I just bought my first Winchester rifle. It’s a Model 1894 that was manufactured in 1897. It’s probably a 10% condition gun per the Blue Book. I started the disassembly process last night. No small feat I found out. I’ve never had a gun that had so much crud built up in the action. I’m shocked the action even worked. Most had to be scraped off with a brass tool because it was like carbon. I’m still working on it.

Anyway, are there some parts I should automatically replace while I’m in here? My guess is, from the look of the rifle, everything is 124 year old (including the crud). Nothing appears broken though.

The firing pin was really tough to get out. I actually had to use a small punch to lightly tap it out. I cleaned it and the channel and it went in easier, but the very last 1/4 inch it had to be lightly tapped in. Is this normal? The pin moves normally when I shake the bolt.

The stock has no finish, and no visible cracks or repairs, but the wood grain is pretty open. I’m not sure if this is normal or not. I know I’ve seen other antique rifles with wood that looked like this. Should I put something on the stock finish? If so, what was the original finish on a very early Model 1894.

I don’t plan on regularly shooting this rifle, but I think it deserves some respect and TLC.

Thanks in advance.