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what DID the average Joe do before the advent of YouTube videos?
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They went to gunsmiths. That was back when there was a gunsmith in every small town and several in any medium-sized city. It was also a time when a gunsmith could make a decent living. Nowadays, it seems everybody wants to get in on the action, YouTube it, and fix it themselves. Then, if it's really screwed up, take it to a gunsmith.
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I believe there is also the possibility of a rebarreling: after all, this gun is over 130 years old!
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Possible, but not likely. As I said above, 1877s were notorious for breaking springs, so a lot of them did not get used very much.
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Does the use of the reproduction fasteners (vs. "used originals") materially change its description?
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Used originals, or reproductions screws, will not affect the collector's value (if any). What will affect the value in a hurry is somebody forcing the wrong size screw into a hole and buggering it up. Typically, gun screws are different sizes and pitches than hardware store screws, but people still insist on forcing screws into holes to "fix it". But a reproduction screw of the proper pitch will not negatively affect value.
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Quite a bit of cleanup with Ballistol using Q-Tips, a fine emery paper & a little Mothers polish worked wonders!
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Fine emery paper and Mother's Mag Polish will devalue an old gun in a hurry.