Portuguese M1904 Mauser (Re barrel) Part 2

[bigduke6]

After a few phone calls i managed to get a sight base (thanks to Tery Abrams) as you can see compared to original the diameter is larger, also the recess for the leaf spring was shorter than original will come back to that


First job was to clean up area on the barrel where the rear sight will fit and then mark a guide line using pencil to give an idea of the areas to be tinned this was also done for front sight



Next job was to tin the area,s


Major problem then was to line up the sight base this was done using the milling machine table were the action sat and the table was positioned under the arbour then it was a matter of gentle taps until it was level with the arbour


after the set up heat was applied to area to be soldered same set up was used for the front sight. The areas that require solder must be clean my first attempt did not go well due to the sight base still full of grime, its also a good idea to clean the solder,

sight base secured rear and front


the original front sight securing screw didnt want come out so it had to be drilled and tapped, then had to make a new one i had a few 4BA bolts on hand so one of these were used the pic above show the bolt before cutting to height.
below new securing screw made and secured into position and greased ready for the blade to be fitted




Next step was to produce a leaf spring i used an old mag spring (from a P14) for the metal



the 2 shapes were cut and filled to suit, notice the length of original


they fitted ok
th

these were then cleaned up and blued along with the sight bridge, i used the heat and oil method.
After this i give the whole barrel and sight base a clean up and reblued using the birchwood casey paste, originally this is what i used, i wanted to rust blue, but this was a good match the only thing with the paste is its not hard wearing i will probably rust the whole rifle at a later date but was happy with the results.
Blued barrel and base waiting the finishing touches



One thing i had overlooked was the forward barrel band would have to be altered to allow for the K98 barrel Step (the stuff on the barrel is grease it was used to protect the finish)

after a few strokes with the file the barrel band was relieved of a 1/8" on the top rear of the band to accomodate for the barrel step


That was the main work complete, before the full assembly i greased under the barrel and other parts that would be covered this included the inside of the barrel bands and the foresight protector. All thats left is to get to the range to run the barrel in plus a visit to the proof house i will post pics of how its shooting, think it will be fine any bad group will be down to the operator.

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[louthepou]

Allow me to say: You work very well bigduke.

Take a few pics outside in natural light, I think the quality of your work deserves to be seen in its full glory

Lou

[bigduke6]

Thanks Lou will get some next time on the range.

[bigduke6]

Forgot to say next project will be the No1 Mk V restoration will post it step by step.

[louthepou]

Funny you mention, a man just came to my place a couple of days ago, and dropped off his No1Mk5 that needs just a few things to be in great shape.

I can't believe how funny life is at times. Yes I am jealous but mostly I feel privileged that he trusts me with this one.

I will take a lot of pictures, and should you need any measurements... Let me know!

Lou

[bigduke6]

Lou, Its a small world, pics and measurements (basic) of rear sight and extra barrel band would be a great help, barrel band close ups if possible thanks. Whats the "few things" that are required? (measurements in mm if posible)
Regards Bigduke6

[louthepou]

Will get busy soon, will post pics and measurements. Should have some time tomorrow. This should be fun...

Lou

[Polock]

Not sure if it helps you all overseas, but SARCO in NJ has NOS 1904 barrels for $40 USD--

[bigduke6]

I have seen the barrels over there, but as most dealers in the USA are reluctant to export due to the paperwork involved and by the time it reaches the UK, price including shipping + paperwork, then we are charged import duty and VAT, It was easier to go with the K98 barrel.

[Polock]

I thought that might be the case--wish we had true 'free trade'--Parker Hale sights (Lee Enfield) are scarce & pricey over here, & I understand the opposite is true in GB.
It seems that the 1904s we got in the states had, from what I hae seen, mint bores, matching numbers, but were only fair cosmetically with mild to moderate pitting under the wood. One of my favorites; action is almost as smooth as a Krag. Good luck with your rifle--