Restoring something. Help?

[ViperJock]

So INGO, I am suddenly hankering for a project. What I'm think is cleaning up/restoring a bolt/lever action rifle. I'm not really sure how to go about it or even how to pick something that's not beyond my meager skillz. Are there any good books/reference materials? I'm thinking maybe a .22 or .357 lever or a 270 bolt action. My plan was to scour the old beat up stuff at gun shows but I'm afraid of getting something that is too far gone. What should I look for?

thanks!

 

[fireball168]

Interarms Mark X or other commercial Mauser, FN, Herters, H&R, Husquavarna etc.

You can learn about a Mauser and not have to worry about metallurgy.

 

[hrearden]

From what I last saw, youre still paying out the ass for all those you just mentioned. I would agree that those are all good choices though. You can get a Czech or a Yugo Mauser and not have to worry about metallurgy. Ive honestly never had an issue with a Turk either.

 

[Mosinguy]

Find an old war rifle bubba got to. Old "unrestored" guns are out there, but people seem to think broken, inoperable, rusty guns are worth the exact same as their functional counterparts.

 

[snorko]

Beat up .30-30 lever actions are almost always mechanically sound but(t) ugly. Maybe a cowboy assault rifle project?

 

[hrearden]

Mosinguy, I always look for those too.