Spirit of 76/Pioneer is a great game. I'd probably try to find a Pioneer if you can, as that's a 2-player game and has half as many score reels and a simpler player unit. In terms of working on it, I'm sure it has more parts than Royal Guard, but they're basically the same parts. And reading Gottlieb schematics is very similar, whether the machine is from 1968 or 1976. There are some really good people here on the EM forum who can help you out if you get stuck with a repair or have questions.

I think Gottlieb made about 3 times as many SO76s as they did Pioneers, but they're both out there if you're patient. I got a Pioneer a couple months ago from a guy about 2 hours away. Got it working electrically and cleaned up, painted and cleared the pf - it's a really fun game! Go for it!

You’d also probably like a 1975 Gottlieb Fast Draw/Quick Draw. Similar layout as the Spirit of 76/Pioneer and a slightly better game in my biased opinion.

Really fun to play.

In the process of fixing them and making them purty, I usually fall in love with whatever game I'm working on. I have a Quick Draw and Card Whiz, and love them both.

That’s what it’s all about to me.

If I had to judge, the Spirit of 76/Pioneer is prettier in a lineup but the Fast Draw/Quick Draw is gameplay is addictive, especially on 3 ball.

With 10,569 Spirit of 76 games made, you would think you would see them all the time.

Either not many survived or people hold onto them!

There is one for sale in Mankato, MN. Saw it on facebook.

I will gladly trade my shopped '76 for a New York.

'76, Pioneer, and New York are all fantastic game play. Some say Royal Flush is one of Gottlieb's best but I find myself on the red, white and blue a little more often.