Amen brother, amen! My first year in Canada I nearly froze. To help get through winter I went out and bought an old Swedish M96 to refiish. It turned out so nice that in succeeding winters I bought 2 more for the same reason. Now I have 3 of them, the oldest was made in 1900. These old gems really shoot well. I'm thrilled with mine, but would never manage to sportirize them. I figured some day their numbers are going to dwindle, and they'll be worth a lot more in pristine military clothing. Either way, restore or sportirize, it's a terrific firearm. Just my own opinion. Best wishes.
Cal - Montreal