New Guy sad revelation

[Sharpshooter1944]

Hey everyone, my first post but I have sad news to report. I purchased 3 MKII 3* rifles last weekend. I took one apart and started cleaning it. It should clean up nice and yes it is a US proofed rifle. However, tonight I took another one apart that was complete. Got the action and barrel out of the stock, but low and behold, there were three holes drilled into the barrel. Two on the bottom and one on the top under the top handguard. Why would anyone do that? I think basically it is a parts gun now. Pics to follow! My last rifle I’ll take apart this week to see what I’ve got.

Information

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[303 Gunner]

Glad you went ahead and took them apart! It's always a good idea to inspect new-to-you firearms. There're some real horror stories out there.

[Sharpshooter1944]

On the bright side, I guess I’ll have some parts to sell.....it doesn’t look like the holes go all the way through the barrel, but I don’t think it’s safe to fire

[CINDERS]

The holes location is important if they are drilled into the reinforce under neath then the action is screwed if they are not through it and just the barrel then a new barrel will cure the malady it has and I would not be selling the parts if you go that way just have a look around at what things are going for especially the complete stock set for either a MKIII or a No.4's best keep it things do happen and if a piece does break it will be the bit you just sold!

They are worth saving they are very unique and have a history that few other fire arms or weapons system can match historically as they have literally been to timbucktoo and back again in world conflicts and are still being used by some combatants though not on our side I may add.

[Promo]

IF they are only to the chamber you could repair that. Tough job, but possible.

[Gil Boyd]

Sharpshooter,
Wasn't that declared to you on purchase, or was it an adhoc purchase of 3 rifles sold as seen perhaps?

[Sharpshooter1944]

I’m going to take the rifle to my solvent tank and clean everything really well this weekend. I’ll use a depth gauge to figure out how deep the holes go. The pics also show what looks to be vice teeth marks on the bottom of the rifle. Very curious. All three holes are on the barrel. The receiver looks great which just breaks my heart! No, the seller did not know about the barrel, he is a buddy and passed them onto me without disassembling them. Point to future me, inspect .... I’m using my iPhone, I’ll post pictures this weekend. One last thing, if anyone can make a new barrel, send a PM.

[mmppres]

Like Cinders states the no2 mk3 are getting hard to find. would be worth getting them checked buy a knowledgeable gunsmith. Them fitting a new or good used barrel.

[vykkagur]

Hey everyone, my first post but I have sad news to report. I purchased 3 MKII 3* rifles last weekend. I took one apart and started cleaning it. It should clean up nice and yes it is a US proofed rifle. However, tonight I took another one apart that was complete. Got the action and barrel out of the stock, but low and behold, there were three holes drilled into the barrel. Two on the bottom and one on the top under the top handguard. Why would anyone do that? I think basically it is a parts gun now. Pics to follow! My last rifle I’ll take apart this week to see what I’ve got.

If I weren't living on the other side of the border, I'd be lining up to buy that off you. Don't be too hasty to break it up for spares. It has potential.

[Sharpshooter1944]

Just was informed that the rifle was likely a MKII 4or5 * that was converted to 3* for the US Amy. Also those are holes for a different rear sight and there was issues with head space. I’ll post pics momentarily