How far to restore

[donaldrstewart]

I recently picked up a Savage No4 M1* which dates to approximately early 1944. Somewhere in its past it has been 'sporterized'. The fore stock has been cut down, the front sight guard is missing and the rear sight was removed and replaced with a Williams blade sight mounted on the barrel. I plan to use the gun as a regular 'shooter', so I don't really mind the fore stock as it is. I plan to replace the fore sight guard, both for the extra protection and the aesthetic look of the gun.
My real problem is the rear sight. In my opinion, the Williams sight looks out of place, and I prefer a peep sight anyway. Is it worth the time and money to replace the rear sight with the more traditional flip up rear sight
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Information

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[jimmieZ]

The rear sight on your rifle looks like it was just attached to the barrel with 2 screws - quite common for Williams sights. Just remove the screws, remove the sight and fill the holes with screw plugs (available from Brownells or Midway). Then procure a correct rear ladder sight of your choice from various sources - including e-Bay. The military rear sight is easy to install and is very utilitarian.

[brnom2]

Seems there's a buyer for almost anything on Ebay so u may be able to get a few $ for the Williams rear sight (assuming you can remove it intact) to put towards correct front/rear sights

[Flying10uk]

Could we see a picture of the muzzle end, please, in order to give us a better understanding of what you have and what is missing.

[donaldrstewart]

As asked for, here is the muzzle end

[Peter Laidler]

I can't tell whether the foresight block band has been extended forwards into the bayonet lugs and the original block band lugs machined off OR whether the block band has been pushed back slightly and the barrel cut short. But if it is the latter, the muzzle has been crowned/radiussed correctly

[browningautorifle]

I can't tell whether the foresight block band has been extended forwards into the bayonet lugs and the original block band lugs machined off

The barrel has clearly been cut and crowned. So, your rebuild is simple. You need rear sight, barrel all the front wood and hardware except the front sight base. Then it's original.

As a shooter, there's nothing needs to be done. It's perfect.

[Kiwi]

I'd walk away from it due to the barrel being cut down, but each to their own.

As an aside its not a No.4Mk1* anymore is it due to the hung trigger, so will that make it a No.4Mk1/3?

[browningautorifle]

I plan to use the gun as a regular 'shooter'

If this is what he's doing then it's ready to race.

[JerryEAL]

I've done that one up as L42A1 clone in the past. The barrel is already done. Scope, swivel, sling, cheek piece, Upper rear hand guard, Front sight protector. Off to the races in style. Well, more like a kit car with a VW bug as the chassis.