Recommendation Request

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  • Raiderjack23

    Active Member
    MDS Supporter
    Jul 10, 2020
    171
    Carroll County
    Want to get my dad's old Montgomery Ward .22 s/l/lr back up and running as a gift. The gun is nothing exotic . . . just old. I believe it is a Montgomery Ward M93-497A (Mossberg 42C) - but I am not 100% sure.

    Not sure how much or how little of a job this would be. Looking for recommendations for a central MD based gunsmith who could provide me an idea as to if it is possible to get her to back to a shooting standard and if so what would be involved.

    Thanks
     

    River02

    One Ping Only...
    MDS Supporter
    Sep 19, 2015
    3,924
    Mid-Maryland
    Want to get my dad's old Montgomery Ward .22 s/l/lr back up and running as a gift. The gun is nothing exotic . . . just old. I believe it is a Montgomery Ward M93-497A (Mossberg 42C) - but I am not 100% sure.

    Not sure how much or how little of a job this would be. Looking for recommendations for a central MD based gunsmith who could provide me an idea as to if it is possible to get her to back to a shooting standard and if so what would be involved.

    Thanks

    Might help if you posted some good pics---
     

    Raiderjack23

    Active Member
    MDS Supporter
    Jul 10, 2020
    171
    Carroll County
    Is there an apparent problem or issue with it ?

    There is a cover plate that attaches to the bolt that is missing one of its two screws. But I sourced that and ordered two replacements. No other obvious issues - other than it has not been fired since the 80's and was manufactured in the 40s. Cosmetically, it is in good shape with no cracks in the stock.

    I am sure I can clean / lubricate it and shoot some CCI Quiet 22lr or CBs through it without much risk. But due to its age . . . I am thinking I would take a conservative approach and have someone who knows more than me look at it first.
     

    Raiderjack23

    Active Member
    MDS Supporter
    Jul 10, 2020
    171
    Carroll County
    Might help if you posted some good pics---

    Gotcha. I will post some in the next few days. I have to go and get it. I want to do the surprise thing but I need to rethink that. Funny thing is even though he hasn't shot it in 40 years he is the type of guy who would see it missing in just a day or two.
     

    River02

    One Ping Only...
    MDS Supporter
    Sep 19, 2015
    3,924
    Mid-Maryland
    Gotcha. I will post some in the next few days. I have to go and get it. I want to do the surprise thing but I need to rethink that. Funny thing is even though he hasn't shot it in 40 years he is the type of guy who would see it missing in just a day or two.

    :thumbsup: G'luck
     

    Raiderjack23

    Active Member
    MDS Supporter
    Jul 10, 2020
    171
    Carroll County
    Here are some pictures. If anyone sees anything obvious (or not so obvious) let me know. I would appreciate the advice. Still have to replace the cover screws and found the front site’s bead is broken off. Both items are on order.

    After cleaning it, I think I have a better idea of it and will indeed shoot some of the CCI Quiets and CBs as mentioned earlier. May venture up to standard velocity if it does well. If I am being too conservative in this regards . . . I look forward to hearing people’s thoughts.

    Couldn’t get a decent picture of the bore but it is clean with no rust. I “see” rifling lines but they appear pretty smooth. Don’t think I will be able to recreate the tales of hitting a ground hog at a hundred yards.


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    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
     
    Last edited:

    Pale Ryder

    Ultimate Member
    Jan 12, 2009
    6,232
    Millersville
    How does the bore look? I think it just needs a little cleaning and some lube. As to ammo, if the bore is good, modern 22lr will be fine. No need for powder puff loads, it’s not a 50 BMG.
     

    Uncle Duke

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 2, 2013
    11,662
    Not Far Enough from the City
    Definitely pull the bolt and check that bore, if for no other reason than to check for any unknown obstruction. Best to do that anyway as a matter of habit. But so long as that bore is clear, take it to the range and give it a good and thorough function check.
     

    Raiderjack23

    Active Member
    MDS Supporter
    Jul 10, 2020
    171
    Carroll County
    Bore is clean and free of obstructions. Once I get the missing screw and front site put on, I will take it to the range. Figured I was over thinking it.

    Thanks Everyone!
     

    Uncle Duke

    Ultimate Member
    MDS Supporter
    Feb 2, 2013
    11,662
    Not Far Enough from the City
    Bore is clean and free of obstructions. Once I get the missing screw and front site put on, I will take it to the range. Figured I was over thinking it.

    Thanks Everyone!

    Let us know how it goes. My guess is that it functions just fine!

    Nothing like your father's gun. I have the only one my father ever had. They're priceless.

    Good Luck with yours !
     

    teratos

    My hair is amazing
    MDS Supporter
    Patriot Picket
    Jan 22, 2009
    59,775
    Bel Air
    I see nothing that would give me pause. From the little bit of rifling I can see it looks strong.

    If there is no rust/cracks in the metal, nothing should affect it’s integrity.

    The most important part safety wise is the bolt and chamber. If those look good (and they do), shoot it.
     

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