Yes, im serious. I hunt at point blank range. Splatter is my sport.

If you can find an engraver to do it, that is.

Nice one David. You will do it proud. If you need help checkering the furniture or with some of the engraving on the screw, let me know.

Will you do it?

That's purty.

Nope.

you're no fun.

Very cool, can't wait to see the after.

I have and what a beauty!! Many thanks David for your work, (and help ;) ), if you know what I mean.
Can't wait to watch the progress of the frenchy.

so this is an example of an early French sniper weapon?
B

Yer totally welcome. We will get together when it thaws around here and bust some clays.
Call me when you pick up yer coach gun.

Thanks Neil I may take yo up on that. By the way I have a commission for you when your ready. Lefever H grade, needs a restock and some parts made. Some good $$ in it if you want to do it.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...llinago_a1.JPG

So how many people here have actually been snipe hunting?

but it's a 16 ga, and French

"Never fired, only dropped once"

My Friends have taken a few people "snipe" hunting.;)

The engraving on this is beautiful. Can't wait to see it restored. Can the crack in the stock be repaired so it is unnoticeable?

Damascus barrels? Looks like it.

Oh yes Damascus barrels for sure. I will do my best to make the stock repair invisible. I will use an airbrush and violin dye to make it look like a mineral streak.

I hunt them. Limit 8 - never gotten a limit I think 5 in one day was my record. When I tell people what I have done that day, they all think I am pulling their leg. Even if I serve it to them for dinner! ;) They are really tough to hunt - they usually flush 30 yards letting out a nasty scream taking off flying like an F16. Having a pointing dog is useless, unless there is a 30 mph wind. Then if you get lucky and hit one, it usually falls into the marsh and immediately disappears due to their excellent camo. I would not even try to hunt them without a dog. You also have to know how to ID them, as there are other marsh birds that look similar and will get you a ticket.

All in all, there is a reason the word sniper goes back to the illusive task of trying to kill one of these. For me this is very sporting and fun. I do it a lot when it is still too hot for quail hunting, as the dog can run in the water and stay cool. I am sure the snipe gets a special mention on that gun for a reason. I am also wondering if it isn't from Britain, as most the info on euro snipe hunting I find is from the Brits.

Here a nice webpage on the subject:
TheSnipeHunter.com - The Premier Online Source For Snipe Hunting

G

Will gladly help you out on this project. Will do the Lefever, but am very short on time for the next two semesters (heavy workload at college) and I want to finish your 311 first. I will let you know when I am ready for it.

Lovely Damascus barrel there. Probably a good idea it is never fired again. It is too probable that the wrong type shell ( black powder only!) would be used, and then there is the age of the barrel. Likely the firing pins are seized, but best not to count on that. I see the missing screw on the rear tang, too. Any markings at all? Maybe on the fore stock or barrel??

That's what I do, Dave, so I think you're on the right track:D

It has been too long since your last build/repair thread and this one. They always bring out the best in people and I enjoy the input from old posters and new folks.

I always learn a bunch, get to dream a bit and enjoy the craftsmanship, especially the engraving.

Hope all is well my friend.