{"id":725,"date":"2023-02-21T23:22:11","date_gmt":"2023-02-21T23:22:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=725"},"modified":"2023-02-21T23:22:11","modified_gmt":"2023-02-21T23:22:11","slug":"diy-how-to-resurrect-old-guns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/?p=725","title":{"rendered":"DIY: How to Resurrect Old Guns"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"article-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>Anything discussed in this article can be applied to guns of all calibers, but the relatively low cost of .22 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/rifles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rifles<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/handguns\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">handguns<\/a> makes them more available for tinkering. I\u2019ve had opportunities to acquire and work with non-firing or just ratty-looking .22s as a result of them being cast aside by people who perceived them as having no worth.<\/p>\n<p>As with so many things among collectors, worth is often in the eye of the beholder. No question, a rusty Colt Single Action Army from around 1873 could be worth thousands of dollars, and its value diminished by trying to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/gun-care\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">restore<\/a> it. However, a .22 rifle branded for Sears, rusty and non-firing, not so much.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"595\" height=\"576\" alt=\"Lucas Oil CLP, Metal Polish, COntact Cleaner, Bore Solvent, Gun oil, and Gun Grease\" class=\"wp-image-86042 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-6.jpg?w=595&amp;ssl=1 595w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-6.jpg?resize=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-6.jpg?resize=150%2C145&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 595px) 100vw, 595px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-6.jpg?resize=595%2C576&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"595\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-6.jpg?resize=595%2C576&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Lucas Oil CLP, Metal Polish, COntact Cleaner, Bore Solvent, Gun oil, and Gun Grease\" class=\"wp-image-86042\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-6.jpg?w=595&amp;ssl=1 595w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-6.jpg?resize=300%2C290&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-6.jpg?resize=150%2C145&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 595px) 100vw, 595px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>The author uses Lucas Oil Products for all his gun cleaning needs. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Getting Started<\/h2>\n<p>I acquired a couple of low-dollar bolt-action .22 rifles from my Boy Scout camp as a kid. I didn\u2019t shoot them much back then because they were single-shot bolt actions. I had other guns to shoot. It wasn\u2019t until I became immersed in the gun business later in life that I looked at them as opportunities to teach my grandchildren about guns and shooting.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-2 ai-viewport-2 ai-viewport-3\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--Mid Article Ad for Mobile and Tablet--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/contest.html?cid=contest?utm_source=CTD_Blog_AD&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=blog_range_day_friday_mobile&amp;utm_content=square\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/rdf_feb23_ad_mob-1.jpg?w=640&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/rdf_feb23_ad_mob-1.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<p>When I dug them out, it was obvious they needed some attention. The stocks were dinged up and the bluing needed work. Although both would fire, neither would eject. One of them was a single shot, only because its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/parts-and-accessories\/magazines\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">magazine<\/a> had been lost somewhere along the way.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-1 ai-viewport-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--Mid Article Ad for Desktop--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/rebate-central.html\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" align=\"center\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/sw_firearmfrenzy_ad.jpg?w=500&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/sw_firearmfrenzy_ad.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1\" align=\"center\" px=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<p>I started by working on the action problems. One of the rifles was a Remington 514, the other a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/marlin\/firearms\/rifles\/?srule=relevance&amp;brand=Marlin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Marlin<\/a> 80. Parts for these rifles are plentiful and easy to replace \u2014 if you know where to look. I found a magazine for the Marlin at Numrich Gun Parts. Although Numrich had numerous other parts listed for the Marlin, many were out of stock. Among those was the extractor.<\/p>\n<p>I found an extractor on eBay. After replacing the extractor, the rifle easily extracted and ejected unfired cartridges, but empties would not extract. The solution for that involved attaching a bronze .22 <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/how-to-cleaning-schedules-for-handguns-shotguns-rifles-and-ar-15s\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cleaning<\/a> brush and rod to my electric drill, saturating it in Lucas Oil Bore Solvent, and running it back and forth through the chamber area.