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receivers (Read 1469 times)
davef
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receivers
Mar 11th, 2012 at 1:06am
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I am currently restoring several 1898 rifles. New barrels, correct parts, and Boyd's stocks. Should I leave receivers as they are, or blue them with the barrels ? Not looking to present these rifles as anything other than what they are. What are some thoughts? Dave.
  
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Century2
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Re: receivers
Reply #1 - Mar 13th, 2012 at 2:03am
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Welcome, Dave! Congratulations on a fine choice for your rifle projects. Too bad you didn’t engage this forum sooner – it sounds like you have amassed a particular kit of parts already. So a crash course will do?  1. Restoring will seldom alter the finishes other than removing dirt, grime, rust, etc. while leaving the original bluing and case hardening intact (yes, this typically leaves us with “freckled” parts but it is understood by collectors). 2. For restorations, small areas of damage may justify more aggressive reworking to match existing. 3. New barrels + new stocks do not equal “restoration” (it is much more a “reproduction”). 4. Where “reproductions” require existing, correct parts to be used, it is better to make the new parts look distressed than it is to make the vintage parts look new (there are only so many original parts out there – once they are altered, that originality is irrecoverable). 5. Where “reproductions” require a fine new finish, it is best to acquire previously altered parts (I have spun off many reblued parts that I acquired during my restorations). 6. The actual receivers themselves are probably the most common part – I suggest finding the magic receiver-bolt-barrel headspace configuration before you decide on the “right” receiver for refinishing purposes. 7. And my personal peeve: Please stay away from fake cartouches (so sad  Cry )! I have one rifle with a new barrel. The fine chopped rifle I started with was a dark arsenal reblue and it had a beautiful cartouche. I put a new forearm on the stock – refinished all wood to match and left the barrel in the white! It speaks a bundle: Never any questions at the range – just long looks  Huh . Good luck on your projects!
  

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