So I'm part of the milsurp world now (56k GTFO)

[DaveMachine]

I'm told it's all matching but I want to make sure, where do I check besides the receiver and the bolt?

 

[Claven2]

Check the barrel under the HG. Not all are numbered though. SOmetimes the mag matches. Somestimes it's not marked. Often the forestock will be stamped matching forward of the barrel band.

I must say, I think it IS original to that rife, but I've never seen such a crudely welded receiver bridge - yikes!

 

[Oddbawl]

Claven beat me to it. As far as the receiver bridge, take a good look @ the 3rd pic, was it cranked in a vice? Take a good look to make see if it's been rewelded.

 

[DaveMachine]

Claven beat me to it. As far as the receiver bridge, take a good look @ the 3rd pic, was it cranked in a vice? Take a good look to make see if it's been rewelded.

How do I tell if it's been rewelded?

Also, if I strip the stock and refinish it with boiled linseed oil, would that be considered something bubba would do? How about rebluing a few of the smaller parts like the mag, bolt, etc?

 

[Tyler]

Claven beat me to it. As far as the receiver bridge, take a good look @ the 3rd pic, was it cranked in a vice? Take a good look to make see if it's been rewelded.

By 'reciever bridge', are you guys refering to the spots on the mag-charger area?

Dave: It all depends on who you talk to about refinishing it. Some guys will scream bloody murder at anyone who touches a mil-surp in any way, and others will have no problem with refinishing a whole rifle to make it look like new. So long as it is done well, I personally don't care.

If a rifle was devoid of any blueing, I'd re-do it. If the stock was left in a damp place, or looks like it had ridden in the back of a truck for a few years, or had been arsenal repaired and was covered in grease stains, I'd have no problem restoring it to look like new. Just make sure you preserve any original markings, and you are good to go. However, your stock looks fine to me. I wouldn't strip it. If it bothers you that much there are wood restoration products that you can put on without stripping the original finish and that will remove grease stains.

Most stocks that have been through a war look like absolute sh*t and usually get replaced at the arsenal and tossed, or re-finished. So I don't feel bad about restoring old stocks, especially mis-matched ones.

As for blueing, the only part of the rifle that looks like it needs it is the mag. Just make sure it matches.

Happy shooting.