Originality. A few home truths

[Paul S.]

I could never understand the typical - dare I say it, Garand collector's penchant for "all original". They define the word obsessive. I've seen them examine each and every bit on the rifle searching for the "correct" parts drawing numbers. Dare you show them an M-1 that has been in Korean hands and imported back into the USA!

Me? Well, I have SMLEs with BSA and Enfield actions with all manner of bits, usually Lithgow barrels, bands and wood on them, and a No4 MkII with battered furniture (cost me a whopping USD 100!!!). I'm happy to have them. To me, each little nick and dent in the furniture, each scratch, and each part changed during one of its many FTRs - or by some young Digger in a RAEME shop somewhere, is another mile stone, and a reminder of the history that rifle has served through and the men who achieved that history.