Author Topic: The latest acquisition... Parker-Hale 1100 Lwt .308 (Read 6599 times)

Brithunter · « **on:** October 18, 2008, 10:27:05 PM »

Hi All,

Just over a week ago I picked this up, it's a 1986 P-H 1100 Light Weight in .308, and have spent the last week cleaning it. The bore was fouled with copper and over that lead

which took some removing. Then the factory finish was striped off and I am now and re-finishing the stock due to the factory finish being worn in some places which didn't show that much until the stock was cleaned:-

The new oiled finish will allow the grain to be seen better as you can see here and this is after only a couple of coats:-

The stock is darker now as we are getting closer to the end of gettign the finish I want will continue with it after this morning range outing to try it out.

As it's a fairly light rifle I though I would try a Leupold M8 Compact 4x scope on it as I had a P-H one piece alloy mount on hand I put it in this and onto the rifle but it does not look right $:-\$ :-

so I got this one from the drawer, it's an older Nikko Sterling "Special" 4x32 which P-H retailed and put it in a pair of P-H rings:-

I have collected several of these old scopes so have a choice, this one has the Post and cross hair reticle.

Sweet 6.5 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 18, 2008, 10:56:18 PM »

Looking good! You can now really send the 6.5 Swede with the cracked stock
to me!

You have to post a range report on this one.

Enjoy compiling the report!

Cheers

billy · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2008, 02:22:14 AM »

Good looking stock on that rifle ,the grain is very nice in that stock,hope it turns out to be a shooter for you.

drdougrx · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2008, 02:33:43 AM »

What a nice rifle!!! Congrats!

Tunaman · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2008, 04:39:31 AM »

Very Nice acquisition! that is some beautiful Wood on that stock.

Brithunter · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2008, 06:49:29 AM »

Hi All,

Thank you for the kind comments. The new finish was not really hard enough and suffered some damage on the range trip. Not a big thing as I had not finish re-doing it yet and the slight scuffs will come out as I work on it. I was a little concerned about the bedding as it seemd that there was some movement at the fore end tip but after putting it back together for the range trip no movement was noticable

. Oh well I am not complaining.

Now I know that one good group does not make an accurate rifle but even when sighting in at first using a Bi-Pod it was showing much promise. With it's very slim fore end it's not really suitable for using with a Bi-Pod so I removed it and then used a sand bag on top of an old ammo tin. Our club range is only 75 meters and it's sighted in about 1/2" high at this range as you can see in this photo:-

This is a three shot group and the last I shot before leaving the range. The load is 49.4 grains of BLC-2 under a Hornady 130 grain Spire point in a Winchester case (trimmed) with a Rem 9 1/2 primer. I will load up some more of these and try it again and see if we do as well.

Whoops I forgot to mention the three holes higher up on the target. These are from an old loading using the 200 grain Speer as I wanted to see what it would be like shooting such a light rifle with heavy bullets. This rifle obviously doesn't like this load which is not a problem as I never really intended to use the heavy weights in this rifle as my thoughts were to use a light weight bullet in a light weight rifle.

Skunk · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2008, 12:05:23 PM »

Oh baby!! That is really nice Brithunter.

Brithunter · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2008, 10:44:35 PM »

Thank you Skunk

Actually it may be a bad thing as it's already made me start thinking that perhaps a more powerful scope might help wring out the maximum accuracy

but I must be strong and resist the temptation

Now I do have a Zeiss 4x32 scope I picked up cheap as it's rail mounted and only has elevation adjustment and do think it would be good for this rifle if .......................... if I can find mounts to suit and if they do not cost more than I can afford of course. At present this scope has claw mounts fitted to the rail but of course I don't have the bases and the screws on the claws have been loctited and one I cannot move. No rush on this after all it's performing well and I have to finish doing the stock so I have enough to do for now.

steve · « **Reply #8 on:** October 21, 2008, 02:24:23 AM »

Parker-Hales are excellent shooters. I have 3 of them 308,25-06 and just picked a 30-06.

Brithunter · « **Reply #9 on:** October 21, 2008, 09:11:13 AM »

Which models are they?

So far I have collected Model's 1100M, 1100 Deluxe and this 1100 Lwt and a 1200 Super and 1200V but I need to get some of the earlier Safari models and a M81 Classic. I am sorry to say that the 1200V in 6mm Remington has proved to be problematic with consitancy in the accuracy department and I cannot fathom out why. Not a normal thing for a Parker-Hale I must say.

Swampman · « **Reply #10 on:** October 21, 2008, 10:00:59 AM »

If you can get some Varget, I've found it to be a very fine .308 powder.

