Greetings from Reno, NV |
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Walla
Newbie Joined: January 25 2018 Location: US Status: Offline Points: 6 |
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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!
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No4MK2(F) 11/54 PF3292XX
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A square 10
Special Member Donating Member Joined: December 12 2006 Location: MN , USA Status: Offline Points: 14452 |
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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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Canuck
Special Member Donating Member Joined: January 17 2012 Location: Agassiz BC Status: Offline Points: 3535 |
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Welcome sir!
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Castles made of sand slip into the sea.....eventually
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Walla
Newbie Joined: January 25 2018 Location: US Status: Offline Points: 6 |
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Thanks all - I'm having trouble uploading a photo of my rifle, is there a trick to it on the forum?
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No4MK2(F) 11/54 PF3292XX
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Shamu
Admin Group Logo Designer / Donating Member Joined: April 25 2007 Location: MD, USA. Status: Online Points: 17603 |
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Just the size limit, how big is it?
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Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Goosic
Senior Member Joined: September 12 2017 Location: Phoenix Arizona Status: Offline Points: 8792 |
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Had a girl ask me that one time...
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Shamu
Admin Group Logo Designer / Donating Member Joined: April 25 2007 Location: MD, USA. Status: Online Points: 17603 |
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3"
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Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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Shamu
Admin Group Logo Designer / Donating Member Joined: April 25 2007 Location: MD, USA. Status: Online Points: 17603 |
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Thick!
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Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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hoadie
Moderator Group Joined: March 16 2006 Location: Niagara/Canada Status: Offline Points: 9003 |
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Perverts!
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Loose wimmen tightened here
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Shamu
Admin Group Logo Designer / Donating Member Joined: April 25 2007 Location: MD, USA. Status: Online Points: 17603 |
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The call me "Tuna", as in can.
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Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)
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