Springfield Model 86 project gun

[Symbolic]

A new gun store opened up just outside of town, so I went to check it out. Didn't plan on buying anything, but when they asked I said I was looking for a project gun to occupy my time. I ended up walking away with a Stevens Springfield Model 86 bolt-action .22 rifle for $79. It works and it's in VG+ condition, I'd say, but it's missing the trigger guard, buttplate, and original rear sight. The rear sight on it is an adjustable King brand sight that's supposedly worth more than the gun itself, as the man behind the counter informed me.

 

This is going to be a project gun and the things I had in mind to practice with are bluing, parkerizing, and bedding. The stock was heavily varnished so that's the first thing I got rid of. Stripped all the varnish off, inside and out, and applied 4 coats of Tung oil to the outside. As for bedding, I don't see how I could pillar bed it so glass bedding is looking like my only option. If you know otherwise, please let me know.

 

Does anyone have of these rifles or know much about them? Anyone have ideas or tips when it comes to bluing, parkerizing, and bedding?

[Symbolic]

This thread might be pointless without pictures, but I don't have a camera up here with me. I'll see if I can find one this weekend, maybe. In the meantime, I found this advertizement for the Model 86. Looks like I paid $50 too much :panic:

 

[Sidewinder]

Symbolic, it's interesting to see these old gun ads. I've collected a bunch of them on the Savage Model 24 combination guns. I also looked up one on my recent "Gill Gun" (Savage Model 6A) purchase, and I'm thinking it sold new for $35 and some change...I paid $80.

[Symbolic]

After further research of this rifle, I think that who ever had it before me used it as a project gun as well because it looks like it's been pieced together with various parts. The stock has an area cut out where it looks like a safety would go, but there is no safety on this rifle, so this might not even be the original stock. The front and rear sights are both aftermarket and the trigger does not appear to be a Model 86 trigger, but a Model 66. The receiver has metal cut out at the left rear above where the hole in the stock is cut. Turns out, it's for an optional rear sight, apparently a Savage model 105 peep sight. Also on the back of the receiver is "WardsWesternField". The receiver is additionally D/T for a Weaver S2 or N2 scope mount. Right now I'm thinking I might have a Model 84 stock with a Model 86 barrel and action. I just don't know enough about this rifle model to be certain about all the parts. None of the pictures I've seen while researching this rifle have revealed anything definite. The Model 66 looks very similar to this one. The factory illustrated parts breakdown and parts list shows the Savage Models 5-5A and Stevens-Springfield models 86C-86CD-86D and 66C as sharing some parts.

 

The Stevens-Springfield Model 86 was a follow on model similar to the Model 82 which was introduced in 1935.  It was a single shot with a hardwood pistol grip half stock.  The Model 86 was manufactured between 1935 and 1941 and again between 1945 and 1965.  The Model 86 shares the same action as the Model 82, but the Model 86 uses a tube type magazine under the barrel that can hold between 15 and 21 rounds depending on the type of .22 caliber ammo used.  .22 short, .22 long and .22 long rifle can all be fired in this gun. The use of the "Stevens-Springfield" designation was discontinued in 1948, so the model I have is pre-1948. The Model 86 is an "improved" version of the Model 5 Savage.

 

The fact that this model is tube-fed makes the practicality of bedding the action almost mute, but I still have refinishing options for the metal parts. Still no camera for pictures.

 

If anyone needs parts and Numrich doesn't have them in stock, give Outback Gun Parts a try.