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Greetings from Reno, NV

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    Posted: March 02 2018 at 12:03am
Greetings from Reno, Nevada. I've been a member for a couple of weeks, but mostly just lurking over all of the information posted here!

The first rifle I ever purchased myself was a No4Mk1 that I picked up with my first check after basic training - it was $60 US at the local Tru-Valu hardware store! It was definitely a WWII Veteran - beat the he!! up, but nice, crisp rifling. My Dad also bought one, but his was like new out of the cosmolene - beautiful dark walnut stock. I remember it as odd, because it had a simple two-position rear sight and odd two groove rifling. From information learned here - I'm guessing it was a Savage?

I shot a few deer with my rifle, and when I moved to Alaska, it was the only rifle I had that I could take through Canada, the border guards really liked it - though it cost me $50 US just to get the transport permit! I shot a couple of caribou with it, and the rifle remained one of my favorites. There were all kinds of proofmarks/etc and with what little I could pull up on the internet of the time (2005) on a really terrible Alaska dial up connection - it seemed like it had a very storied history, possibly having been re-arsenaled at one point, but I don't remember the details. 

It eventually got weak on ejecting and I quit actively using it - knowing what I've since learned, it could have been something as simple as the screw. When I moved back to Montana, I stashed the rifle at my Dad's farm to become a wall-hanger. A couple of years later - he sold it without even asking me! -For $350 US! I was pretty damn upset - and really too upset, rifles can be replaced but, you only get one Dad for a limited amount of time.

As part of making up the sale to me, I brought him a '64 Ishapore Jungle Carbine type. I wanted custom work done to make it into a modernized Scout style - forward scope mount, Dundee style thumb-hole stock, new muzzle break. There aren't many gunsmiths in Eastern Montana, and onthe recommendation of friends took it to a local guy. He butchered it. JB welded the rail on, mangled on a horrible muzzle break, mounted the rifle on a plastic "sporterized" stock that he probably ordered out of the back of Shotgun News... I was not happy and again, probably too upset at my Dad over a rifle. I'm not even sure if the thing is still at the farm... probably. Maybe with the knowledge from here, I can salvage it somehow, as another project.

So, I've been wanting to get another one - a "real" one, not an Ishy, and with the proper adjustable sights. I wanted to refer back to my original customized plan for the Ishy  - except now with the additional need of conversion to a 7.62 NATO barrel, not a scout style - a totally custom hybrid Dundee full length stock, vintage optic/mount, and then have it stripped and deep polish blued (if that's even possible). Sort of a "What If..."  version MK1(T) - a showpiece to take to the range and show off.

 Reno has a very large firearm community, and I asked a true "gun nut" guy I worked with to keep an eye out if he heard anything. It didn't take long for Bud to get back to me, he believed there were two at the local Cabela's - saying he didn't know much about "Smellies." By the time I got to the store, only one remained.

Like most, it is a very nice rifle on the inside (I'm not sure it's even been fired much), and a beat up stock on the outside, but in overall excellent condition. The rifle is a No4MK2, made in 1954, so without the WWII history - which was in keeping with my plans, I didn't WANT a rifle with provenance. So, I made the purchase at $350 US! Lots of market value change in only 20 years!

After getting the rifle home, I promptly started a detailed inspection and doing research. It turns out to be a 100% matching numbers rifle - including the stock and magazine, and in very very good condition on unexposed areas. Nearly all of the proofmarks and other markings are still very clear and legible.

Upon checking the SN - the rifle turns out to be one of the Century Arms International import "Irish Blondes." Thus, the rifle does have some form of provenance (though dubious) - also, not one that I am particularly interested in - the subject seems much ado about nothing to me...

 However, the combination of those factors pretty much brought my customization plans to an absolute halt with this rifle. I have no intent on ever selling it, so I'm cleaning it thoroughly and lightly refinishing the stock, which was sticky to the touch with old oil. I appreciate patina as much as anybody, but my '46 Dodge pickup has more than enough patina for me! I'm also following the instructions for proper bedding and mounting adjustments on the stock as outlined by that Brittish Armoury Captain.

This photo is the only "before" that I took, thus far - other than a big chunk that split off at the upper butt plate cut, the stock looks remarkably different now. All I did was use some Murphy's and a very light sanding!

So, thank you all for your knowledge - I look forward to conversing about our favorite rifle!

As for my customization plans... back to the Ishy I suppose!
No4MK2(F) 11/54 PF3292XX
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote A square 10 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 02 2018 at 7:47pm
welcome , glad you have lurked long enough to creep out into the open , we must have made an immpression on ya huh ? 

seriously we are glad to have you jump right in and contribute , thats what keeps us alive 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Canuck Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 02 2018 at 7:56pm
Welcome sir!
Castles made of sand slip into the sea.....eventually
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Walla Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 02 2018 at 8:35pm
Thanks all - I'm having trouble uploading a photo of my rifle, is there a trick to it on the forum?
No4MK2(F) 11/54 PF3292XX
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 03 2018 at 5:16am
Just the size limit, how big is it?
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Goosic Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 03 2018 at 1:15pm
Had a girl ask me that one time...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 03 2018 at 5:42pm
3"
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 03 2018 at 5:43pm
Thick!
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote hoadie Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 03 2018 at 6:48pm
Perverts!
Loose wimmen tightened here
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Shamu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March 04 2018 at 6:31am
The call me "Tuna", as in can.
http://i01.i.aliimg.com/photo/v0/123930193/Chicken_of_the_Sea_Canned_Tuna_In.jpg
Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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