What happens when rifles aren't properly stored! New pics post #17

[Loki610]

This belongs to my soon to be father-in-law and I`ve been given the task of getting it cleaned up and functioning again. Thought I'd share some pictures. This was his display rifle for many years until the registry came along, then it was put in a dark damp corner for many years.

I finally managed to get the bolt unstuck last night and now the cleanup begins.

According to the serial its a 1907 in 38-55

[Dick284]

It'll never be the same!
What was he thinking?
Wait a minute, he obviously wasn't!

[Bigdad013]

That is a shame

[hillbillyreefer]

If there ever was a storage offense punishable by incarceration that is a perfect example.

Good luck, you have a long road ahead.

[Metalmike123]

Originally Posted by Bigdad013

That is a shame

x2 that's too bad

[trooper]

My cousin was given my grandfather's marlin 30-30. He stored that rifle in his basement. Years later he discovered what happens to rifles when they are stored improperly and brought it to me to clean up. 20 years sitting in a damp basement. He asked me if there was anything I could do, unfortunately, the rifle was irreparably rusted and was thrown into the scrap heap.
I'm sure Grandpa would have been proud

[marlin1]

this thread should have a warning " contains disturbing content "

[billie]

Meh, that'll buff right out

Unfortunate but I'm looking forward to the after pics . How is the wood?

Git after it Loki! Spiffed up with the underlying war wounds, it should come out pretty nice.

[Big Daddy Badger]

They are essentially tools and for every guy that takes care of his... there must be at least one that doesn't.
Shame... would have been nice.

Now... it'll cost more to restore than its worth.

It'll have to be a labour of love.

[bobtag45]

The worst case of improper storage I ever witnessed involved a hunter who shot a deer and leaned his rifle against a fence post while he cleaned his deer. Then he "forgot" his rifle on the fence post and did not retrieve until near the beginning of deer season the next year. He brought it to me asking if I could re blue it and make serviceable again. I thought he was joking but apparently he wasn't. What a mess. Wish I took a picture.

[Ryry4]

Here's hoping you can make it look new again. Looks like it was a pretty rifle at one point.

[honker_clonker]

Get the kroil!

[bb356]

What a waste

[Chewbacca]

Looks like it was a nice gun.

[Loki610]

Well the good news is the trigger and hammer group is in decent shape, only minor surface rust. Bolt top is bad but the rest is fairly good, bolt lock was completely rusted in place and needs a good clean. Barrel, chamber, and inside of magazine tube is surprisingly clean!

I'll post some pictures of the wood later.

[gitrdun]

It is very unfortunate that it was allowed to get to this, chit happens. But all is not lost. Although it won't retain it's original value, I believe that it can be brought back to life and look pretty decent. I know just the guy to do that. PM me if you're interested.

[Loki610]

All cleaned up and reassembled! Action runs a little rough due to the pitting but it works quite well. Filled in the bluing best I could with G96 gel. Wood cleaned up really well with 2 coats of linseed oil, I can really see the discoloration now. Barrel was pitted for the first few inches from the chamber but the rest is nice and shiny. Turns out it has a factory option "shotgun stock and pad" which is why it doesn't have the crescent butt. Barrel may have been removed at some time judging by the vice marks under the wood.

After some test firing and sighting in this weekend, I'll clean and oil it really well before it disappears back into the bowels of the father in laws gun room, someday I will hopefully have the chance to spend some more time with it!

Heres the Link to the imgur album of pictures, before and after, didn't take many during.

http://imgur.com/a/z1XdT

[Ryry4]

Looks much better.

[Thunder/FX]

Wow
Nice!

[roger]

thats patina!!

or something like that!

[unencrypted]

That's a beauty! Nice work.

[1000yards]

Great job!

[it$_unreel]

Great job....glad you could restore it to presentable condition again

[bear crossing]

By any chance was the barrel ever replaced,reason i ask is 38/55 does not look right? Good job tho.

[Ceilidh69]

Good restoration job.

[hillbillyreefer]

Good job, now all you have to do is explain to the FIL why he isn't getting it back.

[Loki610]

Originally Posted by hillbillyreefer

Good job, now all you have to do is explain to the FIL why he isn't getting it back.

He ain't gettin her back quite yet! I was setting up for some test firing yesterday and dry fired a couple times when the firing pin broke off inside. Didn't even get to fire one shot yet!

So far everyone who's seen it in person has fallen in love with it. Looks way better in person than in my crappy pictures.

[Alberta Bigbore]

looks great.