Well, I inherited a few things. Right now not going to get into too much detail but wanted to see what you think.

I inherited a rusty trapdoor, 1 1/2 bolt guns (possibly Mosin), there is a barreled reciever for a 1917 and a 1903, a Martini, a high wall, a low wall. I also have a Stevens Favorite with the 7 o'clock extractor.

I want to slowly start putting together these things and resurect some shooters.

I want to start by relining the Stevens and making a stock for it. So my first question would be is there any reason not to? The stock is broken and repaired with two screws, bore is gawd-awful and no finish (patina).

Also would like to know if there are any hobbyist gunsmiths in the Orange County, CA area willing to work with me on these. My brother has a working machine shop but I hate interupting him to do my little jobs.

This will be a slow process as I have a 1908 Marlin lever I'm working on now (one at a time) and limited cash flow.

Jay

Jay,

     What you have there is an amateur gunsmith's dream!  If you have little or no experience gunsmitthing, or if you want to practice from simplest and least valuable and work your way up, the Stevens would definitely be the best place to begin your work.  Lining or outright replacement of the barrel are easy options, and the stock is one of the simpler of the single shot variations to build.  I have seen reasonable stocks cut out with nothing but a handsaw and a pocket knife.

     Beyond that, and from the bias of this board, the trap door, the Martini, and the 'walls would all 3 have a lot of interest, either for restoration or customization.  I have a weak spot in my heart (or head??) for the 'walls, but have always thought how neat a custom version of the trap door sporter could be.  There are also quite a few Martini lovers on this board that can offer more advice on that project.

     As for the bolt guns, the '03 and the 1917 can be restored to original configuration using some of the wealth of military parts available, but they have also been the basis for a world of target or hunting rifles.  While OT for this board, there is a ton of info out there on possible projects for utilizing them.  While you are looking for the smaller number of parts to use on the above projects, you can casually look for the missing parts for the "1 1/2 bolt guns..." and get those at your leisure.  If you quit/retire from your job and go to work on these full time, the will keep you busy for a long time, but if you approach this as most of us would, as a part time hobby, it will provide fun for years.  Congratulations!! 

     Keep us abreast of your work and feel free to ask for help and advice.

Regards,
Charlie Shaeff
the Green Frog

Hi Val,

Man you have some sweet rifles. Glad you are enjoying the scope.
I just didn't have anything to put it on and find I enjoy iron sights
(at least until the eyes give out, lol).

I will go to the range on sunday with my niece and rimfires (working out 
the IJ revolver). Still working on the 1908 1893 as well, was hoping to 
get it done this month (will work on it this weekend as well). Once these
two are out of the way I have one more project before I start the 
Stevens (I plan to make a pair of "Fuzzy" grips out of ebony for the S&W
24 I'm picking up next month.

Jay