My Ishapore 2A 1964 Rifle is finally back from the gunworks

Bookie, I've always been infatuated with the Martini-Henry. In all my years in the business, not one ever crossed my path. I'd love to have one in the .22 target version. I should have purchased one when they were coming in country on the cheap. I can't complain, I capitalized on others when available. Swedish Mausers were probably one of my better moves in bulk. The numbers they bring now is insane compared to when purchased. C-96 Mausers were another when they hit the market from China. Many others over the years, if only I had a crystal ball! LOL!
 
I much prefer the old surplus stuff to most of the modern stuff now days.

It occurred to me that I never hunted with a store bought production rifle.

Always used a 1917 Enfield, it was my grandfathers, my dad got one the same time and he hunted with it too.
When he passed I got it also. I put his back to original configuration, my grandfather reworked his a bit, kind of sporterized it.
My dad cut the stock down some and lightened it up but all the metal was left alone. This made me happy.

That's a beauty christcl, went to our local gunshow today and that's the kind of stuff I stop and look over close like.

Seldom get to bring anything home but once in awhile when the planets align.
 
Bawanna, the 1917 Enfield is a wonderful battle rifle, talk about tank tough! Same obviously goes for the P-14. I'm old so rewind 30+ years ago. I was lucky to snag the 1917 trilogy, Winchester, Remington, Eddystone with their correct 1917 bayonets. Wish I still had them. On a side note, I knew several police officers from an adjacent suburb growing up. They had twelve 1897 Winchester trench guns with matching bayonets all pristine in their armory. A new chief came on board, now get this, he wanted to "upgrade" to the more modern Mossberg 500 riot. Try as they might, the officers tried to liberate those historical shotguns, sadly the chief refused and they were all destroyed. Now that can bring a tear to one's eye!
 
My 17 is a Winchester, my dad's is an Eddystone. I have one proper bayonet.

The 97 Winchester is probably my favorite shotgun of them all.

The new chief destroying them doesn't surprise me at all, I live with that heartache almost everyday.

The local prison as about 25 original old Tommy guns, not sure what the status is but the armorer who's been there a long long time says he ain't parting with them as long as he's there.

They unloaded a bunch of M1 Carbines a few years ago, we managed to get several of those or at least my guys did, I already had a real nice WWII one, I should have got one any how they were pretty rough but dirt cheap.
I refinished 3 or 4 of them and they turned out pretty durn nice.
 
Good for the armored, destroying those would be an absolute travesty. Not to mention an original Colt 21A or 21AC can fetch upwards of 50K depending on condition. I love the M-1 carbine and have a soft spot for them myself. Of course that ain't saying much. I'm like you, milsurp firearms intrigue me, mostly U.S. stuff but, just about any really. I've been amazed by some 98 Mausers that passed through my hands over the years, simply beautiful even if in military dress. Rich blue, mirror polished bolts, fire blued trim along with finely finished beautifully figured walnut stocks. Truly functioning works of art.
 
I have a Remington 1903-A3 for what that matters. Its the only high powered rifle Ive ever owned, Dad used it in Korea and passed it on down. The stock is broken and needs replacement and as the weather cools its getting higher on my to do list. The only other long gun I have is an Ithaca model 37. Its a 1956. It sure is a smooth shooting gun. Yall are way more knowledgeable on these weapons than i but these two are what I grew up with and still own. I did have a .410 shotgun, Savage double barrel 12 gauge, .22 LR, Benjamin pump pellet gun and a daisy BB gun. Thats about it. No tommy guns:grumpy:
 
Last edited:
Dog, the 03-A3 and the Ithaca Model 37 are both very fine weapons. Replacement stocks are very plentiful today from several makers either finished or not depending on what you wish. Originals can be found as well but, they've become pricey over the years. It can be further complicated if you want the inspectors marks and cartouche to match the serial number range. Let me know if you need any help, I'd be glad to. Also, it was common for stocks to be repaired by armorers. Depending on the break, a lot of these can be done by you.
The Model 37 especially of your's vintage, are a wonderful field gun. Forged reciever, machined parts, light weight, bottom eject and lighting fast. First made by Itaca in1937, they are still made today. They've been discontinued several times due to manufacturing costs but, have consistently been brought back because of demand. The original factory is gone but the name has been purchased several times and manufacturing resumed. Currently they are quite expensive because of it's design intracacies. There were many models and options on the 37 over the years, some highly collectible. This can be further enhanced by what gauge it is. A fine shotgun it is, both weapons you should be proud to own. A little history on the 37: It was designed by John Browning originally as a 20 gauge only in 1915. The design was bought by Remington and marketed as the Model 17. Ithaca purchased the rights after the patents expired. I believe it still holds the distinction of being the longest produced pump action shotgun in history.
 