<\/p>\n<p>I followed that up by saturating a cleaning mop with Lucas Oil Gun Metal Polish and running that through the chamber with the drill. Problem solved. Replacing the extractor and extractor spring solved the Remington 514\u2019s problem.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"226\" alt=\"Stock refinishing and bluing products from Birchwood Casey\" class=\"wp-image-86041 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-5.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-5.jpg?resize=300%2C106&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-5.jpg?resize=150%2C53&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-5.jpg?resize=640%2C226&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"226\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-5.jpg?resize=640%2C226&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Stock refinishing and bluing products from Birchwood Casey\" class=\"wp-image-86041\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-5.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-5.jpg?resize=300%2C106&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-5.jpg?resize=150%2C53&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>The author found that Birchwood Casey\u2019s products for cold re-bluing and stock refinishing were easy to use, readily available, and inexpensive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Refinishing<\/h2>\n<p>I turned to Birchwood Casey products to restore the appearance of both these firearms. The cold bluing kit is perfect for restoring the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/gun-care\/gunsmithing\/metal-finishing-supplies\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">finish<\/a> on old guns like this, and the stock refinishing kit allows you to put a nice, almost factory, appearance on the stock after some preparation to remove dents and scratches. Following a tip that I learned from a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/gun-care\/gunsmithing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gunsmithing<\/a> course I took a few years back, I removed a few small dents using an electric iron and a wet cloth. Placing the wet cloth over the dent and running the tip of the hot iron over it a few times will generally raise small dents in the wood. Doing this before sanding makes the sanding a lot more successful. It won\u2019t work with scratches. They\u2019ll need to be sanded out, or if deep, filled with putty. Min-Wax makes a Gun Stock Walnut wood filler putty that may match your stock.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019ve done a decent cold bluing process on numerous old firearms with Birchwood Casey\u2019s cold bluing kit. You start with Rust and Blue Remover, followed by Cleaner\/Degreaser. Once you\u2019ve completed these steps, sometimes more than once, it\u2019s time to apply the bluing compound.<\/p>\n<p>You let the chemical work for 30 seconds or so, then rinse in cold water and apply Birchwood Casey Barricade to arrest the process. A friend who works over old guns told me he skips the water and goes right to the Barricade. I tried that on my most recent bluing project and liked how it works.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"289\" height=\"576\" alt=\"Bottle of Liquid Lanolin emollient oil\" class=\"wp-image-86043 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-7.jpg?w=289&amp;ssl=1 289w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-7.jpg?resize=151%2C300&amp;ssl=1 151w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-7.jpg?resize=150%2C299&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 289px) 100vw, 289px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-7.jpg?resize=289%2C576&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"289\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-7.jpg?resize=289%2C576&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Bottle of Liquid Lanolin emollient oil\" class=\"wp-image-86043\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-7.jpg?w=289&amp;ssl=1 289w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-7.jpg?resize=151%2C300&amp;ssl=1 151w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-7.jpg?resize=150%2C299&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 289px) 100vw, 289px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>Lanolin does a good job of removing rust.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>If your firearm has rust or the bluing is gone, it\u2019s important to follow the directions in the Birchwood Casey kits without taking any shortcuts. I wound up with some nice-looking rifles that work very well.<\/p>\n<p>I added an inexpensive scope to the Marlin because it already had mounting holes to fit a side-mount scope mount. That rifle is very accurate in spite of its age. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/remington\/firearms\/rifles\/?srule=relevance&amp;brand=Remington\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Remington<\/a> 514 is also squirrel-killing-accurate with iron sights.<\/p>\n<p>Following the experience with these two rifles, I was not at all hesitant to take on some additional minor restoration jobs, and it just so happened that several of these have come my way. A friend I knew from work was given a couple of firearms by his neighbor who was cleaning out some of her departed husband\u2019s things. The two guns had been in the back of a closet and were quite rusted.