Spacehog 2,218 Posted March 12, 2012 Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 Looking for some expert advise from you all on the forum. I just inherited a Winchester Repeating Arms model 1890 .22 caliber short after the death of my grandfather. It was made in 1911, and was his boyhood hunting rifle. I remember shooting this rifle when I was 12, and "Sarge", his Springer Spaniel immediately running the woods to scare up rabbits in Michigan. The rifle has alot of sentimental value to me, but unfortunately hasn't seen any oil on the blueing for 20+ years. It has spots of rust all along the octagonal barrel, otherwise the blueing is good. I have oiled the rifle well but the pin rust spots still bother me. I want to restore the rifle, but do not want to impact the value of the rifle. Other than the surface pin rust the rifle is in perfect working order and the walnut stock is immaculate. I would love to present this rifle to my father fully restored to pristine condition. Any suggestions or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. I am coming back from Michigan, but will attach photos when I get back to Alabama. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fallschirmjager667 729 Posted March 12, 2012 Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 find out how much it's worth, it may not be worth enough to really matter if the value is lowered by restoring Quote Link to post Share on other sites
akastormi 617 Posted March 12, 2012 Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 Right now it's worth more as is, than with a DIY restoration. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
liberty -r- death 1,445 Posted March 12, 2012 Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 Don't do a full restore. It'll kill any collector value the gun has. For the rust spots use gun oil and very fine quadruple ought steel wool to remove it. Very lighly use the steel wool to rub the rust spots out. If done correctly you shouldn't be able to notice any marks from the steel wool. By all means though do more research on the value and how to take care of the rust. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spacehog 2,218 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 Thanks. You all are echoing my initial thoughts as well. As with all fire arms the value is predicated on the condition. Based on what I have researched, rifles in similar condition with similar serial numbers are going for 800 to 1200 dollars. Regardless, I won't even consider a DIY restoration despite my love for tinkering with guns and building Saigas. I am curious if a professional restoration would negatively impact value, however this gun will never be sold or leave the family either. I'll have to put some further thought into it. Thank you for the comments and advice. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mullet Man 2,114 Posted March 12, 2012 Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 Restoration for preservation is always 'worth it'. Restoration for monetary value is market dependent. But this thread is worthless without pics 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spacehog 2,218 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 They are coming Mullet Man. I just got to complete the 14 hour drive back from Michigan with the kids in the back seat. Both girls so we have to stop and pee every 15 minutes. I'll post them this evening. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
magsite20 1,664 Posted March 12, 2012 Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 (edited) as stated by others if the gun has any collectors value you doing a restore will ruin that. (word for the day: patina) if it's worth more to you as a family heirloom by all means clean it up and make it look like you remember it in it’s glory days. Edited March 12, 2012 by 20-Mags Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fallschirmjager667 729 Posted March 12, 2012 Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 if its $800-$1200 don't touch it Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ironhead7544 35 Posted March 12, 2012 Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 The trick to doing a real restoration is to make it look like a 100 year old rifle that has had good care. If you are going to keep it you might want to go this route. There are a number of gunsmiths out there that can do it. If you make it look like new it is just a refinish. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
David Mark 2,452 Posted March 12, 2012 Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 This is a strange coincidence. I too just became the owner of a handed down Model 1890. Mine is in .22 Long and the serial number indicates a manufacture date of 1902. I plan on giving her a could cleaning and oiling. Picking up a box of .22 Long and seeing if she still shoots. Dry fire sounds crisp so I have high hopes she still shoots fine. Good luck with yours Spacehog. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spacehog 2,218 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 This is a strange coincidence. I too just became the owner of a handed down Model 1890. Mine is in .22 Long and the serial number indicates a manufacture date of 1902. I plan on giving her a could cleaning and oiling. Picking up a box of .22 Long and seeing if she still shoots. Dry fire sounds crisp so I have high hopes she still shoots fine. Good luck with yours Spacehog. Very nice DaveM. It looks like the blueing on yours may be a bit better than mine. At this point, I am going to just give it a thorough cleaning and oiling. Good luck with yours as well. The things are well built so I imagine you will be sending lead down range with no problems. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spacehog 2,218 Posted March 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 After thinking about it, leaving the patina (yes I heard you 20-mags) better honors my grandfather than restoring the rifle. It represents a lifetime spent in use as it should be. I'll take care of the rust with continual oiling, but the rest I am going to leave untouched. Thanks to all for the advice. Below are the pics: 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BuffetDestroyer 969 Posted March 12, 2012 Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 Good looking rifle! I think you made a great decision. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
MT Predator 2,294 Posted March 12, 2012 Report Share Posted March 12, 2012 Great decision! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spacehog 2,218 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 Actually thank you all. Your posts help me put things in proper perspective. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ironhead7544 35 Posted March 13, 2012 Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 That is a fine condition old rifle. You are lucky to have it. Looks perfect as is. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Spacehog 2,218 Posted March 13, 2012 Author Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 That is a fine condition old rifle. You are lucky to have it. Looks perfect as is. Thanks Ironhead. I am indeed fortunate and very thankful. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TapeWorm3 104 Posted March 13, 2012 Report Share Posted March 13, 2012 (edited) I just sold an estate of 80+ firearms most were pre 1950 Winchesters. There were 2 1911 manufactured 1890s in the lot one in short the other in 22 WRF. Leave the finish alone just oil the shit out of it and it will kill the rust. They bring more $$$$$ with original finish Edited March 13, 2012 by TapeWorm3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.