refinish the stock k31
- Thread starter Grin
- Start date
I never did understand the whole bit where a refinished wood stock to an old military surplus rifle degrades it's value.
You guys know that most of these things have been refinished through their lifetimes be it via first, second or third line repair right?
Who can spot one that they can guarantee that it has never been worked on?
If your methods copy those that would be doing it back when they were in service, how does that devalue a rifle?
You guys know that most of these things have been refinished through their lifetimes be it via first, second or third line repair right?
Who can spot one that they can guarantee that it has never been worked on?
If your methods copy those that would be doing it back when they were in service, how does that devalue a rifle?
.
Pay attention to what DIOPTER has told you. He is the "go to" member here on the Swiss rifles and equipment.
Many of the Swiss rifles have what people seem to call "Beaver chewed" stocks. This refers to the scrapes and marks on the butt stock mainly. However, these same scratches are part of the history of the rifle, and if we can understand the "cause" of these scratches, we can see that.
We all know that Switzerland has a lot of Mountains and rough terrain. In the Swiss Army, the soldier's boots have Hob Nails not only on the bottom, but also some on the SIDES of the sole. This assists in traction when climbing, etc. During Drill with the rifles, some contact is made between the rifle and the Hob Nails on the side of the boot. Also, the rifle was used as a climbing tool, to steady oneself when climbing, taking cover, etc.
Concerning availability of the Swiss rifles --- there seems to be a lot of Want-to-Buy posts on the Equipment exchange. Unlike the SKS and the Mosin-Nagant, there were limited numbers made, and the source is drying up. The Swedish Mausers have dried up, with only the occasional estate sale, gun club or private rifle appearing. The $9.95 SMLE rifles are now in the $400-$500 plus range and $14.95 Long Branch Lee Enfields are well over that.
Pay attention to what DIOPTER has told you. He is the "go to" member here on the Swiss rifles and equipment.
Many of the Swiss rifles have what people seem to call "Beaver chewed" stocks. This refers to the scrapes and marks on the butt stock mainly. However, these same scratches are part of the history of the rifle, and if we can understand the "cause" of these scratches, we can see that.
We all know that Switzerland has a lot of Mountains and rough terrain. In the Swiss Army, the soldier's boots have Hob Nails not only on the bottom, but also some on the SIDES of the sole. This assists in traction when climbing, etc. During Drill with the rifles, some contact is made between the rifle and the Hob Nails on the side of the boot. Also, the rifle was used as a climbing tool, to steady oneself when climbing, taking cover, etc.
Concerning availability of the Swiss rifles --- there seems to be a lot of Want-to-Buy posts on the Equipment exchange. Unlike the SKS and the Mosin-Nagant, there were limited numbers made, and the source is drying up. The Swedish Mausers have dried up, with only the occasional estate sale, gun club or private rifle appearing. The $9.95 SMLE rifles are now in the $400-$500 plus range and $14.95 Long Branch Lee Enfields are well over that.
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