Where is the line between leaving a rifle original and restoring or building a custom using just the action or barreled action?

Two examples:

1. My M71 was a rat. The previous owner had shortened the stock by 3" and put one of those cheesy ventilated orange pads on it. Barrel was cut to 16+". Easy decision to build a replica M1886 custom. You have all seen the work my local gunsmith did, and the tweaking and color case hardening Turnbull did.

2. An old model 70. Previous owner had cut 2.5" off the forend, and added an ebony tip. Had also cut 3/8ths inch off of the pistol grip end and added an ebony grip cap. Well done alterations, but definitely detracts from the look (and value) of the rifle. Is it worthwhile to restock with an upgrade XX+ piece of Bastogne, or just match the stock quality with a similar one?

thanks for your help...

Rich

If the barreled action is in good original shape, I'd look for a take-off stock on ebay or the other auction sites. Or maybe someone here has one.

lot depends on whether you are doing it to sell or to use. if selling is the choice restoration, if using is the choice i'd go custom every time

It sure would be nice to have a 71 in original format, but that custom 1886 is a delight too. On the old Model 70 I'd try to match the original stock. If you go with the quality wood, heck might as well have the whole rifle done.

After you finish them send them out to me and I'll do a thorough wringing out with cast.

What caliber is the 70? Unless it is somewhat rare, I would suggest doing what gives you the most enjoyment. If you have a great piece of bastogne "use it". You can always look for a take off stock and just keep it,for those that insist on a original relic.

I reccomend just putting a 2 foot long turkey feather in your hatband and using them as is.

Pictures would be interesting.

Until I see the M70 and know more about it's bbl. and cartridge I would leave it be. Got to see it.

While I wanted a M71 Deluxe long ago I got over it. The ammo is not out there these days and the 71's can't have a scope easily.

It is interesting to compare and contrast the attitudes of Americans and British on refinishing/restoration.

Most (for example) Winchester collectors value an 1873 rifle with 20% blue, as so/so stock and a peppery bore that is all "original" higher than a full blown Turnbull restoration of the same rifle.

Some American hunters with a classic Model 70 Super Grade that has been hunted hard and shows it to bear scars "of experience" and would never think of making it as good or better than new.

The Brits, by contrast, think nothing of sending back a fine old Holland and Holland to undergo a complete overhaul and finish restoration and take it back afield.

The contrast has another side as well. Many Americans think nothing of taking an 80% 1957 Chevy BelAir 283 convertible and tearing it down to the last bolt and making it far more perfect than it ever left Detroit in 57'.

Different strokes for different folks ?

quote:

pigmaster: The Brits, by contrast, think nothing of sending back a fine old Holland and Holland to undergo a complete overhaul and finish restoration and take it back afield.

The quality of a restoration makes alot of difference. If well done, no problem. All too often, they are by Bubba, or someone else who does not fully understand the aesthetics of the particular project.

The differeence between restoration and refinish is a quantum leap.
I think the British like it to look factory new after restoration and frequently involves reproofing. A refinish in North America usually means buffer marks (dished) , sanding marks and wood reduced below metal. The British system adds or retains value, the NA system screws the pooch.

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
Where is the line between leaving a rifle original and restoring or building a custom using just the action or barreled action?

Rich

Rich,


I'm not a collector.

1) I tend leave old original rifles original.

2) Old rifles that are not original and have no collector value, I make a $$$.$$ jugement as to wheather to sell as is or restore/customize to keep it.

3) New rifles are all customized to fit and suit my hunting purpose.