New Pre 64 supergrade that needs some touching up.

[conrad101st]

I just bought a Pre 64 supergrade in 375H&H.  

The barrel has one spot of very light rust pitting on a one half inch by two inch strip.  The bluing on the barrel otherwise is very good.  The inside of the barrel is beautiful and has gorgeous deep rifling.

The original owner lightly engraved his social security number in the action by the chamber. (Groan) It's not deep, but you can see silver (I assume naked metal).

The original stock looks good, but has a narrow, but DEEP crack aft of the receiver that goes all the way through from top to bottom and looks apt to split all the way out with much use.  Especially with a heavy recoiling round like this.

I want to keep this weapon desperately as the action is butter smooth and I think it a very historical gun.  I also want to use it though and would like to fix it.  Suggestions on how to handle the three problem areas above would be greatly appreciated.  I would like to keep my expenses under $600 or so.  I'm concerned about ruining the value of it by "fixing" the metal surfaces.  

Thanks,

Conrad

[safetysheriff]

you can definitely ruin its value by 'fixing' the metalwork.

why not contact the NRA headquarters to see what they'd suggest: either by a letter to the American Rifleman magazine or by telephone.

www.6mmbr.com is a website that advertizes some decent riflesmiths.    why not see what they say as well.

ss'   

[victorcharlie]

I think I'd just enjoy it the way it is........Almost all old rifles that have been used have a blemish or two.......I call them experience marks.  Put a little black shoe polish on it.....it probably won't hide it but should help a little bit......