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My father recently passed and I was able get his Winchester 1873 3rd Model 44-40 (107K serial) from him. I’m trying to figure out what to do with the gun and maintain what value is there. Not too educated on antique guns so any feedback or suggestions is appreciated. It has a lot of wear so I am looking at replacing some screws and the cover plate. The dust cover spring is broke or not working so I’ll need to get a new one (Homestead is out of stock). Should I restore it and re-blue it with new wood and replaced as-needed parts or leave it and just clean it. I’d like to keep the value in it or add value. I’ll take it apart and look for any other parts that need to be replaced. Photos added.
Thanks in advance.
Jeff
Jeff Juergens said Should I restore it and re-blue it with new wood and replaced as-needed parts or leave it and just clean it.
What Teddy Roosevelt said about the Grand Canyon applies equally to this gun: “Leave it as it is. You cannot improve it. The ages have been at work on it & man can only mar it.”
Hopefully 1873 Man will jump in with his sage advice, but until then, please do not attempt to “restore it”. You will no doubt lose what value it may have. The screw holding the side plates together has already been butchered by a non fitting screw driver. There is a chance the screw is frozen with rust and age which may be why the screw slot is so badly damaged. If it works as it is, a wiping with oil only is advised. Clarence had a good saying for the situation. Tim
Jeff Juergens said
Thanks in advance.
Jeff
Simply put, don’t be dumb…..LEAVE IT ALONE!
November 7, 2015
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Welcome!
Most folks around here will try to weld up the crack in the Liberty Bell before they restore an honest old gun like yours.
Mike
Thanks, guys. I just wanted to make sure before I do something wrong/dumb. I’ll give her a light cleaning and oil and replace the dust cover spring.
Jeff
Jeff,
The pictures don’t show enough detail to see any big problems. The are a few buggered screw heads which is normal with a gun that has been used a lot. The dust cover spring just puts a little tension on the bottom of the cover to keep it from sliding on its own and in the forward position it has a detent to keep it closed. From what I can see of it I would leave it alone. Their looks to be a letter carved in the stock and the restore would eliminate that part of its history.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
Jeff,The pictures don’t show enough detail to see any big problems. The are a few buggered screw heads which is normal with a gun that has been used a lot. The dust cover spring just puts a little tension on the bottom of the cover to keep it from sliding on its own and in the forward position it has a detent to keep it closed. From what I can see of it I would leave it alone. Their looks to be a letter carved in the stock and the restore would eliminate that part of its history.
Bob
Thanks, Bob. Appreciate the feedback. Just have to find a spring for the dust cover now. 
Ebay has them all the time.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
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