Well, I looked at the rifle today. Some people (ok, most people) would have looked at this rifle and said..OMG, what a beat up rifle. I looked at it and thought, Oh the places you'll go and the things you'll see.
I looked beyond the obvious, it was dirty, the scope is going to the trash and I will have to replace the stock and probably the scope mounts.
But what did I get in return for a Para Ordnance P14-45 that has probably had less than 500 rounds through it since 1997? I figured that the Para really didn't mean much to me...so off it went.
I got a FN commercial Mauser action mated to a 308 mag barrel.
It does not have the cut out for stripper use.
It is dated 1951 and the FN logo is barely visible above the 'Made in Belgium" rollmark.
The trigger is marked MK II DT CO, I don't have a clue, but it is very crisp with very little take up. I don't have a trigger scale but it is reasonably light.
The bottom of the bolt is flat and checkered, from what I have read that means it is probably a supreme action.
I am happy with the trade. I have a base for what can be a great rifle for long range target and for any game present in WA. The safety is still on the bolt.
Some people need or want the latest whiz-bang gun they can get. I am very happy with old school customs and can now take the time to make it what I want it to be.
bob