I have been a collector of antique firearms for 40 plus years. I have bought and sold and examined countless thousands, so I do have some knowledge of the subject. While the rifle mentioned isnt rare or highly desirable, they are quality arms of superb manufacture. I HATE any refinish, period. By refinishing your dad's gun you are forever erasing this guns history. Every dent, ding, and rub has a story to tell. If you do refinish this gun you will just end up with another shiney gun. I love guns with caractor. I am as proud as a new papa about all my guns dents and dings and would never change a thing. This being said there are a few things that must be done. Rust is a cancer that left unchecked will destroy metal. At all costs stop active rust. This can be done by ample elbow grease and fine steel wool and oil. As far as the wood goes, if the wood has already been destroyed by sanding or unfixable breakage then EBAY occasionally has stocks for these. I have done some heavy refinish on neglected guns and made shooters out of a bucket of rust. There is a fine line that is hard to define. Just my 2 cents.
