Short Actions Original or Bitsa?

[stonecreek]

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1034438787

Pad looks awfully good for a 1966 Vixen. Somehow the shape of the fore arm tip seems "off" to me. And, what would be a rarity (but found occasionally), a Deluxe with sights.

Could this be a "Montana" repro Deluxe stock on a standard bbl action? Bottom metal appears genuine, however.

Opinions appreciated.

 

[Bushpig]

Looks like the butt pad has been changed and in the one pic of the checkering on the forearm , it looks as if something is going on with the checkering , looks like it was recut or cleaned up maybe!

 

[bloorooster]

The forearm tip usually has a slight angle where this example appears to be almost perfectly square. The Fox or Vixen inlay is odd as well, out of proportion? The engraving is questionable too..the acorns look strange to me

 

[stonecreek]

The forearm tip usually has a slight angle where this example appears to be almost perfectly square. The Fox or Vixen inlay is odd as well, out of proportion? The engraving is questionable too..the acorns look strange to me

It's hard to slip stuff past the guys on this forum!

Successfully "upgrading" a standard to a Deluxe can add more than $1,000 to its value in some instances. I guess that's plenty of incentive for those among us whose ethics are somewhat "flexible".

 

[stonecreek]

The Fox or Vixen inlay is odd as well, out of proportion?

Looking at the disproportioned Fox inlay, also check out the checkering inside the pistol grip. A Bofors-era Deluxe stock would be the more slender model. The checkering panels on the inside of the pistol grip come within about a quarter of an inch on this more slender grip -- however, the panels on this stock are fairly far apart on the underside of the grip. This is a stock patterned after the later, heavier stocks. Taking all into account, my belief is that it is a recent reproduction.

 

[bloorooster]

The recoil pad definitely shows evidence of a recent installation. You can see the piercing area that hides the attaching screws..
The “ Montana pads” are noticeably different as the vents are smaller than original

 

[kevinlg]

Looking at the disproportioned Fox inlay, also check out the checkering inside the pistol grip. A Bofors-era Deluxe stock would be the more slender model. The checkering panels on the inside of the pistol grip come within about a quarter of an inch on this more slender grip -- however, the panels on this stock are fairly far apart on the underside of the grip. This is a stock patterned after the later, heavier stocks. Taking all into account, my belief is that it is a recent reproduction.

Stone.......

In the 1966 era......were the sling swivels AND front site hood so highly polished/blued, on deluxe models?

 

[pecosbill]

What's bitsa mean?

 

[douglastwo]

What's bitsa mean?

It means the rifle is not original as it left the factory. For example, a rifle that has a standard sporter barrel on a deluxe action, a stock that is the wrong vintage (maybe the stock should have white spacers but it's from an era that doesn't have spacers), the wrong recoil pad or butt plate, even the wrong hood and swivels, etc.

 

[douglastwo]

In the 1966 era......were the sling swivels AND front site hood so highly polished/blued, on deluxe models?

They look a little too shiny, don't they.

 

[stonecreek]

What's bitsa mean?

It's a term introduced to us by our Aussie friends: "A bitsa this and a bitsa that". Typically, it is a rifle which has replacement parts that are not original to it, particularly if they are from a different era of manufacturing. There may be nothing "wrong" with a bitsa as a shooter. However, "ethically challenged" sellers may intentionally misrepresent (or imply) that a piece is original in order to enhance its value.

 

[douglastwo]

In the 1966 era......were the sling swivels AND front site hood so highly polished/blued, on deluxe models?

This photo shows the typical finish on the hood and swivels for the Standard and Deluxe rifle (on right side). I don't believe the swivel and hood on my Deluxe is as glossy as the deluxe on GB.

 

[Rocky]

If you ran the serial number, wouldn’t that show if it was a deluxe?

 

[kevinlg]

If you ran the serial number, wouldn’t that show if it was a deluxe?

I was thinking the same thing.

Even if so........the question of "is it a refurbished deluxe?" would remain.