On a 1917 winchester I bought recently for project it has a few extra holes, one in the rear ring that looks like it was for a rear base at one time, looks a bit egg shaped. There are two additional ones on the right side just in front of the safety. I am wondering if I should just get a couple of screws that fit and put them in flush or have it soldered or welded up.

Opinions?

Red

Do yourself a big favor and just put some screws in the holes and forget it! Tig welding these holes up and regrinding is non-trivial and most likely you'll wind up in a worse situation than when you started. It can be done, but requires a special welding rod and someone with experience in both TIG welding up the holes and re-grinding without altering the shape of the receiver. NO you can't just use a Dremel tool!. The metal must be absolutely oil free and clean and the holes should be freshly drilled out and chamfered before you even start or you'll wind up with pin-holes in the weld that will look worse than when you started! Been there, done that! If you try and solder them up, forget any blueing, your only alternative would be a epoxy laquer or maybe gunkote.-Rob

That answers my question. I did ask that they get me the right size screws to plug the holes when I filled out the paperwork for it. I will just do that. I don't think this one will ever make a super fine rifle, since I don't plan on spending that much on it. I am thinking more of an experimentation rifle. Like "how would this look with a synthetic stock and stainless barrel?" type thing.

thanks much.

Red