Hello from Montana

[montanaNRA]

Good Evening from the Big Sky Country where our temperature is hovering around zero and me with a snow blower that won't start !!

I have two Mosin Nagants M91/30 both 1943 Izhevsk. Just ordered a Steyr 95/34 that is in transit.

My first and only question is how this form feels about restoration??....one of my Mosin's arrived with the stock in horrible shape so I stripped, sanded, re-stained it and added a layer of shellac followed by Tru-Oil. I left all the bumps, dings, dents, markings , oil stains on the stock and it looks great to me.

I do know there are some that frown on this type of restoration and I don't want to step on anyone's toes before getting started on what appears to be a very interesting forum.
Thanks

Information

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[Salt Flat]

Montana, I can't speak for anyone but myself but I think restoration is viable under certain conditions.
My philosophy on this is to only fix things that are damaged or previously poorly repaired. Never refinish anything unless it has already been damaged or Bubbaed. In most cases I will only "spot repair" finish damge. The longer you are a collector the more you will appreciate an original finish no matter how worn. Almost every beginning gun enthusiast gets hung up on finding or having a "mint" condition piece. As time goes by you will find that a refinished piece just doesn't quite have the feel of something original. The history lies in every impact mark and oxidation. That being said rarity of the piece is also a consideration and I feel less concerned about some pieces than others. Also if Bubba has already ruined it, have at it, you can't make it worse. Salt Flat.