A fellow collector and member here gave me a heads up on this rifle that wasn't far from me. He had worked out a deal with the owner, but it fell through when the owner's local USPS, UPS, and FexEx clerks all erroneously told him it was illegal/against company policy to ship a rifle without his having an FFL. One stated it was illegal altogether, antique or not. This happens fairly often, and easily discourages a person new to the process as in this case. Luckily I was able to meet with the owner mid-way between our locations and pick it up. So a big thank you to the member who hooked me up with this.
Now the details. Typical post-war refurb, with post war stock and mix and match of arsenal markings on the various parts. Nicely force matched with no line-outs or EP'd numbers. Bore is dark but strong, no counterbore. No functioning issues with this one, it runs flawlessly, Where it stands out from most is the WW1 barrel date and the unaltered Imperial eagle stamps. The one on the barrel itself is the strongest and most detailed one I have ever seen in person. The receiver is an 1896 Tula one, making the rifle an antique. The fact that this one survived WW1, the Russian Civil War and WW2 makes it an uncommon find, even in refurb form. Enjoy the photos.
Discussion Section
This photo isn't reversed. That really is a backwards "S" and "P"
Discussion SectionOn Facebook? Check out the non-sporter preservationist group at: OOOPS. Deleted by Facebook because it's evil to even discuss collectible firearms on social media these days.
