Vigoursly Sporterized 303

VanIsleCam

VanIsleCam

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Ok guys, just got this puppy. Hasn't been shot for over 50 years and I really don't know what to do with it, other than a basic strip which I did right off the bat. I am more interested in the provence as the pics speak for them selves. So what do I have here? I am interested in an "original" 303 if I can mix and match the pieces.... Btw, "vigoursly sporterized" is copyright of Tootall. Awesome description. Here are the pics...











Not sure if it is advisable to try to restore it or part it out and put the money towards a better model (saw a magazine for $80 on EE today alone). Thanks for the time and information guys.
 
I would personally restore it to military issue (matching, uncut, not drilled or tapped and in good condition) If you prefer to have a sporter I would sell or trade this rifle.
 
The question that only YOU can answer is what would YOU like?

If I could wave a magic wand and could turn the rifle into either full military, or, full blown sporter, which would you choose?

The basic action is there and barrel looks to be uncut, so you the option.

Which ever way you go, the project would be straightforward assembly, to either dress it in a full military woodset, or go sporting.


If you can't decide which, you could actually do both. I at one time had only a couple of rifles to use. I had a full military No.4 that I would to put into a synthetic sporter stock set for deer season, then put it back into its military wood when i was done hunting.

Some military interest there. I can see that yours is a war time production 'dispersal rifle' assembled by BSA. Production of many components was moved to smaller shops around the country to defeat the Germans' plan to bomb and halt rifle production.
So the rifle was a mix-match of flavours when it was first built,so it would be quite appropriate to mix match the restoration.

Nice little project either way. Just needs money, time, effort and a decent set of screwdrivers.
 
VanIsleCam: If you are patient you might be able to assemble all the missing parts at reasonable cost. The forend is, obviously, the main one and to "restore" this rifle you need to find a good solid used one with moderate wear and tear as appropriate for a 70+ year old rifle. I would resist the temptation to buy a new, never used forend for two reasons: 1) won't really look right; 2) if this is your first forend installation you may not want to be working with an expensive, brand new piece of wood. So, go to shows and look around- I've purchased two full wood smle's for $300.00 in the last 2 years, either of which would have provided an excellent forend, nosecap, barrel band, handguards, sight protector, screws, etc. Yours is an interesting smle variant and worth re-stocking. Take your time and get started by studying up on how the wood was originally fitted.

milsurpo
 
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