Milsurp ethics, discussion

[Sigismund]

I have recently made a deal on an original german wartime production scope. My intentions are to purchase reproductions rings made by (add http) ://k98k.com/sale2.htm, and complete the project by finding a yugo or vopo refurbed byf44.

Ofcourse, this would entail a drill, some tapping, and the somewhat bubbafication of a perfectly good mauser rifle.

I stand, balanced, on the fence in this case. I will be making a true to history high turret k98k sniper using a correct scope for the byf44, and as close as I can get rings (see link above for ring and base information).
However it is in some sense or another, bubbaing a rifle, not originally intented to become a sniper varient.

Whats your opinion on the matter?

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[Badger]

.... complete the project by finding a yugo or vopo refurbed byf44.

Just my opinion, but I'd say go for it....

1. If you use the rebuilt rifles described, then you're not bubba'ing something "all original" anyway.

2. With all correct German sniper rifle sets approaching $8,000 - $10,000 U.S., most of us would have to win the lottery to afford owning and shooting an original one.

3. You have a legitimate scope. Put it on a rifle, make sure people know it's a project gun, enjoy finding the parts and building it, shoot it ... then sell it to me...

Regards,
Badger

[Sigismund]

I feel the same way. Im staying as true to original as I can within my budget. The rings and bases I'll be using are the best (and most expensive) repro rings Ive seen, and the scpe is original. This is the most exciting build I have done to date.

[Claven2]

Sounds cool. You should have bought the vopo byf44 I sold last month Would have been a perfect candidate and had a perfect bbl to boot. Oh well

[Sigismund]

Sounds cool. You should have bought the vopo byf44 I sold last month Would have been a perfect candidate and had a perfect bbl to boot. Oh well

Timeing is everything!

[sdh1911]

Most definably pursue that one, make sure that whomever does the drilling, milling and tapping uses the correct measurement and sizes. What I do in these case is put on a less than obvious mark, say under the butt plate that would not be on an original. Keeps things honest, I even have my own stamp for doing U.S. Restows-HTH-SDH

[Dimitri]

Not everyone here may agree on me but milsurplus rifles (actually all firearms for that matter) are ment to be used not kept as safe queens.

So even if you did start out with a good example un-referbished German Mauser what does it matter ?? Your installing a original scope with repro-mounts on a rifle the scope was ment to go on. Its not like your installing a British Enfield scope on it.

As I see it as long as you don't try selling it off in the future as a "correct sniper" model instead of the "good un-referbished Mauser, repro rings and original German scope" whats the problem ??

Dimitri

[Badger]

Not everyone here may agree on me but milsurplus rifles (actually all firearms for that matter) are ment to be used not kept as safe queens.

I agree.....

As a general rule, although I have a few expensive exceptions due to fragility of scopes etc, I don't collect any milsurp that I can't take to the range and shoot.

For me, there's two sides to the hobby. Owning a collectible for purposes of appreciating over time, but also the fun of seeing how well and accurate I can shoot something that's 60-100+ years old.

Regards,
Badger

[tiriaq]

Given what has happened to the value of fine never refurbished Mauser rifles, drilling holes in one might be a really bad idea.

[Texas Trophy Hunter]

I agree with Dimitri, These rifles by their very nature are meant to be used. Since I hunt with mine (as does my daughter) I have a few small mods to some of my pieces, (scout mounts, etc.) but they are temporary and the rifle can be converted back to original condition with the original parts that I got the rifle with. Most of these are mixmasters anyway..as long as safety is a primary consideration,I say you are contemplating a righteous upgrade. Go for it. Would love to see the finished results.