Project advice for newbie

[CWC]

Hey guys, I'm looking for some basic info and advice about buying and possibly restoring an 1876 Winchester to shooting condition. I have owned a couple modern lever actions, including an 1866 reproduction, but this will be my first original, antique gun. I will probably be looking for a rifle that is not in great shape, both due to cost, and because I would not want to put much use on a really nice original.

Which websites and forums should I be stalking to find a fixer-upper rifle?

How is the availability of parts, especially the internal parts? Is anyone machining new parts, or will I have to source original parts?

What else should I know before I head down this rabbit hole?

Thanks!

Editing to say this: Based on the responses so far I think I did a poor job of wording my original post. It seems like you guys think I'm talking about buying a bunch of parts and trying to make a rifle out of it. When I say I'm looking for a fixer-upper I'm talking about buying a rifle that is already in shootable condition, but having to do some work to make it look nice. Basically, something a collector wouldn't be willing to pay a lot for because of the lack of original finish, and maybe some bruises.

[Abilene]

Advice?  Yes - don't go down that rabbit hole.  I have not done it, but from reading about others' exploits, you don't wanna.  Parts are non-existent / very very expensive.  You could buy an original in shootable condition for less than you could put one together, and have a shooter, way, way faster.  IMO.

Hopefully someone who has done this (or tried) can pop in here. 

If you just want to shoot an original rifle but can't afford a '76, look for a '92.  Lots of them out there and affordable in shooting condition.  1873's as well, but those will cost more.

[Coffinmaker]

  CWC

A VERY BIG PLUS ONE for Abilene.

That is one very very DEEP rabbit hole and a very very expensive one at that.  Much cheaper to find one in shootable condition and treat it with TLC.

[Abilene]

Hey Major, I see in the index that you responded, but there is no post showing so I'm guessing you maybe reported this one?  It's skynet, I tell ya! 

[King Medallion]

 

[CWC]

suspect AI

Major, are you saying you think my post is AI generated? If so, why in the world would you think that? Is AI frequently coming to this forum seeking advice on buying a rifle?

Also, I added another paragraph to the end of my original post to clarify my question.

[Hair Trigger Jim]

AI has been spamming this forum like crazy.  Most new posts are actually AI, so we have gotten pretty suspicious around here.

Your added paragraph does help.  Hopefully you can find a shooter that doesn't need much internal work, just cosmetic.

[Major 2]

I'm afraid I did, we have had a rash of AI and spammers...

New posts are suspect as the bots are getting more and more clever
with lucid posts or questions.

Take that if you will, as a kinda complement   

OK so you asked, I did restore a Winchester 73, an 1891 in 32/20 (not a 76 but what the hey)
The gun did not need a great deal, Magazine Spring, dust cover screw & spring,
and rear sight ramp....from Winchester Bob.

I found the needed parts at https://winchesterbob.com/ and https://homesteadparts.com/shop/ or https://jackfirstinc.com/

[CWC]

Wow, I don't understand AI at all, but I had no idea they would be trying to get information on restoring rifles from this forum.

Thanks for the links Major. 73 is definitely my second favorite long gun. If I manage to get a 76, maybe I'll have to buy it a little brother in a few years.

Any tips on the best places to keep an eye out for original Winchesters?

[King Medallion]

Google is your friend. "Winchester 1876 for sale"

[Abilene]

Wow, I don't understand AI at all, but I had no idea they would be trying to get information on restoring rifles from this forum....

The AI posts are not looking for information, they are pretending to be human so they can build up their post counts and eventually try to scam someone on a sale or purchase.  Or something like that...   

[CWC]

Google is your friend. "Winchester 1876 for sale"

When I google that I get 99% junk. Stuff like forum posts from 2011 and websites that are listing reproductions they haven't had in stock for a decade. I have found a couple promising rifles, but would like to see what else is out there. Do you have any specific website recommendations?

[King Medallion]

Really? I didn't. Not on the 1st page anyway. Lots of rifles for sale.

[Professor Marvel]

My Good CWC

Your best bets are going to be
1) national places like cabelas that handle decent stuff in their "gun libraries"
2) legitimate gun auction sites like gunbroker and guns america
3) regular internet auction houses.

#2 and #3 are going to be "let the buyer beware" no matter hiw good it looks

#3 is even more so, then add "buyers premium" excessive ffl and packing fees etc

Bottom line, it aint easy, especially with quality brick and mortar places going under left and right.

Good luck

Yhs
Prof marvel

[Abilene]

I signed up years ago for emails from Antiqueguns.com - around +/- once a month I get an email from them listing their current auctions (or occasionally "buy me now' prices).  I've never bought anything from them but I just enjoy eyeballing all the old guns.  They do occasionally have '76's, although I just checked their site and none right now.

[Cap'n Redneck]

Collectors Firearms in Houston might be worth checking...;

https://collectorsfirearms.com/258-cartridge-antique-long-guns/

[Slamfire]

 Guns International???


   coffee's ready,  Hootmix.

[Professor Marvel]

If I wanted (for example) a sharps 1863 original, I would start with collector forums and the civil war skirmisher forums. So for a winchester, The only other places I can think of would be legitamit winchester collector forums.

Since that is not my area of interst I fear I must leave it to the OP to ferret them out on his own.

Its a long hard row to hoe, full of rocks and scammers and thieves and and you are only just beginning.

Prf marvel