Here is my 2 cents
Answer for #1,2 and 3. Send the entire gun to Brad Bachelder. Have him evaluate the gun (especially the barrels). If he determines the gun is sound, shoot it with low pressure ammo.
Answer #4, I would tell Brad to remove the sights as best he can and also have him clean up the wood. I would not rechecker the wood, new checkering without redoing the entire gun would not look proper. Leave it in as original condition as possible, it adds character and shows honest wear.
Since this has so much sentimental value to your Dad, why don't you gift a PGCA membership and research letter for Christmas. We just did that for another member as a gift. The membership can be made active and the research letter dated Dec 25th and present it as a gift to your Dad.
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