It wasn't Like This When I Got It

Hi Fellow C&R Junkies,


Quite some time ago, I picked up this Stevens 325 with a group of rifles and parts from an estate. I really had no idea what the heck they were, and never knew there was such a thing as a .30-30 bolt gun. The stock was in very poor condition, the gas shield clips were bent (which had the bolt jammed), and of course it had never been cleaned. I was able to persuade the bolt out and save the mechanicals.


I often wonder how people could treat ANY civilian firearm so badly. The wood had dents, gouges, and deep scratches. It took quite a bit of sanding and steam, and then I just had to say it was as good as it was gonna get.


Then while LGS dumpster diving, I found a recoil pad that would be a close enough fit, with a little trim off the butt and pad both, and a nice era correct basket weave sling. I added the swivels.


Some Old English and syth oil on the furniture, a splash of olive oil on the dried-up sling, and viola, good loner gun or first-time center fire shooter rifle.


The final item needing addressed is the rear sight. It has a crack that needs braised. Came with an extra mag, and the pointy boolits I picked up garage sailing.


I know I've committed a mortal C&R sin with sanding and saw, but it lives to kill again. PAX


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Looks good! Not much collector value with these as they were very basic utility-type firearms so no worries of the C&R police kicking down your door. Better to sacrifice originality and give it a new lease on life than scrap it.

Neat gun, I've seen a few over the years, should have bought them, good luck with it!

I'm in the save it if you can camp so I have no issues with what you've done. Good job!