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"472\" alt=\"J.C. Higgins Model 31 receiver with the disconnector removed for replacement\" class=\"wp-image-86044 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-8.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-8.jpg?resize=300%2C221&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-8.jpg?resize=150%2C111&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-8.jpg?resize=640%2C472&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"472\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-8.jpg?resize=640%2C472&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"J.C. Higgins Model 31 receiver with the disconnector removed for replacement\" class=\"wp-image-86044\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-8.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-8.jpg?resize=300%2C221&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-8.jpg?resize=150%2C111&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>This action from a J.C. Higgins Model 31 (made by High Standard) required replacing the disconnector because of a broken spring (new part on the bottom).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>One was a .22 caliber Marlin 39A. Upon examination, I determined the inner workings of the gun were fine. I doubt the gun had been used much, if at all. But externally there were quite a bit of rust spots marring the finish. I used Lucas Oil CLP and lanolin to clean off the rust and thoroughly oil the gun. A couple of hours of scrubbing and the gun cleaned up nicely.<\/p>\n<p>Another friend brought me a couple of rifles he\u2019d been given by a cousin to see what I could do in the way of cleaning them up. One of the guns turned out to be a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/savage\/firearms\/rifles\/?srule=relevance&amp;brand=Savage\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Savage Arms<\/a> Model 29B Slide-Action .22 manufactured in 1962. The other was a Stevens Model 87A .22 LR.<\/p>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-4 ai-viewport-2 ai-viewport-3\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--End of Article Ad for Mobile and Tablet--><br \/>\n<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/rebate-central.html\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/sw_firearmfrenzy_ad_mob.jpg?w=640&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/sw_firearmfrenzy_ad_mob.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"code-block code-block-3 ai-viewport-1\" style=\"margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;\">\n<!--End of Article Ad for Desktop--><br \/>\n&lt;<a target=\"\u201d_blank\u201d\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/contest.html?cid=contest\" rel=\"noopener\"> <img decoding=\"async\" align=\"center\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/rdf_feb23_ad-1.jpg?w=500&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\" srcset=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" class=\" jetpack-lazy-image\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/rdf_feb23_ad-1.jpg?w=500&amp;ssl=1\" align=\"center\" px=\"\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><\/a><\/div>\n<p>Neither rifle showed wear inside, but both were rusty outside. The same treatment with CLP and lanolin resulted in two rifles so clean my friend now displays them on a gun rack on his wall. The value of either one of these rifles would not exceed $150, but they made nice guns when cleaned up.<\/p>\n<p>More recently, a friend gave me a J.C. Higgins Model 30 semi-automatic .22 LR. He said it didn\u2019t work and he was moving, so he just gave it to me. I wasn\u2019t familiar with the rifle, but with a little online research, I discovered it was a High Standard rifle branded for Sears. The rifle is very clean with no <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/gun-care\/rust-prevention\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">rust<\/a> and no scratches \u2014 almost like it\u2019s never been carried afield.<\/p>\n<p>These rifles apparently sold for around $150 new. As far as not working, I took it apart and gave the action a thorough cleaning, checked the condition of all parts, and found the extractor didn\u2019t match what I saw in a parts diagram I found online. Again, I found this part on eBay. None of the parts I\u2019ve needed for these rifles were expensive, varying in price from around $10 to maybe $30.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"295\" alt=\"Refinished wood stock for a Remington 514 .22 LR rifle\" class=\"wp-image-86039 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-3.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-3.jpg?resize=300%2C138&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-3.jpg?resize=150%2C69&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-3.jpg?resize=640%2C295&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-3.jpg?resize=640%2C295&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Refinished wood stock for a Remington 514 .22 LR rifle\" class=\"wp-image-86039\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-3.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-3.jpg?resize=300%2C138&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-3.jpg?resize=150%2C69&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>The author totally refinished the stocks on his Marlin 80 and Remington 514.