Pet peeves regarding surplus arms

[ringo]

I look at sporterized milsurps as a cheap source mauser actions. I try to rescue as many as I can, some go back to original condition and some get sporterized. Characteristically, you get a bucked off military stock missing the metal bands, cleaning rod and handguard, usually new sling posts positioned with a modern sling attached. Headspace has never been checked and barrel condition is deplorable. I steer clear of the D&T'd versions as the bolt was probably bent without the benefit of a heat sink or paste and probably hits the scope bell. I rescue the less abused victims, rebarrel, restock and scope them. Most irritating are the attempts at drilling and tapping the receiver with a hand drill, resulting in misaligned holes, use of the wrong size drill, and use of the wrong tap. I had one receiver brought to me with 6 holes drilled in it, a one piece scope mount attached by 1 screw and the other end "glued" with JB Weld. Further insult to injury is the elevated price requested for the attempts at rape and butchery.