[Bob01]

Greetings All,

Decided to take the chance and order 2 Type 53s from Omega, in the hopes they will at least be decent shooters.

With that being said, looking at pictures from others that have picked up Type 53s from Omega - saying they look "rough" might be being too nice.... They will also most likely have non matching parts (no collector value) - so I guess I won't feel bad if I have to do a total overhaul on them....

Assuming they are worth the effort to restore - what should my shopping list of materials include? I've seen various debates on how to restore/refinish the stock and a few options on what to do with the metal if its almost bare (most likely) - Coming from the perspective of someone who has never restored a rifle (or any other firearm) - what should I pick up? refinishing oils, bluing, gun paint, etc.?

Assuming if the barrel looks shootable - a gallon of hoppes #9 or something else?

Thinking about picking up one of those power steamers to help raise the dents easier - or is the towel and iron just as good?

Any tips would be greatly appreciated

Thanks!

[Cal-gun Fan]

Cut the barrel to 16 inches, add a pistol grip, folding stock, picatinny rails, bipod,vertical foregrip, and an underslung chainsaw. Also, an eotech with a swing up 3x magnifier on top, and a micro-red dot offset on a 45 degree angle to the side of the gun.

[Bob01]

well...I suppose getting a new folding stock w/pistol grip and rails will resolve the wood refinishing issue...and an under slung chainsaw would be waaaay cooler than the spike... I'm sure I can cut down the barrel w/ my battery powered dremel with ease :rolleyes:

ooh better yet...perhaps I can rig up three laser sights so I can get some predator action going on :-p

[AethelstanAegen]

Bob, I'd recommend waiting until they come in to see how they look before getting anything. I've heard that the barrels are generally in decent shape but as you said the metal is often in the white and the wood is rough. I've always had good luck with the iron and towel method and if that doesn't work then you can think about buying something more fancy (ie you'd hate to buy the fancy steamer if the cheap option worked fine for the stocks you have).

As long as you keep things oiled and keep an eye out for rust, the white metal should be no problem but if you wanted, you could certainly have them blued. Since you have two coming it might be kind of neat to have a before and after rifle (ie one in rough shape and the other all refurbished).

[ball3006]

Leave them as is. It is called "character"............Too many bubba custom Mosin Nagants in the pawn shops as it is...........chris3

[carbine85]

Unless you simply want a project gun I wouldn't waste my time. In the end you end up with a over priced Mosin that will shoot pie plate MOA. These things are not accurate. The 91/30 with the longer barrel isn't that great either in most cases.
Look out for a nicer one and use it as the gun you don't have to worry about in the rain.

[HGUNHNTR]

(1) One story of a silk purse and a hogs ear.