Below you will find some before and after pictures of the early model Ithaca M-49 you donated for the wild game dinner.
When I got it home I was able to verify that the firing pin was not striking as needed, and I found the barrel was almost obstructed with lead (@120 strokes with a bore brush to clean). Thanks for giving me the chance to work on it.
I ended up doing something to just about everything including re-crowning the muzzle (thank you Eric P.); cutting a front dovetail and replacing the sight; sanded and re-blued the barrel and rear sight; sanded and clear Cerakote'd the receiver, barrel band, and lever; jewelled and blued the hammer and the breechblock; mirror polished the breechblock scallop so you can shine a light on it and look down the bore; shimmed the hammer and trigger; cleaned up the sear and hammer engagement; increased hammer contact with firing pin; modified firing pin travel; stripped, steamed, sanded, filled, and refinished the walnut stock; shaped the new butt pad. Prayed over it while I worked and even tucked a little prayer inside the hollow where the faux magazine tube was before I plugged it with a walnut plug (thank you Tom J.)
It is currently shooting @ 1" groups at 25 yards with the open sights.
I had an absolute blast working on it and I hope the kid who gets it really enjoys it. I can't wait to give it away!
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