I posted pictures of this paint spattered, rusty, incomplete, 1873 Springfield, about 1 1/2 years ago.

I slowly found appropriate missing parts and now have her ready for a Range Session.

I'm looking forward to giving her a try! (The bore is quite decent).

Some "Before" pictures:

Pretty sweet looking rod there, ole friend!  I'll bet it's a sweet shooter too!  Are you going to shoot the factory ammo, or BP loads?

Paul & Fred: Thanks - The worst part was removing the paint from the wood. Surface rust on metal was smoothed with the edge of a penny and a 50/50 solution of mineral spirits & linseed oil.  The metal took on a pleasing patina when I burnished it with the same solution and the edge of a popsicle stick. I was fortunate to find 'experienced' parts with the same look. (Parts were the hard job and why it took so long. Finding good parts with patina at a good price).

It is fun to put one back together, while so many U.S. Military arms are being 'parted out'.

I plan on reloading .45-70 'cast bullet loads' using both Black Powder and Smokeless loadings. (I am kind of tired of cleaning Black Powder). I have some IMR-4759 and would like to try a new propellant called 'Black Horn 209'.