Over the weekend I picked up a fine example of Swiss craftsmanship: a Model 96/11 that seems to be a pretty good specimen.
The tag on it said manufactured in 1900 (I suppose based on the serial number). I picked it because it was the oldest rifle on the table-- and the bore looked good. Of course, I got a bayonet to go with it!
I had honestly never seen one of these before. But I know the Swiss make nice machines so I made an impulse purchase!
I've never really tried to "restore" or "clean up" a gun before. This rifle seems to have so much potential. I took it out on Sunday and it's sights are still right on after 120 years and I love the straight pull bolt.
This rifle has a huge amount of grime on it and judging by the smell, some cosmoline residue as well. I'd like to do some sort of simple restoration on it. Two questions for anyone in the know:
Will I destroy the value of the gun if I clean it up?
---Are these even really collectible? It was only $285. Doesn't seem collectible but I suppose it is now the oldest thing I own.
What would you suggest I do to clean it up?
---I was thinking of just working denatured alcohol over the wood and using Hoppes #9 and steel wool on the metal. Maybe a little light sanding of the wood? Is this a good method? (I saw a Midway USA video where Larry cleans up an old rifle with this method). There are normal wear/tear/bumps all over the wood and one spot where it looks like someone carved some initials. I'm not a gunsmith. I'm not talking about re-bluing or anything that would cost me more than a pint of chemical cleaner. I really like this rifle and want it to look and feel clean.
Thanks!!!!!!!!
The tag on it said manufactured in 1900 (I suppose based on the serial number). I picked it because it was the oldest rifle on the table-- and the bore looked good. Of course, I got a bayonet to go with it!
I had honestly never seen one of these before. But I know the Swiss make nice machines so I made an impulse purchase!
I've never really tried to "restore" or "clean up" a gun before. This rifle seems to have so much potential. I took it out on Sunday and it's sights are still right on after 120 years and I love the straight pull bolt.
This rifle has a huge amount of grime on it and judging by the smell, some cosmoline residue as well. I'd like to do some sort of simple restoration on it. Two questions for anyone in the know:
Will I destroy the value of the gun if I clean it up?
---Are these even really collectible? It was only $285. Doesn't seem collectible but I suppose it is now the oldest thing I own.
What would you suggest I do to clean it up?
---I was thinking of just working denatured alcohol over the wood and using Hoppes #9 and steel wool on the metal. Maybe a little light sanding of the wood? Is this a good method? (I saw a Midway USA video where Larry cleans up an old rifle with this method). There are normal wear/tear/bumps all over the wood and one spot where it looks like someone carved some initials. I'm not a gunsmith. I'm not talking about re-bluing or anything that would cost me more than a pint of chemical cleaner. I really like this rifle and want it to look and feel clean.
Thanks!!!!!!!!