Quote Originally Posted by Peter Laidlericon View Post
On the other hand, don't bother with all that old wax and whatever. Just do what a zillion Armourers shops in the world do every day. Bead blast, phosphate and paint. If you want to keep the marks as-is, then you'll only be kidding yourself that it's original - when it's not.
Peter, that's a good point and worth considering.

Not sure I fully understand your point about '...not being original...'

From your previous response, you pointed out in your service experience, and reinforced in the start of this response, that the rifles would be regularly refinished in service. So this leads me to consider that 'original' is probably only a point in time, such as factory finish. Authentic refinish however maybe a point to debate? But restoring back to a uniform, complete, accurate service condition seems valid. Have I missed your point, as I'm trying to understand where I'm not quite following your view. I'm not debating or disagreeing, just wanting to be sure I understand. Thanks.

---------- Post added at 06:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:43 PM ----------
Quote Originally Posted by No4Mk1(T) View Post
My question is how bad is the finish now? if it's not rusted then generally a rifle with its original finish will be more desirable than one refined post serve. A gentle cleaning using suitable materials will preserve not only the rifles history but it's value as well.
No4Mk1(T), a good question. This rifle is a bit of a pig. Its not particulalry rusted/damaged etc, it's badly treated and worn. It not a keeper to me with the barrel being probably, at best, a 5/10. As it is, it is not a valuable specimen.

I'm using this one as a trial for several techniques to restore some other rifles in the near future, back to 'as issued' condition. Peter's suggestion of 'blast, Park and paint' is with merit, as it's what a Base Armourer would do, as he suggests. I'm thinking this would be a fairly low-risk trial for my much higher value rifles.