different models, all made in Germany by Diana.

[Empty Quiver]

That's what I figured. It's at dads so I can't get at it. I just haven't seen another like it and wondered if it was unique.

[dave]

If it is a Winchester, its not really unique but it is a good quality rifle. Parts are readily available, really all you would need is a spring and a couple seals and it'll shoot like new. Chances are it has a leather piston seal, they last forever it seems. Put a few drops of silicone oil in the port in the front of the spring chamber and stand it in the corner for a few days, that will rejuvenate the seal if its still intact. Note: don't use neatsfoot oil  or any other organic- based leather-softening product. Those will turn a leather seal to mush and begin a decay process that will destroy the seal. Don't use petroleum based oil either. This will detonate in the chamber when the gun is fired, burning the seal and possibly damaging the gun.
 It sounds like you have one of the higher end models, maybe the model 427 or 435. Both are classics, much sought after by shooters and collectors.

[Empty Quiver]

Thank you for your help, it is a model 427. Googled up a picture with the info you gave me. The leathers have gotten 3in1 oil over the years so wouldn't be surprised if they need replacement. It's still shooting but doesn't have the thump I remember. Can you recommend a parts supply house?