Ishapore Rifle Factory 2A Refurbishment

PanzerSchreck

PanzerSchreck

CGN Regular
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Location
Etobicoke, Ontario (GTA)
Looking for opinion.

I have an IRF 2A in very good shape that I am considering for refurbishment. What that means is a total disassembly of all parts to degrease, clean and repair minor blemishes in the stock, which is rather normal, but here's the kicker - complete removal of the suncorite covering and therefore rebluing of all affected parts. The reason for doing this is mostly because I like fixing these old war horses, and because the wrist section where the Maker and YOM details are is completely obscured by said suncorite, so I'm really guessing it's a 2A and not 2A1 mainly because the rear sight goes out to 2,000 meters. Since my research shows these rifles were not issued that way but were only applied suncorite for long-term storage, the way I see it is I would be restoring it to near original condition. Now, because some folks think that would be detracting from the rifle's value, and I would probably sell thereafter, I'm wondering if it's a good idea to go ahead with my plan or just keep it "as is" or sell it sooner than later.

Any thoughts?
 
It's your rifle..do whatever you want with it. I don't think it will affect the value negatively. There's not a great collector demand IMHO. I would treat it as a shooter and keep/refurbish it as close to "as issue" as possible. It'll be good practice if you want to restore more collectable firearms. Just have fun with it.
 
JP has it correct, there is very few of these in Canada and they are highly desired.

I sold one about 4 years ago in VG condition for 750$ with the correct bayonet. As mentioned the last one on the EE was about 950$ when it sold.

The rifle was only 'factory original' once in its life as much as some people try to pretend they can make it otherwise. Suncorite is a acceptable finish for a Ishapore 2A or 2A1 and it was applied well in service, which makes it correct for that rifle, altering that is actually destroying history, not 'restoring' it. Restoring means taking a sporterized rifle, or one that has otherwise been horribly altered (such as a couple thick coats of varnish, chromed etc.) and attempting to return it as close to it would have been originally (as you are already starting with a incorrect rifle, you can only go up from there). Since the rifle is currently correct, you would actually be bubba'ing it no matter how good a job you do.

You can do what you like with it, however if your going to go that route, I would simply recommend selling it, as mentioned above, it is a great way to turn a 900$ rifle into a 400$ rifle.
 
Keep in mind too, that Suncorite is about as evil as a finish gets, it's hard to get off and toxic as hell - do not, under any circumstances attempt to strip Suncorite without a ventilator, gloves and apron on - Suncorite contains ingredients labelled as carcinogenic. Personally, I wouldn't (and didn't) bother, the stuff interacts with the metal underneath, and affects it the same way parkerizing does.
 
Thanks for your opinions everyone, they're all good. I'm leaning with the majority in leaving it alone now except for maybe lightly cleaning the furniture, but I'll think about that one too. Good thing is time's on my side and I can afford to wait.
 
PanzerSchrek: Be careful cleaning as the black paint on many 2A/2A1's is not really proper Suncorite. My own example shows some kind of much less resistant and rather sloppily applied black paint. Just don't get too aggressive cleaning it and definitely resist the impulse to refinish it.

milsurpo
 
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