I think she's going to be a nice little rifle when I get the wood sorted out. The rifling is sharp, the finish is very good--even if it isn't original. Would this be an example of 'brunofixing?' Stamps are all clear, no pitting, and the numbers match. For what was largely a shot in the dark I'm pretty happy with the rifle.






Buttplate screw: I've been trying pretty much what you described: channel locks and an old wood chisel. So far no luck, as the scratches depict. Not getting enough purchase for that kind of torque. Rather than mangle it I think I'm just going to leave the buttstock alone; the condition of the wood, while non-matching, is still very nice. I'll just color match it with some alcohol stain.



The handguards have multiple splice repairs each. The forestock I'm working to save. After degreasing I ended up with some extra bits. A piece by the front band literally pealed off and a chunk behind the trigger popped out. I've glued both with Titebond, which I've always had good luck with, but as you see it had to be sloppy--the wood is still so oil soaked that the first attempts didn't take. I'll re-evaluate after sanding.