Thanks, this helps me remember why I switched to the CMP forum
I am in total agreement about changing parts. A quest for what? A semi-original? A good fake? Whatever.
The hobby belongs to whomever chooses to participate. There is no right or wrong way to collect anything and if you want to waste your time, try to steer people on how it should be done. People do things on these webs that make me want to scream and I used to get all wrapped around the axle about it, but no more. It's a waste of time to argue with someone who is the polar opposite of what you think.
I believe that I possess an original Winchester 5.6. I've had it since 1969 and never gave it much thought until I discovered this place. I've been on a 5-6 year learning curve and am still asking questions with people who really have the answers about this piece. The plethora of experts on these boards is troubling, and leads me to a fall back position that's served me well; know WHO to ask. Lots of people are very willing to tell you, most are dead wrong.
Carbine books that are about as researched as a Chinese menu don't help either. I have one that I bought, read once and I don't even know where it is now. War Baby and War Baby Comes Home are almost worn out from use.
My other hobby is watches
I repair them and collect them, I have dozens. Seikos are very good watches, cased as well as a Rolex. I just rebuilt a 1960s Bell Matic, a 27J automatic with alarm. Believe me, there are collectors that are just as selective about specific parts as the carbine bunch. Mechanical Timex watches are called pin lever non jeweled watches. They are not designed to be repaired, just worn until they die.The modern quartz Timex Indiglo are great useful watches for their price range.