My uncle passed away when I was 12 and I've been given his collection of rifles. My father has found another 1876 (this would make #2) up in the attic of the old family house this last weekend.
It would appear that my uncle was in the process of restoring it when he passed on. I have yet to see it, but it's condition has been described as almost completely disassembled. The side plates are still on it, and I'm hoping all the internals are there, but the mismatched (grain) wooden forearm and butt stock are not original and have no finish. (looked 'kit' like I was told)
The barrel and mag tube have been removed and the mag spring is somewhat rusted. May or may not have all the original screws. My uncle passed in '78 and it's been sitting there since my grandparents packed his things up.
I had spoken to Sixgun Shorty about restoring the 1st '76 I got and decided to leave it alone as it was a complete rifle. That is not the case with this one. Looking for any tips on restoring it, such as replacement wood, springs, screws and a recipe I saw somewhere on our website describing Winchester's original formula for the oil used to hand rub the forearm and stock.
I would love to send this one to DT, but I can't afford his process. Thx in advance.
Sidewinder~~~~~