Surface Finish on Wartime No 4 and No 5 Rifles from ROF, ROM and BSA

[22SqnRAE]

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 ----------

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.

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[No4Mk1(T)]

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.

Ok I'll offer an alternative option for your consideration.
You could use this rifle to hone you preservation skills. In my years of collecting I've found the ability to preserve a firearms original finish well stripping away years of crud and neglect to be of greater value to me than being able to refinish something to as new condition.
You could then resell your rifle to a collector who will appreciate the rifles originality and use the funds to purchase a sportterized rifle to restore. Ultimately there is a market for both preserved and restored rifles however an original preserved rifle will continue to appreciate in value where a restore rifle will rarely be worth more than what you paid for it. In many cases you will lose what you invested in the restoration. These comments are not intended to impugn anybody who decides to restore a rifle. Ultimately the choice is yours and you will draw no negative comments from me either way.

[22SqnRAE]

Ok I'll offer an alternative option for your consideration.
You could use this rifle to hone you preservation skills. In my years of collecting I've found the ability to preserve a firearms original finish well stripping away years of crud and neglect to be of greater value to me than being able to refinish something to as new condition.
You could then resell your rifle to a collector who will appreciate the rifles originality and use the funds to purchase a sportterized rifle to restore. Ultimately there is a market for both preserved and restored rifles however an original preserved rifle will continue to appreciate in value where a restore rifle will rarely be worth more than what you paid for it. In many cases you will lose what you invested in the restoration. These comments are not intended to impugn anybody who decides to restore a rifle. Ultimately the choice is yours and you will draw no negative comments from me either way.

Thanks No4MkI(T) your advice is the path I have decided to take. The rifle is (formerly) a No 4 Mk 1/2 that has been modified to 'look' like a No 5 Mk 1. As such, from the collector's point of view, it is worthless. For the novice, it may have some residual value as a '...good looking gun...' (I shuddder using that term...) The value to me in this rifle is a test-bed where I can experiment with some restoration techniques, get them slightly wrong and not be worried about the lasting damage, if it goes that far. The benefit will always be in increasing skill and knowledge to apply on much better specimens worthy of genuine preservation.

Appreciate your advice, thank you.