EJayne
.22LR
So much like the majority or those on this forum, I am prone to just stopping by and wandering through my local gun shop and perusing through the used and trade in section to see what gems have been discarded by the unknowing and unappreciative folks.
While doing so a few weeks ago, I stumbled across a very unassuming late 1980s/early 1990s model Mossberg 535 field model with a 28” barrel and gold trigger.
Being a Mossberg enthusiast, I looked it over and noticed how rough the action was and how mundane the old beat up finish was and decided to move along.
However, after 2 weeks, I couldn’t get that poor neglected gun off my mind and made a vow that if it was still there and if they would meet me at my price, I wouldn’t let that poor shotgun sit there any longer.
I ended up walking into that shop with a hint of arrogance and further inspected that rickety old gun and made an obscure offer to free up space for them. The manager rubbed his chin for what seemed like an hour and finally accepted my low ball offer and I was then saddled with what seemed like a stubborn old Mossy.
I immediately got it home, cracked a cold “Pepsi”, and began to strip the gun down to the most basic of components and started removing 30 years of carbon, dirt, and neglect. After 8 hours of cleaning and oiling, I had that Mossy 535 operating like it was a brand new babe bathed in pure butter. But I wasn’t satisfied with function when it still had that old orange like finish on the wood stock, so I knew it was time to strip down the old varnish and stain and try again.
After reducing the wood furniture to bare wood, I burnt some accents and rustic spots to give the gun the glass it deserved. I then added 3 coats of MinWax Jacobean stain and 5 coats of MinWax Polycrylic to give a better show and finish while still durable in a duck/goose blind.
Overall very happy/excited with this old gem of a shotgun and proud to add it to my collection as the first 3 1/2 gun in the group.
Pictures show the “restored” 535 (left) next to my old Mossy 500 pigeon crown grade (right) for comparison sake.
While doing so a few weeks ago, I stumbled across a very unassuming late 1980s/early 1990s model Mossberg 535 field model with a 28” barrel and gold trigger.
Being a Mossberg enthusiast, I looked it over and noticed how rough the action was and how mundane the old beat up finish was and decided to move along.
However, after 2 weeks, I couldn’t get that poor neglected gun off my mind and made a vow that if it was still there and if they would meet me at my price, I wouldn’t let that poor shotgun sit there any longer.
I ended up walking into that shop with a hint of arrogance and further inspected that rickety old gun and made an obscure offer to free up space for them. The manager rubbed his chin for what seemed like an hour and finally accepted my low ball offer and I was then saddled with what seemed like a stubborn old Mossy.
I immediately got it home, cracked a cold “Pepsi”, and began to strip the gun down to the most basic of components and started removing 30 years of carbon, dirt, and neglect. After 8 hours of cleaning and oiling, I had that Mossy 535 operating like it was a brand new babe bathed in pure butter. But I wasn’t satisfied with function when it still had that old orange like finish on the wood stock, so I knew it was time to strip down the old varnish and stain and try again.
After reducing the wood furniture to bare wood, I burnt some accents and rustic spots to give the gun the glass it deserved. I then added 3 coats of MinWax Jacobean stain and 5 coats of MinWax Polycrylic to give a better show and finish while still durable in a duck/goose blind.
Overall very happy/excited with this old gem of a shotgun and proud to add it to my collection as the first 3 1/2 gun in the group.
Pictures show the “restored” 535 (left) next to my old Mossy 500 pigeon crown grade (right) for comparison sake.
