Just got a PH grade basket case. She's a 1890 twist Damascus #1 frame 12ga (SN 63355). This is going to be a father/son restoration project for my 2 sons (21 and 22 yrs old). She's got great bones for a "shooter" w/ not much boogered up in the metal area (screws, engraving, bbls, etc). We'll be doing the rust bluing, restocking, checkering, etc as a team. Great chance for them to learn.
The person before me took a wire wheel to the stock and bbls (as he said ... to clean it up). Stock is usable, but it's had a lot of wood removed from it. Butt plate and grip cap are completely ground smooth.
Big issues:
-Hinge pin has been "worked" by someone. The screw head slot is gone and both sides have been "flattened" by someone filing them (my guess by the looks).
Frame is still square (checked that right off). Any ideas how to fix or pull the one side w/o a slot and not end up needing a new hinge pin (big job).
-Restocking (Brian, help?)- What grade of wood would you feel was "normal" for a PH, and will a #1 1/2, 2, etc fit the tang. I assume yes by reading here, but I'd need the cheeks pulled down to be correct dims. I have to ask because I have some killer walnut blanks, but don't want them wasted.
-Forearm, right now it's a splinter, but didn't know everyone's thoughts on putting a semi-beaver on her.
-Re-engraving - thoughts from everyone on removing the engraving and upgrading to an A1, AAH, etc before recoloring as a "gift" to the boys at the end? (yes, I mark the frames on guns like this to show they are upgraded).
Thanks much
Dan