Just got some new (used) rifles

model 70 · #1 09-21-2005, 08:37 PM

Well, as I was wrapping up the cleaning session my dad calls me in and tells me all the guns in the cabnet are mine EXCEPT for his 7mm Rem mag.

They are as follows:

Sako in .17rem w/ lep VX-II 3x9 compact in matte. By far the most beautiful of the bunch.

Sako in .22-250rem varmint rifle topped with a VX-III 6x?(i'd have to go look).

Custom rifle using a Sako action and Hart barrel in .243win topped with a VX-II 3x9x40 in gloss. The stock is kinda beat up. May be looking for a new stock for this guy.

I'm damned excited to have this bunch of older rifles.

Problem is, they being my fathers up until today, I haven't cleaned them much. They have been shot on and off for the past 10+ years with minimal cleaning. Are the barrels scrap or is there hope?

Catfish · #2 09-21-2005, 09:05 PM

AllI got from My dad was a 20 ga Ranger.
I wouldn`t worry abt. the bores on any of them. A cousin of my wifes had a 722 Rem. in .222 that he bought in 1960 and in 1999 told me it didn`t shoot good any more. He carried this gun in his pick-up all those years and it was well worn. I briught it home and run 50 patches of Sweets 7.62 through the barrel and the last patch was as blue as the first. Getting tired of this I took it out and shot it, 1/2 in. at 100 yrds. I put some finish on the stock and took it back to him, figure I`ll clean out the rest of the copper in another 20 yeasr when he brings it back to me.
I would recomand you forget the new stock for the .243. If you must, fix it up as best you can, but above all take it back out in the wood and hunt with it.

model 70 · #3 09-21-2005, 09:35 PM

yep, that was actually the first rifle i ever carried into the field for deer hunting 6 years ago. i am thinking i'll just clean it and use it. heavy as it is and homley as it may be, it's still one of the best guns in the woods to me.

fabsroman · #4 09-22-2005, 12:20 AM

Now you can shoot something other than the .270. Hope you don't mind me getting a laught at your expense.

All kidding aside, you got a good deal from your dad. I read in another thread that your dad doesn't like to go hunting anymore. That really sucks because my dad is the best hunting buddy I have. I don't know what I'll do when he is no longer able to hunt with me.

As far as the guns are concerned, just clean them up as good as you can and use them. I had the same thing as Catfish happen with a couple of guns that my dad bought from a guy. The guy said they didn't shoot very well, but after some serious cleaning, with the patch still coming out blue, they shoot pretty well.

Jack · #5 09-22-2005, 12:27 AM

Chances are those barrels are fine.
I'd give them a good cleaning with solvent, and maybe use some JB on them after that.
You have some quality rifles there; enjoy them.

model 70 · #6 09-22-2005, 07:41 AM

LOL, yeah a nice change of pace wouldn't hurt.

btw, did you know that rifle ammo is available in more than just 130-150 grain?

Brithunter · #7 09-23-2005, 09:31 AM

Hey model 70,

Hey yeah you can get 110 grn and 140 grn laods too

Now to the serious bit, unless allowed to get wet and left or shot with corrosive ammo, more barrels are damaged by improper cleaning than anything else.

and wood stocks are fairly easy to restore

scrathes and dents can be steamed out after the fisnish has been stripped off then a careful wipe down with a mild abrasive to remove any whiskers then allow to throughly dry before re-finishing.

Cal Sibley · #8 09-23-2005, 11:42 AM

It sounds like you came into some great varmint rifles. I have all 3 calibers you mentioed, and they are among my favorites. Both Sako rifles and Leupold scopes are top notch. I know Wally Hart and can virtually guarantee you that the Hart barrel will be a barn burner. Count your good fortune. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal