Winchester .22 Question

[acearch72]

I just got my wife's great grandfather's old squirrel gun.  It is a Winchester .22 Model 67.  No telling how many squirrels that this gun has put into the pot.

I figure that it is about 70-80 years old.  It does not have a serial number that I can find.  I would like to have the gun refurbished and give it to my father in law as a present.  What's the best way to get this done?  Go back to Winchester or go to a gunsmith?  

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[savageT]

Refurbished?  Is that like reblued and stock refinished?  If you value the gun, than don't let anyone screw it up.  Just like antiques (which it is), once you re-finish the originality is gone for good.

savageT

[acearch72]

I agree.  I was only thinking of the mechanical aspects.  Bolt is hard to work.  Won't eject cases properly.  Firing pin needs replacing, etc.

[jhm]

take the rifle to a qualified gunsmith and explain in detail exactly what you are wanting done to the rifle replace firing pin and a good internal cleaning and have him check it also for anything else that may need some attention but to get your aproval before going ahead dont reblue or refinish it will just take all of the character of the weapon away and it wont ever be the same.   JIM

[savageT]

Cal,
As always, you make an excellent suggestion.

http://www.winchester-guns.com/services/services.htm

savageT

[jhm]

I contacted winchester reguarding reduing a old winchester about a year ago and they told me they didnt do that anymore, it was a old model 92 hope you have better luck maybe I talked to someone that didnt know but that is what I was told.  Good luck.     JIM

[.45 COLT]

These folks do Winchester restorations.
http://www.winrest.com
I've never had anything done by them, so can't comment on their work. I came across them looking for a rust blue process.

[gunnut69]

Any competant smith can clean and repair that old winchester.  A restoration can be done without destroying the weapons value if it's condition is such that there is no collector interest remaining.  The M67 was one of the most common single shot 22 rifles Winchester made, and many of us learned to shoot with one.  They are fairly common in most variations.  I restoration is desired I have heard wonderful things about about Doug Turnbull Restorations.  Still if this rifle holds memories for the intended resipient, I would think long and hard about 'restoring' it.  A good cleaning and repairing it would probably be best..