If you want to see what it's like, take the butt stock off and have a look. You can't hurt much doing that, and you will satisfy your craving. I wouldn't start tinkering. If you screw things up, the repairs will probably cost more than the gun is worth. With the receiver in your hand you can clean it up, lube it a bit, and learn a little about box locks. It's not a collector piece, so enjoy it and have some fun.
I found one for $200, vintage 1929, that shoots good and is kn pretty good shape. A previous owner decided to learn to checker and didn't do too bad on the grip, but really got carried away on the forend. Everyone that sees it winces and yelps, although functionally it is fine. So I got a piece of walnut from a local cabinet maker for $8.00 and am in the process of making a new forend. Let me tell you; it is a real learning experience! I'm having fun and I think it is going to come out pretty good. If I screw it up, I've still got enough walnut for two more forends, so I'll get it right sooner or later. In the meantime, my total investment is $208.00, plus a little boiled linseed oil and thinner.
