Vintage .22 Restoration

Published on November 25, 2025
Duration: 2:54

This guide details the comprehensive restoration of a vintage Page-Lewis Reliance .22 LR boys rifle, dating from 1910-1915. Expert gunsmith Roy Huntington demonstrates custom part fabrication, metal restoration using cold bluing, muzzle crowning with a Manson Reamer, and stock refinishing. The process highlights techniques for bringing a heavily corroded firearm back to functional and accurate condition.

Quick Summary

Expert gunsmith Roy Huntington details the restoration of a vintage Page-Lewis Reliance .22 LR rifle (1910-1915). Techniques include custom part fabrication, metal restoration with wire brushes and Brownells Oxpho-Blue cold bluing, and muzzle crowning with a Manson Reamer. Despite bore pitting, the rifle remains accurate at 20 yards.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Condition
  2. 00:13Identification of Reliance Rifle
  3. 00:55Mechanical Repairs and Part Fabrication
  4. 01:14Metal Restoration and Bluing Process
  5. 01:57Muzzle Crowning and Bore Inspection
  6. 02:40Final Stock Refinishing

Frequently Asked Questions

What vintage .22 rifle was restored in the video?

The video features the restoration of a vintage Page-Lewis Reliance rifle, a .22 LR 'boys rifle' manufactured between 1910 and 1915 by the Page-Lewis Arms Company in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts.

What gunsmithing techniques were used to restore the Page-Lewis Reliance?

The restoration involved custom part fabrication for the bolt, metal surface preparation with wire brushes and sandpaper, application of Brownells Oxpho-Blue cold bluing, and muzzle crowning using a Manson Reamer tool.

How accurate is the restored Page-Lewis Reliance rifle?

Despite significant rust pitting visible in the bore, the restored Page-Lewis Reliance rifle demonstrates surprising accuracy, remaining highly effective at a distance of 20 yards.

What was the original price of the Page-Lewis Reliance rifle?

The Page-Lewis Reliance rifle, a .22 LR 'boys rifle' from the early 20th century, was originally sold for approximately $1.50 to $2.00, making it an affordable firearm for its era.

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