|
Hi, John,
Yes, there is some inconsistency, but few civilian rifles ever got as dirty as ones carried by the military. Civilians could at least wrap a cloth around the rifle, something the military was not allowed to do.
You are right that those lever actions usually did keep working, in spite of all the abuse. I saw a '73 recently that a fellow bought at a gun show. It was about as I described, but my quick checkout indicated it could have been fired. I don't know how accurate it would have been or if it could have been fired rapidly due to wear on the carrier, but it would have gone bang.
I agree that the stripping needed for cleaning can be done in a hunting camp by someone who is careful. But I can't recommend it unless absolutely necessary, and I am not sure I can think when it would be necessary. There is just too much chance of a spring or pin wandering off and taking the hunting trip along with it.
Jim
|