Lever gun help

[Samdweezel05]

To make a long story short I have a Winchester 1873 with a serial number under 8,000. That makes it a first year production rifle I believe. Problem is it is missing parts and needs some cosmetic work. As far as I know the parts it's need are:

firing pin
main spring (have it but it's broken)
magazine tube, spring, follower....... everything mag related.

The finish on the rifle is non existent due to someone not liking the rust (patina) and taking it off with a scotch bright pad. I know the barrel and mag tube were blued and the receiver was case hardened. There are a couple of mystery holes in the receiver as well but I can take care of those before it's refinished. Also looks like someone pounded on the muzzle of the barrel with a hammer. Again, nothing I can't take care of with a little chop and recrown.

The good news is I have managed to clean the bore and chamber to a point that I believe it will function. Stock and forend are in tact. So now what do I do with it? My goal is to make it function and look good and give it to my dad. Do any of you have any places you would look to when it comes to buy parts?

 

[5spd]

I would start here myself if you have not found parts at any of the other gun places like numrich arms etc.
http://www.turnbullmfg.com/

 

[jonbearman]

I live with in 20 miles of doug turnbull and he will probably be your best bet for real parts. His work is the best there is anywhere when it comes to old winchesters.

 

[Samdweezel05]

I live with in 20 miles of doug turnbull and he will probably be your best bet for real parts. His work is the best there is anywhere when it comes to old winchesters.

Do you have any contact info? Only thing better than having a good place to get parts is having a good person to talk to about the parts you are looking for. I have a list of parts I need along with pictures of the rifle if he could help me with this project.

 

[TheSnake]

Maybe you could post some pics as you work along. I for one would like to see the transformation. Best of luck on your restore.

 

[Samdweezel05]

Maybe you could post some pics as you work along. I for one would like to see the transformation. Best of luck on your restore.

Yeah thanks. I will post pics as long as I can get parts to finish it. The rifle was given to me by my dad about 10 years ago. It meant nothing to him and still doesn't. He got it on trade years ago when he owned an Orvis store and a guy wanted a fly fishing reel. Now he has built his new log cabin house and wants something to put over the fireplace. I figure after 32 years of dealing with me I might as well try and give something back to him but I would like it to be functional before I give it back.

 

[357Mag]

Sam -

You might want to ask @ "castboolits " ( not castboolits.com )

Lot's of informed lever fanatics, there.

Regards,
357Mag

 

[Gun Smith]

http://www.levergunscommunity.com/index.php?sid=5c2090850d5557a793411f844416a6c5

 

[shortgrass]

Google "winchester bob", he makes real nice repro parts. www.winchesterbob.com