Originally Posted by
BVZ24
Rifles that look like they did are fun shooters. You also don't need to worry as much about damage and breakage on a non matching gun.
I usually do a basic cost analysis. I consider restoration options before I purchase a sporter. I am consistently able to do a shooter part together for around $350. I can get a complete Ishapore DP rifle for $200-300, and most important parts are serviceable. These parts can be purchased individually from various sources, but with increased shipping cost. The forestocks require careful bedding. If the donor wood is definitely not British made, and looks bad I strip with chemical and stain reddish brown. I finish with tung oil. If I pay around $100 for the sporter, I will break even when I sell, and even if I don't, I can shoot 500 rds and it will still be worth about the same when I go to sell.
Using new wood is more expensive and puts me over the breaking even point.