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I guess no one is reading the last few posts on the M-71 I’ve been discussing on the last topic. I think this old girl needs a good refurbishing, refinishing or whatever. I know everyones going to have a fit, but this is a complete 1946 Model 71 with the added features that it’s a Short Rifle, with a bolt mounted Peep sight. I can’t just leave it hanging around with all the damn finish buffed off. First of all it needs to be protected, used and enjoyed. Can’t have it buck naked in the back of the safe. The bore is near a mirror and it just begs to go and get an Elk next year or so. I have done some checking on some Gunsmiths (RGS is one) who specialize in reblue’s and bringing this kind of mess back to life. Does anyone have any favorites and references? Thanks guys.
There are some things that are important for a proper restoration.
[list:1fce81e1a6]1. There are different methods and types of blueing. You will need someone who knows the right process for the Model 71 and can do it.
2. The process of refinishing the metal can dish the screw holes and buff/blur the printing. You will need someone who can prepare the metal without dishing screw holes and rounding edges, and who has the dies to restamp the barrel address, and other die stampings.
3. There is a proper way to refinish the wood or replace the wood and rechecker it. You will need someone who can do this.
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A proper restoration that involves the above eliminates most gunsmiths and will not be cheap.
Yes I know that it will not be just a toss in the tank kind of job. There about 2 or 3 different kinds of bluing that needs to be used on this for it to be done right, it won’t be cheap or quick, but God willing I will be able to wait for a good job to be done. That way I can leave it to my son or the wife can sell it for a decent price when I’m gone. I think that is what all of us want. Something to leave behind. Not to say that I would sure as heck like to have it for a few more late fall elk hunts myself!!!
restoration will not always increase the rifles value.
I recently bought a 1925 Model 1894 SRC that had been beautifully refinished in the 1960’s I got it for roughly half its value had it been still in unmessed with condition. And had it been in the same condition as I bought it in but Original it would have been 3.5 to 4 times what I paid.
Well I have shipped my M-71 off to "Glenrock Blue" in Wyoming. Will have the metal reblued to winchester’s old standard and the wood will be refreshed with correct finish. The carbine has been received by the shop and has been confirmed as a deluxe with the correct bolt peep sight. Needless to say it will be a while before I get it back in my hot hands to fondle. The only part missing is the sling base and screws w/ swivel and the front swivel plus the original winchester sling.
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