there are a few 76s and 86s that have been kept pristine. this could be one....but probably not.
I do not like restoring classic pieces...might as well buy an Italian or Jap repro if your going to destroy its originality.
I own an original wincheser ‘73(1882), a couple of original garands, a 1911A1 Remington Rand(1944)...
....I shoot them all, often and would never refinish any of them.
but thats just me.
I agree, but if you’ve ever seen some of the rusty pieces dug up and restored by Turnbull, you might agree with those examples.
I’ve some “restorations” that I consider gaudy and unnecessary.