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p>Another nice gun I\u2019ve restored is a Winchester bolt action Model 62A that I picked up from the consignment rack at my local gun store at a very reasonable price. The gun worked fine but showed signs of neglect. Using Birchwood Casey products, I turned it into an almost new .22 rifle that will make one of the grandkids happy.<\/p>\n<h2>Other Projects<\/h2>\n<p>So far, I\u2019ve only mentioned rifles, but one of my most interesting projects concerned a Uberti 1873 Cattleman 10-shot .22 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cheaperthandirt.com\/firearms\/handguns\/revolvers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">revolver<\/a> it calls the Stallion. It\u2019s a beautiful gun, but from day one the cylinder wouldn\u2019t rotate whenever it was loaded with cartridges. Not being an expert with single-action revolvers, I first thought it was an issue with the hand that rotates the cylinder, or the bolt which locks it up when it\u2019s in position but moves out of the way in order for the cylinder to rotate between shots.<\/p>\n<p>Taylor\u2019s &amp; Company sells Uberti parts, so I got a complete spring kit and replaced the springs that operate those two components. The problem wasn\u2019t solved. Since the cylinder would rotate part of the way, but not all the way, I figured something had to be rubbing. I did some measuring with a feeler gauge and a micrometer and discovered the cylinder varied in length, instead of being the same length all the way around. A new cylinder almost solved the problem. When a new cylinder pin was added, the problem was totally solved. That was a strange one, but I learned a lot while working on it.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"339\" alt=\"Remington 514 .22 LR rifle with the bolt, ejector pin and ejector spring removed\" class=\"wp-image-86040 jetpack-lazy-image\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-4.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-4.jpg?resize=300%2C159&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-4.jpg?resize=150%2C79&amp;ssl=1 150w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-4.jpg?resize=640%2C339&amp;is-pending-load=1#038;ssl=1\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"640\" height=\"339\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-4.jpg?resize=640%2C339&amp;ssl=1\" alt=\"Remington 514 .22 LR rifle with the bolt, ejector pin and ejector spring removed\" class=\"wp-image-86040\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-4.jpg?w=648&amp;ssl=1 648w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-4.jpg?resize=300%2C159&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/Resurrecting-Old-Guns-4.jpg?resize=150%2C79&amp;ssl=1 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" data-recalc-dims=\"1\"\/><\/noscript><figcaption>The Remington 514, a $4 purchase, requires an ejector and ejector pin spring replacement in addition to refinishing the stock and re-bluing the barrel and action.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n<p>If you make it known among your friends that you\u2019re interested in any old guns they might have around, chances are at least one of them will have a .22 rifle they\u2019re willing to give up. Do a good job of refurbishing one or two, and word will get around that you are handy with firearms. You may have a steady supply of old guns to work on.<\/p>\n<p>If that doesn\u2019t happen, cruise the gun stores and pawn shops in your area looking for anything cheap and beat-up looking. It\u2019s a rewarding way to build a modest <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/collecting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">gun collection<\/a> without shelling out a lot of bucks. You don\u2019t need a degree in gunsmithing, just the ability to read a parts diagram and be patient when working with your hands. That patience part is something I\u2019m always working on.<\/p>\n<h4><strong>Have you ever resurrected any old guns? Which products did you use? Any tricks? Share your answers in the comment section. <\/strong><\/h4>\n<p><span id=\"tve_leads_end_content\" style=\"display: block; visibility: hidden; border: 1px solid transparent;\"\/><!-- AI CONTENT END 1 -->\n\t<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/blog.cheaperthandirt.com\/diy-how-to-resurrect-old-guns\/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=diy-how-to-resurrect-old-guns\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Anything discussed in this article can be applied to guns of all calibers, but the relatively low cost of .22 rifles and handguns makes them more available for tinkering. I\u2019ve had opportunities to acquire and work with non-firing or just ratty-looking .22s as a result of them being cast aside by people who perceived them [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":726,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-725","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-gun-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/725","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=725"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/725\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=725"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=725"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/guncoupons.net\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=725"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}