Restore, refinish, or leave it alone?

[TARNATION !!!]

Troy: Not being aware of your skills or bank account, the first response to such a question is, "What do you want to do with it ?" - decoration? occasional sporting clays? Hunting? If decoration only, just hang it up and you are done. If you want to shoot it, then determine it's shootabilty first. After that "do the least harm possible". Your gun might look very nice with just a complete tear down, clean up and reassembly. Assuming the barrels are in good condition and the action tight, you could enjoy using it at the range or in the field. If you are a do it yourself guy, check out the FAQ's regarding screwdrivers before you do anything. From the pictures, the gun has been dismantled some time in it's past history. If you leave the work to a gunsmith, have the cheque book handy. If you want to do a complete restoration, there are folks that can be recommended - again, have your cheque book handy.

So where do you want to go with this?

Cheers,
Jack

[Autumn Daze]

Nice O frame 16.....I agree with Jack. What are your plans for this old girl?

[Troy Marsh]

Thanks for the quick replies. I just picked it up recently and would like to keep it in the family. I do not want, or plan, to shoot it. The stock does not appear to be cracked. If the oil soaking is the blackened area on the stock, I would like to have that removed, if at all possible. The gun closes and locks extremely tight, and the ribs are tight. Don't know the barrel wall thickness. One bore has an ever so slight bulge, barely perceptible by touch, about midway, otherwise bright and shiny inside.

That said, could a professional remove/reduce the oil soaking so as to restore the wood grain? The photos don't do the wood grain justice. Up close, I can tell the wood is really beautiful underneath the years of buildup and oil. If so, then I would probably leave the barrels alone.

Thanks again for your help.