My Dad's Vietnam "Bring Back", now in my collection..

[rouchna]

28 years ago, a man took me in as his own. This man, Colonel James N. Lieteau, became my father, my mentor, and my hero. This past Saturday, my Dad passed away in his sleep at the age of 70. He was a Vietnam war veteran, a Desert Storm veteran, and an all around hard ass who raised my brother and I the "old school" way. He was a mean and strict man, but was always fair. We didn't like him much as kids, but not a day goes by that I'm not thankful for him. He taught us responsibility, respect, but most importantly, self reliance. Having said that, I wanted to share with you my father's "Bring back" SKS. He always promised that this would end up in my collection. I was helping my Mom clean up his closet and she handed it to me. She said "Your Dad wanted you to have this, take it home now and enjoy it". I would like to clean it up, shoot it once, and hang it up above my mantle. I want to make sure it is safe to shoot first. It's been sitting in his closet for over 40 years.

My questions are:

Should I be worried about surface rust? (See pictures below) The bore is as clean as can be. No visible cracks anywhere.

Any ideas on how to mount it in a shadow box? I would like to hang it up along with the letter enclosed and his medals. I would like my mantle to be an ode to my Father. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Here are some pictures of the rifle along with some close ups, and the letter from the Vietnamese Government.

 

[dreadpirate]

Thanks for sharing! I really enjoyed hearing your story. And my condolences for the passing of your father, who obviously was a great man.

I would remove the surface rust.

Honestly if it were me (and it's not), I would remove the placard from the rifle, and mount that and the letter in a frame, and shoot the rifle instead of hanging it on the wall.

But that's just me. I would think that would be a nice shooter.

[EDIT] But I would not blame you for hanging it on the wall.

 

[engineerbrian]

Sorry for your loss.

That rifle will be a great way to remember him everytime you see it hanging up on display

 

[yellowsled]

I'm terribly sorry for your loss, but he really left you a gem.

 

[Machodoc]

Deeply sorry for your loss!

Given what you want to do with that rifle, get some Kano Kroil and an old worn washcloth and go at the surface rust. Apply the Kroil liberally, let it soak in for an hour or so, then scrub it with more Kroil on the cloth. Repeat as necessary.

Do NOT remove that placard! The rifle was apparently presented to him by his men, and that's a huge honor. Don't dishonor him just to have a more "shootable" rifle. (I'm sure that you realize this!)

After you've shot it a few times, since that's what you want to do, clean it thoroughly and then wipe it repeatedly with mineral spirits, using multiple clean cloths. Once you have it thoroughly de-greased and dried, apply silicone paste wax (auto store) to the metal and the wood. put on a couple of coats. You don't normally want to do this to a rifle that you plan to shoot regularly, but it's a good way to protect a firearm that's going on long-term display.

P.S. - If you hang it over the mantle, take it down before you build fires in the fireplace. The hot dry air is a killer to wood over time.

 

[outrider58]

I am sorry for your loss, rouchna. What a wonderful keepsake to remember your father by.

 

[28Shooter]

Sorry for your loss but what a great remembrance.

 

[2nd=Good+Substantial]

Very sorry for your loss.

For mounting, what about two shaker pegs mounted to the back panel of the box? One in front of the trigger and the other under the non-blade part of the bayonet. If you're not building the box yourself, you might need to reinforce the back where the pegs mount. I would want the placard on the left to show. Therefore, the charging handle on the right side could rest against the back of the box to keep the gun vertical.

For the knowledgeable out there, would there be a benefit to hiding a desiccant behind the letter in the display to control moisture?

 

[Ack Ack]

Very sorry for the loss of your father.

I think I'd do exactly what you're planning to do. Clean the surface rust, shoot it once or twice, and then display it proudly. I'd probably get the letter translated too.

 

[swinokur]

condolences on your loss.

 

[gre24ene]

Really cool piece of history.

If you are looking for some ideas as far as displaying it I can put you in touch with a fireman in DC who does some really cool 3 dimensional wood work. He could probably build you a awesome shadow/display box.

 

[rouchna]

Thank you all for the kind words. I definitely want to clean it up and verify that it is safe to shoot. My brother and I would like to take it out once and put a few rounds through it before hanging it up. Some great suggestions so far by some very knowledgeable folks. This is why I love MDS

Deeply sorry for your loss!

Given what you want to do with that rifle, get some Kano Kroil and an old worn washcloth and go at the surface rust. Apply the Kroil liberally, let it soak in for an hour or so, then scrub it with more Kroil on the cloth. Repeat as necessary.

Do NOT remove that placard! The rifle was apparently presented to him by his men, and that's a huge honor. Don't dishonor him just to have a more "shootable" rifle. (I'm sure that you realize this!)

After you've shot it a few times, since that's what you want to do, clean it thoroughly and then wipe it repeatedly with mineral spirits, using multiple clean cloths. Once you have it thoroughly de-greased and dried, apply silicone paste wax (auto store) to the metal and the wood. put on a couple of coats. You don't normally want to do this to a rifle that you plan to shoot regularly, but it's a good way to protect a firearm that's going on long-term display.

P.S. - If you hang it over the mantle, take it down before you build fires in the fireplace. The hot dry air is a killer to wood over time.

Thank you very much. This is great information.

Really cool piece of history.

If you are looking for some ideas as far as displaying it I can put you in touch with a fireman in DC who does some really cool 3 dimensional wood work. He could probably build you a awesome shadow/display box.

I would love his contact info. Thanks.

 

[gre24ene]

Thank you all for the kind words. I definitely want to clean it up and verify that it is safe to shoot. My brother and I would like to take it out once and put a few rounds through it before hanging it up. Some great suggestions so far by some very knowledgeable folks. This is why I love MDS




Thank you very much. This is great information.



I would love his contact info. Thanks.

PM inbound

 

[Straightbolt]

Sorry for your loss.
Very cool story and an awesome war relic.
Thanks for sharing!

 

[Alea Jacta Est]

So sorry for your loss.

Congrats on realizing what a great upbringing you enjoyed.

Personally, I'd put it in a shadow box and appreciate it for exactly what it is. That's me.

If determined to shoot it, I'd check for obstructions and ensure the action works then give it a go. These were designed to withstand lots of abuse and lack of even routine maintenance and or cleaning.

 

[Rack&Roll]

I think your Dad would be pleased to know you were using it regularly and enjoying it rather than boxing it up.

If he gave a you a '65 Vette would he want you to put it in a glass case and just look at it?

 

[Bikebreath]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Nice SKS.

 

[BossmanPJ]

Sorry for your loss.

Very cool rifle. You should be proud to own it. I would have to resist the urge to shoot it.

 

[h2u]

Awesome rifle!!! If you even contemplate removing the plaque, I will schedule another weekday lunch just to bitchslap you
Less is always better when "cleaning up" a rifle. Remove action from stock and use only rags, oil, and elbow grease

PM member Streetgang. He's done some very nice shadow box work in the past.

 

[Indiana Jones]

Sorry about your Dad. That is a fantastic piece of family history. Im sure he would be honored and proud to see it displayed like that.


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