Would this be considered un-bubbaing?

U

Unregistered

Regular
Rating - 100%
6   0   0
Location
South Ontario
I have a LE No. 4 Mk. 1 FTR with metal and bore in seemingly-good condition but the wood is...well, let's just say I'm not including a picture. Anyway, I'm thinking of restocking it so it can soldier on. I'm not sure if I should use an aftermarket (e.g. Boyd's) replacement stock or real No. 4 wood, though. Boyd's would be nicer as it would be is pristine perfect condition. But No. 4. wood would be more "real," though it would be dented and stuff and I'd probably have to pay just as much as if it were a new stock (anyone know where to get real milsurp full wood for these?)

What if I bought real milsurp wood and then refinished it so it would look nice? On the one hand, refinishing wood is a no-no. But this would not be the original wood for the rifle but rather wood that I am saving from lying around somewhere. Would giving a second chance to old milsurp wood by refinishing it so it matches the nice metal be considered unbubbaing? I'm obviously not going for collector value here, just having a nice Enfield that looks new for much cheaper.
 
IRRC, there was someone here who bought many stocks for the same firearms, so he could pick the best one. Do a search, it might show up.

I might be wrong but who knows
 
Taking the original complete wood off, regardless of condition, and replacing it would definitely not be "un-bubbaing." IMO that would send you down the restoration or refinishing route.

As long as you keep the original wood and don't do anything permanent, give 'er. ;)
 
If its allready a full wood original then leave that wood on. You can steam out the dents, carefull not to steam out any of the stamps. Just strip the stock, steam out the dents and give it a god going over with BLO. Only replace the stock if its been cut down by bubba
 
POst pictures no matter how ugly it is.

Both of these were rifles who's original wood had been cut down, and the handguards lost.

 
I may post pictures but you will regret it if I do. The stock has been cut down so it is no longer its original proportions. It has been sporterized and the front sight protector removed. Even the brass buttplate has been painted over. I suppose what I want to do would be considered "reconditioning," since this rifle will never be in its original form again.

Though it is pretty nice what was done with those two rifles.
 
As long as some jackalope hasn't ground the mounts for the Iron sights, and charger slot off you are good to go. :D
 
Great! I guess the only concern then is would it be okay to find unused milsurp wood for it and then refinish that wood, or would the refinishing of the wood take away from the unbubbaing concept?
 
A full set of No.4 wood could run you up and over $100cad, the last sets I've seen go on the forums have been at least this much. THe rifle itse;f is probably worth about $100 tops in its present condition. So you've got either $100 found money, or a %100 investment.

PM me if you're thinking about selling, I'm looking for some bubba'd enfields for a project.
 
I've un-bubba'ed a few enfields over the last few years. Wood and metal can be found but its going to cost over $100, unless you find a few deals :) keep your eyes open.

I always look for cheap bubba rifles that have not had any of the metal bits cut away. They can be found for cheap and I have some wood part on hand, I always keep my eyes open for enfield wood. I will match up wood to rifles based on date and factory.

If the rifle has had any metal cut away, (missing barrel bands etc... are not a big deal) then it's beyond practical restoration. Shoot it if its good its a truck gun if not then sell it or use it for parts.

I've got 2 rifles now that are beyond repair. Good for projects, one is a shooter with a 5 groove barrel but the upper reciever is machined off. The other is a collection of parts so someday its going to get the full treatment, a new barrel and a full confersion to either 35-303, 375-303, wildcat or 45-70 time will tell
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom