'73 Rebuild - The Tear Down

[Mossyrock]

Well, I spent some time tearing the '73 down to the bare frame and assessing the damage.  The bottom line is that I have a good, sound action...and that's about it.  I was hoping to be able to reline the barrel, but it is too over-buffed to salvage.  The action is good, as are the internals.  New wood is on the way.  So thus far, these are the parts I need to start scraping into a pile:

-Buttstock and fore-end (Ordered.  Will be here before Christmas)
-Barrel
-Mag tube
-Mag tube plug
-Mag tube bearing ring (maybe...the jury is still out on this one)
-Mag tube bearing pin
-Dust cover and spring
-Mainspring tension screw
-Lever safety spring
-Buttplate w/trapdoor (Unless I can weld up and repair the current buttplate)

After I get done fitting the new wood, I will start polishing the action and action parts, getting them ready for remarking and color case hardening.  While they are off getting color cased, I will polish and nitre blue the screws, pins, and loading gate.  I think installing the new barrel will be towards the end of the rebuild. 

I have to admit that I am really drawn to having the action charcoal blued instead of color cased.  The problem there being that color casing takes about a 350 grit polish, whereas the charcoal blue takes a very high polish of over 1000 grit.  I can do a hand polish that high, but I don't know if the action is in good enough shape to support it.  Once I get to the 300-grit level, I'll make a judgement call as to whether I will take it any further.  Call it a decision point....

[Coal Creek Griff]

Thanks for the updates.  This is very interesting.  I'm just glad I don't have to pay for it!

[Mossyrock]

  I'm just glad I don't have to pay for it!

Now there's a coincidence!  I just wish I didn't have to!     But, I have no one to blame but myself.

[Major 2]

I got the old buckhorn sight you sent ..THANKS  

Your right it was a bit rough...but not bad at all
I used drift pin to realign it  a dremel stone (low speed ) to true it up, re stoned the notch, buffed it looks like new
gonna polish it ,and blue it .
then it's going on my HENRY

[Mossyrock]

I got the old buckhorn sight you sent ..THANKS 

Your right it was a bit rough...but not bad at all
I used drift pin to realign it  a dremel stone (low speed ) to true it up, re stoned the notch, buffed it looks likt new
gonna pollishs it ,and blue it .
then it's going on my HENRY

Glad you got some good use for it.  If you hadn't taken it, it was going into the metal recycle bin.

[Pettifogger]

It will make following progress easier if you just stick with one thread.  A new posting every time you remove a screw gets hard to follow.

[Mossyrock]

It will make following progress easier if you just stick with one thread.  A new posting every time you remove a screw gets hard to follow.

OK....but I'll have to start that on the next update:  "1873 Rebuild - The Saga Continues"   

[Pettifogger]

I've got several project guns.  Right now I'm working on a 1st Generation Colt Lightning Baby Carbine in .32-20.  I'm going to try and get it so that it is suitable for SASS competition as it is beyond any kind of collector condition.  Have most of the metal work done and replaced/remade some parts.  I'm not good with wood so I'm looking for some hints from your restoration.

[Mossyrock]

I've got several project guns.  Right now I'm working on a 1st Generation Colt Lightning Baby Carbine in .32-20.  I'm going to try and get it so that it is suitable for SASS competition as it is beyond any kind of collector condition.  Have most of the metal work done and replaced/remade some parts.  I'm not good with wood so I'm looking for some hints from your restoration.

Best hint?  Buy the wood as closely inlet as you can.  Often times, when they say "85%" inlet/fitted", they are being VERY optimistic!!