Over the Fourth of July weekend was talking guns with my cousin. Little bit of background on his family. They were Ranchers in Corson county West River South Dakota since before 1900. So he pulls out this old lever action rifle out of the closet. I started to look at it and found out that it is a model 1888 in 32-40. Mechanically so far it is functional but have no cartridge's to chamber and cycle thru the action. the stock has major cracks that where repaired with screws. I have found places on the net where I can get new stocks so for that not worried. I would like to go through this rifle and clean and restore it back to firing operation for my cousin. His dad bought the gun I would say probably sometime between 1890 to the early 1930's he carried on his saddle to use on coyote's and deer. it is a part of both our history as I can remember my Uncle carrying that rifle when I used to go and help with cattle roundup when I was a young lad. so for all the story I will get to the purpose of this post. Does anyone know of where parts can be purchased or gunsmiths that can make parts for the 1888? Also would like to find a schematic breakdown of the rifle or video that possibly someone has done showing how to disassemble and reassemble the rifle.
Rand145
The model 1888 was not chambered in 32-40, if it's a 1888, it would be the short cartridges 32-20, 38-40, and 44-40. If it's a 32-40, it would be a model 1881 or 1893
If it's a top eject 1888, it would be .32-20. t was made for one year only, 5000 total, and about 1800 in .32-20. I've been trying to find parts for one, but because of the limited production numbers, parts are SCARCE! Disassembly is rather straight forward, and not that difficult. If the bore is in good shape, and all parts there, it should be shootable. If not, it can be relined! Myself, I like to leave the old guns as is, there's a lot of history in that beat up glued, screwed together stock and it adds character!!
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