Very cool, would very much love to get one of these myself. Got back into milsurps recently and just got a Lee-Enfield No4mkI. There's a shop in town that specializes in milsurp and antique firearms and they had one of the .410 Enfield conversions that I very much considered.
 
Ndogs been a milking that 03-A3 far far too long. Ring up Boyds and get you the stock.

Don't make me come down there and get it and do it for you. Actually I'd love to do it for you but the logistics of getting the rifle to me and back can be complicated. Not insurmountable but a few hoops.

With your skills you can do it.

And as mentioned that 03 is a fine fine rifle. Cherish it and don't never let it go.
 
Bigbore577 said:
Bawanna, the 1917 Enfield is a wonderful battle rifle, talk about tank tough! Same obviously goes for the P-14. I'm old so rewind 30+ years ago. I was lucky to snag the 1917 trilogy, Winchester, Remington, Eddystone with their correct 1917 bayonets. Wish I still had them. On a side note, I knew several police officers from an adjacent suburb growing up. They had twelve 1897 Winchester trench guns with matching bayonets all pristine in their armory. A new chief came on board, now get this, he wanted to "upgrade" to the more modern Mossberg 500 riot. Try as they might, the officers tried to liberate those historical shotguns, sadly the chief refused and they were all destroyed. Now that can bring a tear to one's eye!
Click to expand...

What a tragedy! The only pump shotgun I'd want to own is an 1897. Otherwise it's Benelli auto loader.
 
bigghoss said:
Very cool, would very much love to get one of these myself. Got back into milsurps recently and just got a Lee-Enfield No4mkI. There's a shop in town that specializes in milsurp and antique firearms and they had one of the .410 Enfield conversions that I very much considered.
Click to expand...

I recommend a good 2a since its chambered in a modern service round. But if you reload, getting 303 wouldn't be an issue then :)
 
Thanks BB for the history. Mines a 12 Ga. I didnt know it was a Browning design. Cool.
Bawanna: I did get a couple replacement stocks from Mr. Bensinger a while back. One cherry and another walnut. Dont want to hijack this thread but Ill start a new one when the time comes. Guess I better get me some Acraglass eh?
 
Depends on how well the stocks fit, especially in the recoil lug area. If they are snug, your probably good to go, if there's lots of space then a little acraglas is the ticket.

Gotta be goshdurn careful to get release agent everyplace and fill any voids so you don't get a mechanical lock. You'll never get the stock back off.

I've not done a whole lot a glass bedding on rifles, some but it's scary and think it through before you go for it.
 
christcl said:
I recommend a good 2a since its chambered in a modern service round. But if you reload, getting 303 wouldn't be an issue then :)
Click to expand...

I already own a No.4 MKI in .303. AIM surplus sell PPU for $14 a box, I have a couple boxes but I haven't tried it yet. I still want a 2A. And one of everything else. And a spare of everything. And two more of everything for good measure.
 
I've bedded more than a few. Bawanna is correct on release agent, you can't use to much. Side note: the release agent they supply is not necessary, a thin coat of oil of any kind works. I use a spray so it gets everywhere possible. A bigger problem is the Acraglass ending up it an area of the stock you don't wish it to be. Use modeling clay to form a dam, easily removed and cleaned up. I also opt for the stainless reinforced Acraglass. Perhaps over kill if there is such a thing. However, I've used it up to .458 Win Mag, never a problem. The builder also used it on my .577, no issues there either.
 
Bigbore577 said:
Bigghoss, we share the same philosophy to the tee. If only the pocket book agreed.
Click to expand...

Someone asked me how long my wish list was. I said it's really short actually. All of them. He asked if I meant one of everything and I said no. All. Of. Them. Every single gun that has ever been made, ever will be made, and everything that won't be made.
 
Wow! They did a terrific job. You have a very nice rifle there. I always loved the look of the 2A's. I love old Enfields, 03's, Mosins, ect. Thanks for posting and the ceracoat is spectacular!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top