I recently picked up a mid 1880's Lefever 12 gauge side by side at an area pawn shop. I would like to restore the gun as much as possible and shot on occasion with low pressure shot shells. These are the things I know:
Stock, nice wood and grain, checkering worn but nice, several hairline cracks in pistol grip and missing butt plate.
Receiver is in excellent condition, nice limited engraving (Grade E) but it has been blued. I don't know when or why.
Barrel appears to have been shortened to 26 inches. The barrel is Damascus steel, it has been blued, some slight rust on the barrel.
Forearm is missing the front metal part...don't know what it is called.
All numbers match, I hope to reasonably get the gun as close to original as is safely possible. Any recommendations on where to start? My thoughts are to remove the bluing from the receiver and the barrel to start with? Suggestions and advice appreciated.
Thanks!
