I have an original Winchester low wall in 44-40 with a good bore, the outside of the rifle is in good shape (except for the barrel) with good case colors on the action. The barrel has many small dents on the outside, and the gun has excessive headspace. Should I leave it alone, set the barrel back a turn and rechamber it or reline the barrel. I don't know what collector value it might have because of its condition, but would not want to ruin it if it has any. Any suggestions?

Mathsr: My suggestion as a collector of 1885s and many other types of firearms is to leave it alone. What ever shooting benefit you would gain by altering it as you propose would be off set by a decrease in value. Send some photos in a PM and I will try to help in a valuation. I can't help wonder how it got excessive head space.

Thanks for the reply. I figured that doing anything at all would likely degrade any collector’s value and had pretty much decided to leave it alone. I have a few older firearms and enjoy shooting them and just hate it that this one has a problem. I don't know what happened to cause the headspace problem. The chamber is bored too deep which seems strange to me. The rifle was supposedly a test gun at UMC at one time, but that is not known for sure. The rifle was a gift from my wife so the actual value to me is priceless and something that my boys will have to worry about some day. It just seems a shame to have one that looks this good, feels this good when shouldered, is in a fun caliber, and not safe to shoot.

I would suggest a serial number check through the Cody Museum. They may be able to verify pedigree. It is highly unlikely that it left the factory with a problem. It is probable that somewhere in its 100 year journey and multiple owners that one owner did the wrong thing. If intended a a family heirloom, then Cody is worthwhile. It sounds like enough damage has been done that correction may be worthwhile once it is determined that it doesn't have any special value.

I think I will do a serial number check. I would love to know some of its history and I might get lucky. I found a note from an old guy under the butt plate of a Win 94 made in the late 1800's. On a whim I tried to contact him and got the old codger. He was the second owner. A letter from that great old guy is now in my collection with his Winchester. I will try to post a few pictures next week. Thanks for the help.