Conundrum
Quite the opposite, if you buy a rifle to use, have it how you want it!
And yes, horror stories, but not what you are thinking, not of away from standard, but of the manic desire to return to standard with no idea of the history or why it was modified in the first place!
AND, collectors particularly, with target/match rifles should research the history, particularly the competition history before they blindly grumble that its been modified from standard and restore back to standard, and remove or destroy what could be a historic rifle!
I have rescued two rifles in the nick of time, that have nearly had that treatment, one was a 300 mt full bore Walther special (and the first Accuracy International, just google them!), it was built and used by Malcolm Cooper (google him if you are unaware of him), it was his first 300 mt rifle that he built, a very special rifle, he set British and World records with it, and won several World Championships with it, he is probably the most successful, and best target rifle shooter this country has ever known. And that was in all rifle disciplines, Air, small bore, 300 mt full bore, at National, World and Olympics. I rescued it just before it was "converted" back to standard by an unknowing person, fortunately the worst loss was of a percentage of the period equipment control stickers, and not all but fortunately some of the best were saved. I carefully restored it to as he shot it, with help from Walther and another manufacturer, and presented it to the NRA museum at Bisley, where it is now on display for posterity.
I have also just rescued the Air rifle (nostalgic old fart!), an Original 75, that was the first 75 into the UK, imported specially for my wife, she as a member of the GB team, won her first International medal with it, and many more after, it was extensively modified for her, so a very non standard stock and trigger set up, it was unique and after being lost for many years rescued when it emerged shortly before it was restored back to standard with no knowledge of its history. But it had lost all its equipment control stickers, simple things of no interest to a collector, but that indicated its varied history at some high profile events. That is now in restoration to how it was used.
So guys, before you return to standard, especially if its a competition gun, please research its history!
Have Fun and Merry Xmas
Robin
Last edited by RobinC; 24-12-2023 at 11:56 AM.
Walther KK500 Alutec expert special - Barnard .223 "wilde" in a Walther KK500 Alutec stock, mmm...tasty!! - Keppeler 6 mmBR with Walther grip and wood! I may be a Walther-phile?