Bought a 1903 Turkish Mauser

[Aragorn243]

Never saw holes drilled like that. they are connected because that is the channel for the cleaning rod. I expect the rifle is fine to shoot. I've seen rust that was a lot worse than that and the stock looks fine also.

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[nuget102]

Never saw holes drilled like that. they are connected because that is the channel for the cleaning rod. I expect the rifle is fine to shoot. I've seen rust that was a lot worse than that and the stock looks fine also.

You can't tell it in the picture, but the stock is actually acting like it's wet... and the inside is mostly crumbling, hopefully it's just on the surface. The stock is incredibly brittle for some reason.

Also, how's the electrolyte bath working? I read your thread, and it may be what I do. But I'm thinking i'll do a vinegar bath first. Which is really just 1/2 vinegar, 1/2 water and you soak it for a few hours. You need to scrub/wipe the rust off after (depending how long you soak it) and you need to neutralize the vinegar with baking soda/water mixture. But It's easier for me since I have vinegar on hand. Just need a pan to put the barrel in to soak it. I'm currently only soaking the trigger guard. I don't think my gun really NEEDS an electrolyte bath though, it's not as bad as yours was Aragorn :P