Appeal for help - raising a springer from the dead.

[Gary C]

SW France but I can help over the phone or he can post to me if needed

Thank you. Do you have whatsap?

[tinbum]

Thank you. Do you have whatsap?

No, but I have everything else

[Shed tuner]

it's a springer. I'd literally hose it down, strip it, hose it down some some, let it dry in the sun (they have that in spain), flood it with WD40, and from there you are on a basic starting point as for lubing any springer.

[TonyL]

That's a heartbreaking story, Gary, and I hope your friend and his wife pull through okay. From what you say they're fighters and will get through this.

As regards the rifle, most things can be rescued and I hope the mission goes to plan. First step will be to strip and clean and assess the damage and see what needs to be done. Would your friend be able to maybe do the strip himself with some guidance or will it need to go to somewhere like Doctor Nick's?

[clipper]

Not sure where your friend is in Spain, but my Dad is in Nerja (south coast just east of Malaga and south of Granada) - quite handy with tools and sure he could help

[rapidresponse1]

hope your friend gets it sorted

[Phil Russell]

it's a springer. I'd literally hose it down, strip it, hose it down some some, let it dry in the sun (they have that in spain), flood it with WD40, and from there you are on a basic starting point as for lubing any springer.

As above.
Many years ago (OK, maybe 7) I was given a Meteor Mk1 that had been under flood water for maybe a week then just left with no attention for maybe 2 or 3 weeks. It was in quite a state. It was clear the stock needed refinishing due to water damage but after drying it out and some tlc including refinishing to original colour it was OK.
The action was far better than I expected, mainly due to the fact that it was quite well lubricated before its unwelcome swim. So, all stripped down, cleaned, polished where needed, relubed and put back together. My notes tell me that the trigger was gunged up with mud. The action had been 'painted' (normal for this model I believe) and was a little the worse for its swim so I stripped it back and resprayed it. Superb. I may well have replaced piston and breech seals as well but that was all. So take heart: rifles are stronger than they look.
Cheers, Phil

[Gary C]

Thanks for your kind words and offers of support