I want to restore this, who can offer advice?

[UncleJak]

This was given to me by my grandfather. It is over 100 years old and seems to be in ok shape.  i want to re-do it but don't know where to start.  It doesn't have to look like the original either.  I was thinking a camo stock, shorter barrel, re coated metal...

Any help is appreciated.  Here is a pic:

[xRUSTYx]

I wouldn't touch it! Function test that beast and put her away! :)<br /><br /><br />Sent at lightning speed from my unholstered iPhone5

[enfield]

Ditto - I wouldn't chop it if it came from MY grandfather.  I'd clean the bore, oil it and admire it.

[RichardR]

Why refinish it? Just take the ol'girl out as she is to fetch ya some tree rats for the stewpot.

[runco]

For an heirloom, no restoration whatsoever unless its heavy rusty or non-functional.  If its something you bought at a flea market, do with it what you will. 

[UncleJak]

It wasn't his gun...he bought it and gave it to me.  I don't even know how to test to see if it functions proper; asides from shooting it which could be dangerous.

[RichardR]

She'd probably be just fine so long as you stuck to light target loads.

[zgunbear]

First check the lock up.

Make sure itis unloaded.

Close it.

Grip the barrel with one hand the stock with the other.

Try to twist and open with out unlocking the action.

There should be no play or movement. You do noy want aby flex between the receiver and barrel.

If there is do not fire it until you have it looked at by a gunsmith

Next look at the bore is it heavily pitted, is it damascus steel? in either case don't shoot it until you get it checked.

Do you know the chamber length? It could be shorter than 2 3/4 inches. In which case shooting modren shotshells could cause an overpresure situation which is bad.

[UncleJak]

First check the lock up.

Make sure itis unloaded.

Close it.

Grip the barrel with one hand the stock with the other.

Try to twist and open with out unlocking the action.

There should be no play or movement. You do noy want aby flex between the receiver and barrel.

If there is do not fire it until you have it looked at by a gunsmith

Next look at the bore is it heavily pitted, is it damascus steel? in either case don't shoot it until you get it checked.

Do you know the chamber length? It could be shorter than 2 3/4 inches. In which case shooting modren shotshells could cause an overpresure situation which is bad.

Ok, did all this.  It has the slightest amount of play when i move the barrel like i want to open it.  The bore is good and looks like 3", but definitely 2 3/4. It is a 16 gauge Colombia. It also has a weird  flower looking thing on the side that flips open.  Here are some pics:

[MarkInNashville]

Old 16 gauge shottys were made for a shell that was 2 9/16" be really careful to make sure a modern 2 3/4" is ok in it! If its not the thing could go boom, but not in a good way. There is a gunsmith that can do everything you are wanting to do (personally, I agree not to change it but it is yours to do with as you want) up in Springfield, very good 'smith and a great guy - http://www.midtngunsmithing.com/

[RichardR]

16g? I'd just hang it on the wall as decor & not bother with refinishing or even shooting the ol'girl.