I picked this up at a gun show last spring and now have the time to work on it. About the only thing original to the Oberndorf is the reciever but you can see in the pictures that it has been worked on some also.

What I hope to do, if possible, is have the engraving and stippling redone to recapture as much of the original look as I can. Anyone know someone who can do this work?

It looks to me like it was originally dovetailed on the front ring for a base. Looks like maybe it was filled?

I'd check with Roger Kehr to see if he could do anything with it.

z1r,

You're right about the dovetail. The fill piece is shifted about .005' to one side and looks to me as though it was cut farther back on the ring than one I've seen pictured in Jon Speed's book on Oberndorf Mausers. I've never encountered one like this before so I'm not sure what I'm getting into. I don't know Roger Kehr; do you have contact information for him?

Thanks

He posts here as Scrollcutter. I'll pm his info. To be honest, I'm not sure he does this type of work. But he will be getting several of my projects when they are ready.

What happened to all the custom gunsmiths that once posted here? There was a time a post like this would generate lots of great ideas and contacts for people who'd do the work. What's different today? Thanks.

I know a few who decided it was better to work on guns that make them money than to argue with folks that *THINK* they know it all. A shame really as there was lots of good info to be had from those that really know rather than those that pretend to.

Is there a better place to ask these questions?

Sadly, not that I know of. Besides, weekends are slow here.

Try looking up the engravers guild or whatever it is called, they have a list of folks that might do this type of work.

Good luck. Stippling is relatively easy, you might want to give it a go yourself if all else fails.

Scrollcutter will probably be on this forum after the weekend. Also remember that all the folks on this forum are hunters & we are in the mist of huting season so a lot of folks will be in & out.

WAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!
There should be a law!!!...
There are many more qualed to comment than I but,
I would have a REAL gunsmith weld up the dovetail and holes, stipple, and re-heat treat. Probably not a true requirement but fitting of a cool action.
Does it have the correct bolt or has that been butchered as well?
Neat action, sorry so many unworthies got their mitts on it before you.

A10ACN,

Unfortunately, the bolt was botched as well, but it's a lot easier to weld on a new handle than repair the work on the receiver. Scrollcutter has exchanged PMs with me and he's offered good advice. He doesn't recommend welding the dovetail but did suggest sharpening surfaces with a 2x72 belt grinder. I have a surface grinder and could use that but I really want to keep the loading clip humps and original lettering. I still need more ideas and maybe an expert to offer to do some of the work. I know my own limitations and don't want to work on such a scarce aciton without close supervision. Sure would like to get Jack Belk's opinion on it.

Good point, Doug. I've been out hunting a bit myself.

Thanks to all who've offered ideas; keep 'em coming.

Normally, I would clean up the action with a surface grinder(like John said). However, the front ring is very chopped up. I think by the time the liner matte job was cleaned up the factory lettering would be gone as well. Not a very good option.

So, my recommendation was to hand polish to clean it up while trying to blend into the lettering. So long as the lettering is still legible it can be re-cut.

The little Kurtz's are so pricey, I think I would let a pro handle the restoration job. JMHO!

Perhaps Turnbull Restoration???

Does the dovetail cut into the receiver lugs?

I'd have to say a skilled welding job followed by a surface grind on the top only- hand stone the rear, then re heat treat...

Belk was/is a skilled welder but he is in semi retirement or something- Which gunsmiths are now considered our superior welders???

Roger,

Just what I was thinking--an expert. Do you know someone you would trust with this?

Thanks

Or...

Send if off to one of our current metal artists and have it Double Square Bridged- that would cover the majority of the buggering. Just another option...

Not sure who would qualify as an expert. I have been doing this work full time since '82.