Rifle restoration

**Eddie Jones** · 9th January 2006, 07:08 PM

Hi everyone. I am in the process of restoring an old military rifle. It had been in the bush for some weeks and them little termite buggers got at the woodwork. The action is not too bad and I have already fixed most of the problems there, including re-blueing. The woodwork however is another matter. One side is untouched, and this is the side that will be visible once it's in it's display case. But I would like to do the best job possible on the damaged side. Some quite deep termite damage. Would like recommendations on the best filler to use, and how. Must take a stain so I can try to match up with the original timber.

Any other tips on this project greatly appreciated.

Eddie the converted.

**redwood** · 9th January 2006, 07:34 PM

Dont yu just hate termites:eek:

**Robert WA** · 9th January 2006, 08:21 PM

I hope you have it licensed. It would be a pity to do a lot of work and then have the old rifle forfeited.

Is it an old Lee Enfield? If so, it may be possible to replace the damaged timber components. You could try e-bay or do a search for a firearm collector's site.

Cheers

**hcbph** · 10th January 2006, 04:48 AM

Eddie

Make sure the bugs are gone first. I've heard that doing a hard freeze will kill them but as they aren't prevalent here, I don't know that for a fact. I've used automobile body filler and then toned it to match many times to repair wood. Doesn't move and fairly strong. I'm sure there are other products available locally that do basically the same thing.

Good luck on your project.

Paul

**Eddie Jones** · 10th January 2006, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by Robert WA

I hope you have it licensed. It would be a pity to do a lot of work and then have the old rifle forfeited.

Is it an old Lee Enfield? If so, it may be possible to replace the damaged timber components. You could try e-bay or do a search for a firearm collector's site.

Cheers

Yes, it's all quite legal.

And no, it's an 1895 (approx) Snider .577 boxer.

Eddie

**Auld Bassoon** · 10th January 2006, 07:56 PM

.577 - that's not a rifle, it's a shoulder held anti-tank weapon!

**Schtoo** · 11th January 2006, 01:35 AM

Nah, it's a pop gun.

Makes yer shoulder pop out of joint each pull of the trigger.

I'll stick with an U/O 12G with slugs. If I can hit a soup can at 20m, then I figure anything bigger is fair game.

Why would it not be possible to remake the stock? No doubt some kinda recovered wood might be suitable, or a nice big blank of something else that would fit the task.

Failing that, might be a good idea to plug the holes, taking care to line up the grain. A little tinted topcoat to help the plugs blend in wouldn't hurt either I guess.

And why the heck was it left outside?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

**Eddie Jones** · 11th January 2006, 12:17 PM

.577 cal = anti-tank weapon - Yep, it was developed to stop Zulus at full charge. (Zulu = tank)

Why leave it outside? - It was stolen then dumped in the bush. Not found for several weeks

Here 'tis (hope I attached it right!)

Eddie

**doug the slug** · 11th January 2006, 04:49 PM

What a shame to have that happen to a collectors piece like that, good luck with the restoration

**womble** · 11th January 2006, 04:53 PM

Originally Posted by Eddie Jones

.577 cal = anti-tank weapon - Yep, it was developed to stop Zulus at full charge. (Zulu = tank)

Why leave it outside? - It was stolen then dumped in the bush. Not found for several weeks

Here 'tis (hope I attached it right!)

Eddie

jeez they didn't muck around did they? With damage like that I'd go the previously suggested route of filling it with car bog or something like that. Paint it to match, a small model airbrush would be best. Failing that search the gun shops, someone might have an old junker that has a stock you could swap with...

**Eddie Jones** · 28th January 2006, 12:17 PM

Finally got it done. Not the greatest job, but considering how it started, I'm happy with it. Ended up using builders bog. Only problem is it dries pink. Couldn't really tint it as several applications required. However, the bogged part will be to the back in the display case.

I want to post the b4 and after shots, but cant seem to do it. Any hints on attaching jpg's?

Eddie

**scottyk** · 28th January 2006, 01:48 PM

Must be under 100kb I think. I have ressized using photoshop and had resonable success.
Scotty

**goodwoody** · 28th January 2006, 04:17 PM

Eddie can I have a closer look at the pictures. I have some bits from stocks lying around somewhere. We might be able to match the colour. What wood is the stock made from? Coachwood, Beech?

**Eddie Jones** · 28th January 2006, 05:21 PM

Just tried again to upload 2 photos, but in the "Manage attachments" screen I select the 2 photos and I get the error " Exceeds forum quota by 792.46 MB."

I had previously reduced them with Photoshop to 32K and 89.9k respectively, so I can't understand the error.

Eddie

**Eddie Jones** · 28th January 2006, 05:44 PM

OK, quick and dirty but it works. Heres the B4 and after photos.

B4:

[IMG]c:\\temp\b4.jpg[/IMG]

After:

[IMG]c:\\temp\after.jpg[/IMG]

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