Restoring a sporterized P13...

[Fazakerley]

On aside, what do you know about that scope? I don't think Ive seen one like it. Salt Flat

The scope is very interesting...

It's a 1943-dated M38, which would have originally been fitted to a Sherman tank. Nothing unusual there, but this type of scope was chosen for the E-11 Blasters used by Empire Stormtroopers in Star Wars. The E-11s were actually British Sterling SMGs dressed up to look futuristic. As you know there's a massive Star Wars industry and today you can buy replica M38 scopes in resin, or even metal, for your very own E-11.

So, has anyone got a Sterling SMG we can butcher?

[DocAV]

The Question still is > what is the Barrel??? Is it the original .276 barrel shortened, or a different calibre altogether...??? If it is a "shortened" barrel, it an be "lengthened" by carefully adding a Piece of P14 barrel onto it, ( a Gunsmith Job, Turning and fitting) and making it look like a "counterbored" barrel...Then the front sight and Barrel Band ( also P14) would fit nicely. If it is a different Barrel, then a P14 ( .303 barrel) can be sleeved to 7mm ( another Long Gunsmiths job), rechambered, etc, and one has a correct profile Barrel, in the correct calibre ( easier than buying a new Barrel blank etc.).

I understand your stance on the rebuild ( like a veteran car or dug up aircraft), and whilst these are the Accepted Norm in their relevant collection areas, you will find that Gun and Rifle collectors will forever disagree with such a "re-construction"...I think it is because there are many more examples of even rare rifles, then there ever were of Autos and Aircraft Built...

I hold that it is OK to rebuild ( or even "replicate" for Film etc use) and to "Fill a Niche" in a Collection until an original comes along ("body of your enemy in the river") but I would not expect to recoup any money of such a "reconstructed" piece.....if you just want the Kudos from saying "I own a P13"...that's your call. I would say that even in it's Un-refurbished condition....P13 are not exactly numerous these days, in any condition....

Just my take...
Doc AV

[bigduke6]

Cant see a problem with a restoration project and wouldn't hesitate, even if it resembles a P13 at the end, its better than a sporter..... if it was a run of the mill Milsurp then I would agree to leave as is, but one original rifle I inquired about a few years ago had a price tag of £9000, so spending a few $$ wont break the bank on this, PM sent.

[Ridolpho]

Faz: I saw this when it was posted for sale and thought to myself- the owner doesn't even know it's a P13. I actually considered buying it for a few seconds but common sense reminded me I have virtually none of the skills required to restore it. Good luck with the job and please show us the finished product.

Ridolpho

[gsimmons]

Please keep us up to date on the whole restoration process. It's a worthy project in my opinion.

[mil-surp60]

I hate to see fine old milsurps all chopped up like that, worthy specimen for restoration, good luck with her , looking forward to seeing her done. Sure can not get any worse than that thing looks now.

[browningautorifle]

So, this one's still in cal .276 then?

[peregrinvs]

The story of the Dornier "Flying Pencil" recovered from the Channel is just the latest example to make the newspapers.

Not the best analogy TBH. The Dornier is going to be cleaned, stabilised and preserved - not restored.

[tbonesmith]

I would have bought it if I'd come by it, and I'd be doing just what you are about to. Good luck!

[Fazakerley]

So, this one's still in cal .276 then?

No, it's in .303.

Not the best analogy TBH. The Dornier is going to be cleaned, stabilised and preserved - not restored.

Here'a a better example: Handley Page Hampden Restoration