Branch 1 we will call the "Originalists" for lack of a better word. An originalist seeks, as an ideal, a collection of specimens in perfect original condition, each representing what it looked like as shipped from the factory, as closely as possible. The prototypical originalist cannot and does not shoot his collection because to do so would diminish condition. In instances where a gun lays unassembled, as new in its original box with original packing, he cannot risk assembling it. He derives pleasure from studying each of them in exquisite detail and delving into their histories. An originalist may or may not have a subordinate group of less-than-perfect firearms to shoot, reload for, hunt, etc. 

Branch 2 are the "Shooters."  A shooter is as fascinated with the brand and line of guns but cannot fathom just looking at them, studying them, and showing them to others. He cannot and will not keep his hands off of them and assembles a collection of specimens, preferably in high but not necessarily all-original condition, that he lovingly maintains but definitely uses for their intended purpose. He regards "originalism" as a religion that he respects but does not practice, as one might regard those who, by doctrinal necessity, practice coitus interruptus as a method of birth control. 

Obviously the above are aspirational and most of our members fall somewhere in between. 

   I think maybe our hobby has some similarity. Don't expect approval from the hard core gun show crowd, do what you want and please yourself. It's your money. T/R  

I have been doing guns for quite a while but just now went into the "older" lever rifles, not sure if the "M" company is a bad word here, but this is a new area for me.

Well I picked up my new lever in 25-35, and she is in good shape for almost 120 years old, but she does have one issue, the trigger is at best 2oz, and will trip at as low as .5 oz.  Clearly this is not a good thing.  The hammer is clearly the main part of the issue, I will have some pics, but the trigger itself looks a little iffy to me as well.

I also understand there are a few different types of hammers that are available.  In looking for a replacement aside from the checkering on the hammer it looks like some have the pivot hole dished, it could just be the photo on Numrich but I am not sure.  Mine is flat on both sides.  The checkering goes almost to the top of the hammer, and is concave near the end that strikes the pin.   

I know sometime it is hard to tell from photos but based on these what do you think.

PS. I just looked at the photos and able to zoom in, the trigger itself is also clearly bad...at least it seems that way to me, not crisp across the surface that reacts with the hammer.

Well I cant figure out how to post photos, cut and paste don't work and insert pics does not seem to take the UNC path, I hope my words paint a good photo.

Over the years, my collecting interest has gravitated towards pre-war / antique bolt action sporting rifles. I have a collection of very nice, well-maintained rifles that I shoot on a regularly at the range and in the field. I find it very gratifying to be able to use these rifles for their intended purpose.

My most recent project is the Winchester Hotchkiss 1883 rifle that I started a thread on. I was fortunate enough to stumble upon this rifle and purchase it. Because this rifle had functional issues, I felt it was necessary to have it re-barreled. I also felt that it was important to try to bring this rare rifle back to its original configuration. That's why I sent it to Mark Douglas to have him work his magic on it.

I know that this rifle will never be as valuable as an unrestored original but, this is actually a better scenario for me. I intend to work up an accurate 45-70 load and take this old girl deer hunting later this year. I probably would be less inclined to do that if this was a pristine, unmolested original. I have no idea what refurbishing will do to the value of this firearm but in the end, I don't really care. 

Zebulon said
A number of Model 92s were converted to 357 magnum years ago and some still show up from time to time. Because of the conversion, they may be available at a discount. For a handloader, these can be very desirable. As you know, there's hardly a more flexible pistol/carbine round than the 357. Or more available brass.
Anything the 25 or 32 Winchester can do can be replicated handily with the lightest stubby lead .357 slugs and some Unique.  And more. 160-180 grain JFPs over enough H110, 296, or 2400 -- whatever on hand -- out of a 20" barrel will drop a Whitetail at 50 yards. As my late father-in-law proved several times to defend his vegetable garden. 
I haven't owned a conversion but in the last years I've shot a lot of different 38 Special and 357 magnum loads through my 1873 carbine and have been impressed with how well it digests both length cases and with various bullet profiles - all flat-nosed, of course. If I'd had this carbine and the same experience ith it, I'm not sure I'd have sought out a 25. 
  

I keep looking for a 357 rifle.  I don’t want a torus.  So it’s going to be a reproduction or a period conversion. I think the conversion would be cheaper.  Just waiting for the right one to come along.  

Anything the 25 or 32 Winchester can do can be replicated handily with the lightest stubby lead .357 slugs and some Unique.  And more. 160-180 grain JFPs over enough H110, 296, or 2400 -- whatever on hand -- out of a 20" barrel will drop a Whitetail at 50 yards. As my late father-in-law proved several times to defend his vegetable garden. 

I haven't owned a conversion but in the last years I've shot a lot of different 38 Special and 357 magnum loads through my 1873 carbine and have been impressed with how well it digests both length cases and with various bullet profiles - all flat-nosed, of course. If I'd had this carbine and the same experience ith it, I'm not sure I'd have sought out a 25. 

Mike

I like it!

Tony

You are gracious.

As you know, in Texas we have large -- almost unhealthy -- populations of the Rio Grande turkey subspecies,  from Westward of a North-to-South line drawn through Fort Worth to Austin to San Antonio and Laredo.  Meleagris Gallopavo Intermedia is slightly smaller and reputedly more gullible than its Silvestris Eastern Gobbler cousin, although they have wised up considerably after Texas introduced a Gobblers Only Spring Season in 1989. 

I mention this because Texas permits hunting the Rio with a centerfire rifle and the 25 and 32 Winchester cartridges are really ideal for that purpose. While I know the 22 Hornet is supposed to be the ultimate wild turkey round,  I have considerable experience with it on turkeys and it needs to be handloaded down to no more than 2000 foot seconds, preferably less, if body shots are taken. 

Among my peers on a couple of leases in West Texas, sniping clueless turkeys with headshots at 100 yards with a scoped high velocity rifle is considered the moral equivalent of shooting your own bird dog. It does not require the skill and artistry of calling a bird into spitting distance before whacking him mid-strut. At that distance, it matters not whether you use rifle, handgun, or shotgun but meat damage becomes a consideration if a single projectile is used -- the head is never still and headshots are too risky 

The 25 Winchester with 86 grain lead at 1200 - 1400 foot seconds, fired from a tang sighted Model 92 cannot be beat. Given our large populations in some counties, hens are legal as well and a lever gun can be very handy.  

So, here in the Lone Star State,  this little Winchester has considerable utility. I restored it to use, not just to look at

I can certainly understand what you chose to do here. Not being a true piece you would collect, but instead, a very nice and accurate shooter, that you brought justice to. 

I applaud you for you're evaluation and how you handled it! This is a good example of bringing something back from being a poor example, and not spending a fortune to try to make it something that it wasn't!

Tony

First, that there is a material difference between repairing (restoring to mechanical functionality) a gun of collectible condition, on one hand, and restoring or "improving" its cosmetic condition - thereby destroying its originality - on the other. 

Second, that there is a point of no return, most typically because of a prior, egregious "restoration" but also because of corrosion and neglect, at which the gun has no "original condition" and can be used in whole or in part as a restoration of the same or another gun.