Restoring a sporterized P13... My turn to play

Enjoyed watching your progress. Beautiful work. Can’t wait for the big reveal.

Thank you again guys.
A few more pics.... progress might be less visible but trust me it's there.
I have a pile of sawdust to prove it.
I would say that at this point the major ''rough in'' is done.

One interesting information to some is i got the permission to let you guys know who had done the metal work.
Like i said before, this is no real secret but to me it's a sign of respect to ask permission before making something like this public.
The work was done by NICK from VULCAN GUN REFINISHING.
If you havent already go see his website and his Youtube channel, showing is work.
I can't thank him enough for the service and workmanship he provided.

Attachment 124005Attachment 124006Attachment 124007Attachment 124008

I had not touched the P13 in two weeks but now the middle band is fitted.
I know... its not straight yet and completely set back but its just minor adjustments.

To help in the shaping i made a few templates using the stocks from my M1917 and Pattern 1914.
I ended up mostly using the M1917 templates as my P14 is the thicker pattern.
Plus the P13 left over stock had been slightly sanded, about 1/16 each sides... it might not sound like much but on a fore end it is still quite a lot.

Attachment 124726Attachment 124727Attachment 124728Attachment 124729Attachment 124730Attachment 124731Attachment 124732Attachment 124733Attachment 124734

The volley sight dial plate is now on.
It's not screwed on yet but the hard part is done.
Everything behind else behind the middle band is now pretty much finished... unless my OCD kicks in and forces me to make minor adjustments (which it will i'm sure).
Attachment 124758Attachment 124759Attachment 124760Attachment 124761

Looks pretty close to the real thing.
Attachment 124762

Looks pretty good.

As usual, great job. Seems you are getting very close to the finished project!

Great job! I'd love to have that ability!

Thank you again guys, for the nice comments.
I've said it many times, i think this kind of work can be done by almost anybody... it takes time and a LOT of practice.
It's not my first full job and i've done a ton or other small repairs that helped improve my skills... but that took years.

The job looks close to finish Promo, but there is still a ton of work to be done.
Finish the final shaping of the upper part (or front) of the fore end, drill the screws holes for the dial plate and nose cap, minor refinement of the overall shape, sanding of the new portions.
There is also minor repairs needed where tiny bit of wood was removed in excess (like around the dial plate, the fit is not 100% perfect)
I might even try to ''distress'' the new wood a bit. The old portion has clearly some age/abuse to it and it will most certainly clash with the new.
I've done it a bit in the past and liked the result.
Of course there will be stain and oiling after all of that.

Forward portion between the middle band and nose cap is now finished too.
It's nice to finally get to this stage and i'm not gonna lie its a huge relief ... i am now sure this will work and get done.
It's all smooth sailing from now on.
Until now i could never be certain if something would not fit properly or if i might screw up big time and have to start over again.
I think it's safe to say those worries are now behind (hope i don't jinx this lol)
Attachment 124890Attachment 124891

A small montage, start to finish (last one is from the net and what i'm hoping to achieve.
Attachment 124892