I have a 20 gauge 101 I purchased in 1986. I would like to have the internals cleaned and given a once over for wear, etc. I'd also like the stock refinished and forearm metal reblued. I don't trust the local smith's to crack open my favorite gun. Any recommedations? Thanks! --Dennis

Separate the barrels from the action. Take fore end off. Take the butt stock off, unscrew the screw at the rear of the trigger guard first, then the recoil pad and then a long screw driver for the stock bolt. Nothing to it. Then blow off all the surfaces with brake cleaner or similar (outside, please), use an air compressor to blow all the junk out if you have one, otherwise the brake cleaner and a qtip will do. The apply a light oil, such as Rem Oil, to the various moving parts (there aren't that many). Don't put any on the sear surfaces. This probably isn't the best way to do it, but if you have an air compressor, spray the whole action with a decent oil, then blow it off as best you can. The residue will be enough. Clean the crevices down in the bottom of the action, same way. Be sure to apply some oil to the hammer/ejector rods and the ejectors. Apply light grease to contact points where barrels/action pivots. This sounds complicated but really isn't. Just pay attention to metal moving on metal.

As far as wear goes, in a 101s case, if it ain't broke, don't mess with it.

If you don't want to refinish the stock yourself (really pretty easy and mildly rewarding) then you need a gunsmith or stockmaker friend.