Restoration or blasphemy??

[rm1911]

My father in law had a few old guns locked in his safe for a looooooong time. One was a rem 121 fieldmaster. Also an old Stevens single shot 20ga. And an unfired 1100. He also had an old single shot bolt 22. Winchester model 67.

I finally able to secure them. His other kids don't of wouldnt want any guns (I know. It's sad) and he hasn't shot them in 20-30 years. In fact the 22's were gifted from his father in law. Anyways the 121 needs some work. But the 67 was a shooter.

Took my boys to range and they liked it better than my 10/22. Which is good considering ammo situation and all. But I love be thing too. Don't know why but damn, bolt 22's are sweet.

Gun was fine as is. But we (my boys and me) decided to fix 'er up.

Here's kind of a good look at original



So. Started with stock. Sanded it down to the wood. Didn't take pics of process. Sorry. Then stained it with weathered gray. Nice coat. Looked ok. But very gray. Then hit it with 220 grain sandpaper. Then it popped. Hit it with a couple of coats of satin varnish. I think it looks amazing. But that's me.

Next up was sling swivels. Yeah. Had to drill into wood. Sacrilege!! But they need a sling especially when we take it out far away

Then ordered marbles bullseye sight. Had to install new front. Got the .531 and a .500. Gonna go with .531 first. Hopefully it's on. All from brownells. They ship fast for sure. I broke original front sight so guess its collector value is shot. Oh well. It's gonna be shot. For a loooooong time. Hopefully by MY grand kids.

Otherwise installing sights went smoothly. Have to take to range and zero it all in.

Here she is











The rifle is super accurate. With those sights it'll be a tack driver. Hopefully I didn't commit blasphemy. I think it got a brand new lease on life. My boys love it. So do I. Can't wait for the range!!

[Jeff L]

The 67 is a great gun. I use to shoot my dad's a lot. A lot of them were made, so I don't think necessarily blastphamy, especially since it's getting some range time.

[drh777]

If you like it that's all that matters. Personally think it looks very nice. Good job! Hope you and your kids get lots of use out of it.

[jpscoot_21]

I think it looks good. Different..

[David13]

It's up to the eye of the beholder. Or actually the gun owner.
He's got to have it the way he wants it.
dc

[Izzy43]

The 67 was my first rifle and I took many a squirrel with that rifle in mid Missouri in the 50's. My brother still has it, he re-blued the barrel and action and refinished the stock. Not blasphemy just taking care of a great little heirloom rifle.

[Bobby Ricigliano]

I like it!

Your kids will grow up treasuring that rifle. Nice job.

[vmwerks]

The day my brother was born in Korea my dad was in Texas. When he got the call he went out and bought a single shot Stevens .22 rifle. We've been shooting it over 40 years now...

Thans for the great story, someday your grandchild will shoot that gun.

[hakenlag]

I think a gun doesn't really start to gain any value until it's owner begins to make it his own. When it becomes one-of-a-kind, it becomes priceless.

Guns are supposed to fit the shooter, not the other way around.

[RandyD]

Lets see some photos of the Remington 121 Fieldmaster. I like the rear sight on the .22 bolt gun. I wish more rifles came with apurture sights.

[b.thomas]

It's only "blasphemy" when a sweet old gun like that is just thrown into a closet and never used.
"Restoration" is where you clean up the old girl and give it a new life.

[rm1911]

I think a gun doesn't really start to gain any value until it's owner begins to make it his own. When it becomes one-of-a-kind, it becomes priceless.

Guns are supposed to fit the shooter, not the other way around.

That's a great philosophy. I like it.

The boys are excited to shoot it. I kind of said blasphemy in jest. I think restoring old guns, even giving them new whatever only serves the ultimate purpose which is to continue the great sport and tradition.

Guess all it needs now is some rails

[FredoSD]

Job well done, I like it anytime someone takes anything and makes it their own.

[rsmorgan]

Great old gun; I still have the one that I got as a birthday present in 1959. Quite accurate for a simple "boys' rifle" but certainly not a true target rifle due to the very simple trigger system. There is something quite satisfying about the old girl; 50 rounds makes for a full and contented day at the range.

[wellfedirishman]

Very nice. Those Marbles sights are great, they make it very easy to pick up a good sight picture.

The rifle and no doubt it's original owner would be very satisfied with the restoration and the new happiness it brings to kids. Rifles were meant to be shot, not stored.