Thread: ? "Restore or not to Restore" ?

Marlin 80

I believe it is a late 30's - early 40's. Pre serial number, pre hooded front sight, pre micro grove bore, knurled cocking and base metal knobs, grooved butt plate and also drilled and tapped receiver for R12 peep sight.
It has had the stock checkered at some point as I don't think they came out like this until later. This was done yonks ago as it's been well and truly loved!
It's in great condition for it's age but is missing an extractor claw and sling studs. I also want to add an R12 peep sight if I can find one.

It feeds well for the first 3-4 rounds but then starts to play up by not lifting the round high enough for it to chamber. Thinking this is a mag spring tension issue.
Extraction is similar, first 2-3 rounds no issue as I believe the round in the nearly full mag is keeping the round being extracted from dropping down and out of the single extractor claw!?
I have listed in the "Have you seen one of these" threads to try and locate the missing parts.


Now to the title!!!
I don"t want to touch the wood as it looks, feels and has a great smell (minds out of the gutter!!)
I want to use it and chances are it will be raining at some point when I do.

So do I blue it or leave it?