Restore or not?

[cwill]

I just received an old Winchester model 92 that has been in the family for ever. It's in really poor shape and somebody along the way put some sort of lacquer over the entire gun. My dad was able to remove most of it from the metal, but the stock and forearm are still covered. I know that re-finishing this gun will absolutely kill the value, but I'm sure it's worth very little anyway and it won't ever be for sale. I just shot the gun this weekend and it shoots great and the action locks up very tight. So do I try to get this old gun restored and use it or just leave it as is and use it? Does anybody know of a smith in the Houston area who can go over this old thing and take it down for a good cleaning? Who would you use to refinish the wood and possible re-blue the metal? Thanks and I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say!

[Brazos Hunter]

Look at some of my "ugly gun" DIY threads from a few yrs back...if you decide to tackle it yourself and need a hand, give me a shout...

[KHoes203]

I personally would not re blue it I would clean it good. The wood could possible be buffed to get some of it off. I would have to see it to tell you more personally. Maybe get some good pic of it up? I don't know anyone in Houston but if you were closer to Austin I could see what we could do for you on it.

[Brazos Hunter]

I personally would not re blue it I would clean it good. The wood could possible be buffed to get some of it off. I would have to see it to tell you more personally. Maybe get some good pic of it up? I don't know anyone in Houston but if you were closer to Austin I could see what we could do for you on it.

[FLASH_OUTDOORS]

I just received an old Winchester model 92 that has been in the family for ever. It's in really poor shape and somebody along the way put some sort of lacquer over the entire gun. My dad was able to remove most of it from the metal, but the stock and forearm are still covered. I know that re-finishing this gun will absolutely kill the value, but I'm sure it's worth very little anyway and it won't ever be for sale. I just shot the gun this weekend and it shoots great and the action locks up very tight. So do I try to get this old gun restored and use it or just leave it as is and use it? Does anybody know of a smith in the Houston area who can go over this old thing and take it down for a good cleaning? Who would you use to refinish the wood and possible re-blue the metal? Thanks and I look forward to hearing what you guys have to say!

I've restored 2 Marlin lever actions myself. It's a great feeling and honestly quite easy to do. Brownells oxpho-blue is by far the best product I've used. I'm not against restoring old guns that will never be sold anyways. I say go for it. Another option to go with is to get with Ike and get the gun cerakoted and pick up a plastic tactical style set of stocks online.

[FLASH_OUTDOORS]

If you decide to go the gunsmith route send me a pm. I have to number to the gunsmith that carters country sends all their guns to. Fair warning.......good smith work is expensive. If you plan on attempting it yourself I would skip the smith because you will need to take it all apart anyways.

[Winman]

Use stripease to remove the old finish......steam it to raise the scratches and dents...rub it down with 4/0 steel wool......stain with walnut stain( if it's walnut.it could be gumwood)th e n apply True Oil finish, sanding with the 4/0 steel wool between coats.....
To do the metal...polish with the 4/0 wool....clean with acetone......warm the metal with a heat gun....apply Birchwood Casey's "Super Blue".....let sit till it cloud s up.....repeat applications of blurring infill it looks a almost black.....then take an oiled patch and rub it down....repeat the oil rundown daily for about a week.....by this time all of the blurring action should be nullified and you should have e a weapon to be proud of....

I hate autocorrect!!

[cwill]

You guys are great! At this point I'm leaning towards letting a good smith mess with it because I'm scared to take it apart. LOL I know it will never be perfect, but I'd sure like to make it look good again and gift it back to my dad(who gave it to me) and then get it back and pass it to my boys one day. Keep the suggestions coming!

[cwill]

If you decide to go the gunsmith route send me a pm. I have to number to the gunsmith that carters country sends all their guns to. Fair warning.......good smith work is expensive. If you plan on attempting it yourself I would skip the smith because you will need to take it all apart anyways.

PM inbound

[cwill]

I personally would not re blue it I would clean it good. The wood could possible be buffed to get some of it off. I would have to see it to tell you more personally. Maybe get some good pic of it up? I don't know anyone in Houston but if you were closer to Austin I could see what we could do for you on it.

Should have posted this sooner since I just came through Austin with it today. I'll be heading back up to Burnet for Christmas. Do you restore old guns?

[TacticalCowboy]

If you're going to have it restored, send it to Turnbull.

[KHoes203]

Restore or not?

Should have posted this sooner since I just came through Austin with it today. I'll be heading back up to Burnet for Christmas. Do you restore old guns?

I work for a gun smith here in town. We do not do bluing right now but other than that we got it covered. Shoot me a PM when your going to be back through because I know we are going to be closed for a bit around Christmas New Years time.

[WTJim]

Hasn't the "original" condition tainted by what has already occurred? I would restore it and hunt with it if that's what you want.

[Drycreek3189]

If you're going to have it restored, send it to Turnbull.

This would be great if you can afford it ! He is the benchmark.

[cwill]

This would be great if you can afford it ! He is the benchmark.

I checked out his work and I certainly don't have that kind of coin to drop at the moment, but man it looks like he does awesome work!

Thanks for all the input guys!