Project gun

[Gil Martin]

I was in a gun shop looking around and there were a slew of surplus rifles sitting on the racks. Most of them were in rough shape with dark bores and mismatched numbers. Two rifles offered promise as a project gun. One was a Yugoslav 24/47 with a mismatched bolt, but otherwise it was in excellent condition. I have a few of those so I passed on it.

There were two SMLEs off to one side. The No.I Mark III was in the final stages of demise with mismatched parts and multicolored stock and handguards. It was cheap, but would cost a lot to make it right. The No. 4 Mark I was stunning and I snatched it up. It needs a new barrel and my gunsmith says he can do it, but not right away. So that is my current project gun. All the best...
Gil

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

What is the Project?

Adam

[Gil Martin]

Is to restore a lovely rifle with a ruined bore (probably from the use of corrosive ammo and improper cleaning) to a shootable arm. As noted in my post, this rifle needs a new barrel. All the best...
Gil

[Adam Helmer]

Gil,

Ok, I see you want to restore the rifle to military condition. That is a fine endeavor.

We lived through the 1960s when far too many fine military arms were "Sporterized" (butchered). Usually, as long as the barrels were not cut, rifles can be fitted out, again, as issued.

Adam