Hi All,

New member here, and planning on getting back into air rifles/shooting as a hobby that my 10 Year old and I can do together. This was brought about by my son talking about someone in his class going shooting and it reminded me of the fun I used to have going out plinking with my little gun so decided to look it out again. I believe by researching online that it is a Mk1 from 1962-64, but I nay be wrong.

I have owned this wee rifle for about 34 years after it being given to me when I was 14 years old. I used it for a couple of years before the stock cracked and broke and it was put away in the loft (it would appear that this is common on this rifle). It has been stored in the loft of the last 4 houses I've lived in and only seen the light of day again a couple of weeks ago after being unused for about 32 years.......Yes I am hanging my head in shame.

It was not until I started to look for a replacement/replica stock that I discovered how rare this wee rifle had become whilst not being able to source a stock for it. I have now carried out a repair of the stock and it appears to be sound and holding together when the rifle is cocked.

However, I'm now in a bit of a quandary as what to do with this wee gun, and was hoping for some guidance from some of you more learned folks.

1. Do I keep it in it's original well used present condition, replacing the main spring and seals (it still sounds healthy enough when dry fired..I've not tried any pellets through it yet) and hold on to it for my son to use and possibly break and ruin? As it's such a dinky wee rifle it would be ideal for him as although he is 10 years old, he is the size and build of an 8 year old.

2. Rub down/repaint all the metal parts and then refinish the stock, replace the spring/seal with the view to selling it or would it be better keeping it in it's original used condition with original spring and seals? Or would it be better just refinishing the stock and leaving the rest as is?

If I did decide to sell it, what would be the approximate value in original condition as it is, and values for it being tidied up with the stock refinished and also the value for it more or less being restored restored?

The proceeds of any sale would go towards getting a more modern new/second hand rifle for my son...But what would be your recommendations for a replacement, bearing in mind how slightly built he is, though I suppose he'll not be this size in a few years time.

Hopefully I have set the link up to view the pictures correctly.....I'm sure you will let me know if I haven't and look forward to any advice or guidance you have.

Cheers

Dmacg

http://s346.photobucket.com/user/dma...y/BSA%20Merlin