I would like to ask the campfire's opinion on whether I should have a Winchester 1876 restored of leave as is. This rifle was handed down to me by my grandfather. It was given to him when he was quite young by an old man who used it to hunt buffaloe. It has been fired only once in the last 60-70 years and is in very good mechanical shape. You can see in the photos that it has virtually no original finish left, but it has no rust.
My questions to the campfire brain trust are: 1. Would it be more valuable as is with no original finish or professionally restored by a company like Turnbull? 2. If it is more valuable restored, would you go with a blue that is as close as possible to the original or case color hardening of the receiver, lever and small parts?
Thank you all in advance for your input. I want to be the best possible steward of this proud old rifle while it is in my hands.
