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August 4, 2025
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I recently acquired a 1892 chambered in 38 WCF. The barrel is pretty much worn out but the rifle functions perfectly.
The barrel has the expected brownish “patina”.
The magazine tube looks like someone tried to “clean” it. It is mostly grey with patches of “patina”.
The receiver is the real subject of my inquiry. Someone has taken all the finish off to shiny bare metal. you van see sanding marks but not too bad.
I realize the rifle has very little monetary value but would bluing the receiver really hurt it? What about relining the barrel or replacing it?
I really believe in conserving these beautiful rifles but am conflicted on this one. Should I make this my “project gun” and refinish it?
Thanks for any input.
Tim
May 14, 2025
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Hi Tim,
Congrats on the new 92! The general consensus here is against a reblue except in certain circumstances. The guys will have plenty of questions in order to give you a proper answer but to start Can we get the Serial # and a few pics so we can see it? Thanks, Buck
April 30, 2023
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The standard collector answer will be “leave it alone” but if it’s already been sanded and is in the white, I’d blue it so it has a protective coating.
But yes, we need pics!
August 27, 2014
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Weida welcome to WACA
I’d just wipe the gun down…like to also see pics if you have them
“If you can’t convince them, confuse them”
President Harry S. Truman
August 4, 2025
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Here are the pictures.
April 15, 2005
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Leave it as is… Do not reblue (refinish it). A complete restoration (expensive) would be a much better option than a simple refinish.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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In my opinion bluing would not help your rifle unless you’re willing to replace the wood and the barrel along with the considerable metal prep required for a quality re-blue job. Anything less than a full restoration would do little if anything to enhance your rifle and after restoration the rifle may not be worth as much as the cost of a professional restoration. The condition of this rifle is a result of its history and shows its character. Restoration or re-bluing takes away that history and character. If you want a high condition rifle, buy one that has had an easier life than this one. Spend the money you save on ammunition or another gun. Just my opinion, worth exactly what you paid for it.
Mike
May 23, 2009
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Bert H. said
Leave it as is… Do not reblue (refinish it). A complete restoration (expensive) would be a much better option than a simple refinish.
Bert
I agree with Bert, and would add that if you are going to do anything with it to do a full restoration. Someone has already starting toying with it, which is why the receiver is stark white and not matching the rest of the gun. It looks like good bones for a restoration.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
August 27, 2014
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Those heavier marks on the receiver flats are ‘forging striations’ not sanding marks. The forging striations are a by-product of the era’s manufacturing process and are looked at mostly positively by collectors. They certainly don’t bother me.
Whoever removed the finish did leave those lighter scratches behind.
“If you can’t convince them, confuse them”
President Harry S. Truman
November 19, 2006
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I would also leave it as it is.
I would try some different loads in it. Particularly some jacketed bullet loads as they will sometime shoot ok in fairly bad bores.
December 9, 2002
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I am in agreement here, once again, as the OP, stated that some cleaning was done to it what looks like a long while ago.
Make sure it’s safe and shoot it, as it sure looks like it ready to go. 
Anthony
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