My grandmother passed away a few years back, my grandfather several years ago. Being the gun enthusiast of the family I wound up with the guns he owned. Three in total. I've gotten the other two back in shooting shape. Finally getting this one done. I'll pass them along to my son someday. We'll shoot the hell out of it till then. He'll be the 4th generation to enjoy them.



Its an 1890 Winchester - 3rd model in 22 long. Made them in 22 short, 22 wmf and 22 long. Several converted to 22 lr. This one was built about 1913.



I've already got several hours in it. It sat in a closet mostly untouched for I'd say 50 years. Everything was locked up. Action wouldn't work, filler tube rusted and stuck. Lots of soaking, break free, brake cleaner and some fine steel wool has gotten it to where I'll leave it. Action is smooth now and the filler tube will work.











It's missing several parts. Slide cover and screw, rear sight, the complete carrier (part that feeds the rounds to the chamber) and a couple other miscellaneous screws. Talked to one of my living uncles. The story is my father took it apart when he was a kid and couldn't get it back together and the parts got lost. My father told me a story of a confrontation with a neighbors bull that wound up him venting his frustrations with it by putting a 22 through its ball sack. Bet this was the rifle that did it. It's been really fun researching the thing and finding the parts. They have all been purchased, waiting on them to get here. Can't wait till its done and getting to shoot it.

 

Very nice Roger! I love tinkering with my toys more than using them, and I love using them. Nothing like taking a rusty action and gently lubing it back into shape. Nice to see you know what you're doing and didn't butcher it! It looks great and totally cool to bring a piece of family history back to life.
Where did you find parts, numrich?

 

Thanks Bill, Wish I'd taken pictures before I'd started that and wish they'd have at least pulled it out and oiled it down every couple years. Surface rust all over it.

Parts here there and everywhere. Looked at Numrich but most were new. I want to keep it looking somewhat original. Gunbroker, e-bay and a place called homestead. Hope it goes together and works without much tuning.

 

Looks awesome. My grandpa passed on an old 410 to me that was his dads. Ran the serial number and its a fairly rare model. It hasn't been shot in Lord knows how long. Hope to clean it up one day and pass it on.

 

thats sweet man, when my grandfather died he left a dub barrel 12 gauge to me

 

Nice looking Rifle. My dad has an old Winchester that looks just like that but it's a lever action. Its great using old tried and true firearms like that.

 

Thanks guys,
All the parts except for a couple screws arrived yesterday. I've got it together, functioning and put 5 rounds through her. Waiting on warm weather now to see how well she shots. Neat little rifle.

 

That is an awesome rifle. The story behind it makes it even better. You did good on the restore. I have seen some people destroy the antiques with sand paper.

 

X10, I'd love to have that Rifle.

And knowing it was kept in the Family makes it invaulable.

Keep the pics coming Roger.