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I know it's not an Enfield, but I figured this was still the most appropriate forum. Badger, please feel free to move the thread if necessary!
I have a new-to-me AI AWP (1993 production; fixed stock) that I'm working to restore. Biggest issue is it badly needs to be refinished. The previous owner actually complete stripped the finish off both the rifle and the P-H bipod! Does anyone know what these rifles were originally finished with?
Attachment 113631
I believe that they are paint over phosphate.
Probably an IR reduction epoxy paint.
The barrel may be stainless...
That is actually an AWP (Arctic Warfare Police) with a 24" bull barrel.
I have one with the original finish, I will take some photos and post them up for you
Attachment 113647Attachment 113648Attachment 113649Attachment 113650Attachment 113651
Please see attached photos. Black painted finish on receiver and barrel, dark blacking (oil blacking?) on bipod.
These are quite rare variants of the AW, so you have a nice rifle there
https://www.morphyauctions.com/james...item/2692-391/
That's what I'm thinking too, specially after post/pics #4.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Enfield
Thank-you all! Couldn't believe my luck when I found it at a Cabela's of all places. Not sure what would possess someone to strip the finish from it, but all will be rectified shortly!
Are you going to get a stainless blue done or Cerakote or...?Quote:
Originally Posted by 303 Gunner
Cerakote is the plan. I have an accredited applicator within a couple hours drive, so I figure that will be the best way forward. Spent a while this morning detail stripping the rifle in preparation.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
That should be perfect then...will look great and wear like iron.
Going green?Quote:
Originally Posted by 303 Gunner
My early swedish AW is green
Green would be an enamel like the Carl G and their SMGs?
That is a lovely early AW, is it built on an L96 receiver with the safety hole welded up?Quote:
Originally Posted by seymore
No, I'm going to stick to black, as it's more appropriate for this particular model. Wish I could hunt down a regular AW though! Any time I come across them, they're a bit more than I really want to pay. Haha.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lee Enfield
I've had to settle for an AT - and not green, though I do have access to spray paint.... ;-)Quote:
Originally Posted by 303 Gunner
An AT is basically an AW with the AWM 6 segment bolt.
It does not loo like anything has been welded up.
It looks that the skin on that side does dip down to make room for an L96 positioned safety.
Seymore.
A lovely early AW, would love to know how it made it's way to Aus.Quote:
Originally Posted by seymore
The very early ones were the trial versions, hence welded L96 receivers. See this trials rifle from another forum
Attachment 113811
Here's a couple of pics of my pride and joy.
Attachment 113824Attachment 113825Attachment 113826Attachment 113827
She's a beauty!Quote:
Originally Posted by Lithy
I think it may have been a trials rifle before the SR98 was adopted.Quote:
Originally Posted by Roy W
I did say it was a trials rifleQuote:
Originally Posted by seymore
[QUOTE=Roy W;490777]I did say it was a trials rifle[/QUOTE)
So what is Lithys
For info, I will have two new relined (in foam cut outs) as you would expect metal cases that were the heavy duty type which are heavier and double handed, that were mounted on Jackals if anybody is interested in sand colour.
Really good condition now the foam interior has been replaced.
Different to hand held cases, because they were bolted down so high up the rifles were dragged out each time so I had them re foamed as the old stuff was'nt acceptable.
Won't know a price until I get them back from the case people after lockdown.
Sorry, but too heavy for export, UK buyers only, especially with all new Customs issues too after Brexit!!
[QUOTE=Bindi2;490778]An early AWQuote:
Originally Posted by Roy W
This may help explain the origin of some of the early AWs in OZ.
Part of an email from the gentleman that sold me mine;
Quote:
The trials rifle – no stampings, or marks to say it was in the trials. However, it was owned by Owen International who used to be based in St Leonards or thereabouts. They provided the trials AI’s & Lapua ammo. They also had the initial contract to supply SR98 & the Lapua HPS ammo.
There were 4 rifles returned to them by the ADF when the trials were over, mine ( which technically is an AWP rather than an AW ), 2 x green AW’s that were from a Swedish contract run ( MSG90 – I have the Swedish manual for one ), & another plain green AW. All were boxed with scopes. Owen International held onto them for a number of years, & they were sold as a job lot in 1998. Condition wise, mine was the best of the bunch, the others were well worn & worn well. How do I know ? I brokered the deal J AI in the UK put me onto Owen International & it took a few years to get the deal together. Hardest thing was finding 3 others who wanted to buy an AW as I could not afford all 4.
These 4 were never owned by the ADF, just used by them as trails units.
Excellent provenance, she's a keeperQuote:
Originally Posted by Lithy