Brithunter · « **Reply #11 on:** October 21, 2008, 10:29:52 AM »

Varget is available here and I do have some of it however as BLC-2 is doing so well I will stay with it for now plus I have a few tubs of this powder and with the price of powder that helps a lot

steve · « **Reply #12 on:** October 21, 2008, 04:06:48 PM »

All 3 calibers are the 1200 super and they are tack drivers. I keep looking out for other calibers lost out on a 243 on gun broker

Swampman · « **Reply #13 on:** October 21, 2008, 04:10:34 PM »

What are you using for a stock finish?

Brithunter · « **Reply #14 on:** October 21, 2008, 10:29:53 PM »

I have used an oiled finish, it came in a kit although some of it I have not used as it also has a small tin of stripper but as we had a large tin of Nitromors stripper I used that (I have some wood window sills to strip and varnish in the house) after washing the stock down with water to neutralise the stripper and letting it dry I rubbed it down with some red scotchbrite then had rubbed in the red oil (Alkanet Root Oil) This kit has the red oil in another oil. I applied several coats as the wood soaked it up. I used an old tooth brush to brush some oil into the chequering and I need to do the same with some Boiled Linseed oil as it's still a little dry.

Now in the Kit it has some small bottles number 1,2& 3. #1 is a cleaner polish for cleaning old stock finishes and polishing off the surface residue of the redoil so it only leaves in in the pores, #2 is the red oil and #3 is a hardener to harden the red oil in the stock's wood fibres. I must admit that I have not strictly followed their instructions as the hardener does not seem to be nice to use and the instructions not the easiest to read and follow plus the red oil was darkening the stock with each application so a few days ago I applied another stock conditioning oil from Phillips Wodd technogies that I have had for years then after a few days polished the stock with the polishing compound and it's now drying off after having a smear of BLO applied. The finish is done as far as I can see now except the brushing of the chequering to sel that against moisture.

I will take some photographs of the finished stock in a couple of days and it's come out quite glossy. Now I have another stock to strip and re-finish this time on an old BSA Monarch, the stock has some damage which will require steaming and possibly even filling a gouge or two. I gave about $45 US for this 270 rifle and it's had a hard life. On this stock I will try to follow thei instruction to the letter and see how it turns out and how long it takes.

The kit is by CCL TRADITIONAL ENGLISH GUN PRODUCTS. The Gun Room, Upper Bentley, Reddith, Worcestershire B97 5TD.

The kit also includes a small tin of fine wax polish for applying to the finished stock and a small roll of silicone carbide paper. The polishing compound is excellent giving a silky smooth finish.

rickt300 · « **Reply #15 on:** October 22, 2008, 04:22:07 AM »

Nice 308 that shoots well. Hard to imagine a better rifle for most hunting.

kyelkhunter3006 · « **Reply #16 on:** October 22, 2008, 09:47:24 AM »

Very pretty.....as usual, I am jealous of your collection of very nice sporter rifles....the ones that I consider the classic styles.

Brithunter · « **Reply #17 on:** October 22, 2008, 09:26:17 PM »

Thank you for the kind comment kyelkhunter3006

There is a show at Bisley this weekend which I WILL be attending, couldn't make it down for the Trafalgar Meeting and it's three day show over the last weekend, but on Saturday an old friends youngest boy gets married so I am going down to see them for this and on Sunday it's the show.

I have spent the last few days looking at my collection and trying to decide what doesn't fit really but I am struggling here this time $:-\$ seems I have just about weeded out the ones that don't fit in. So it comes down to an Martini Enfield 303 , ME AC11, and a sportersied No4. The No4 does fit as it's a commercial sporting conversion the ME AC11 is the only military rifle I have left. I even briefly considered sellign my Brno ZKK 601 in .308 but will miss it too much sooooooooooo.........

I need to make a slot open for the next aquisition which will be either a Parker-Hale M81 Classic, a Super Safari in 308 Norma, a BSA Hunter in 22 Hornet or 222 Rem. Or a custom P-H in 270. The custom is done like a Rigby and is one I still researching as P-H did offer a few done like this but I cannot find them listed anywhere in the P-H catalogues I have so far. Over the years I have a few of these and some of the 1100M's marked regulated by Rigby's so it seems that there was some connection with Parker-Hale and Rigby on a commecial level at one time. Hmmmm perhaps I need to rationalise this

as I have just completed the 1100 series with this Light Weight

perhaps I should complete the 1200 series

I already have the 1200 Super and the 1200 V (Varmint) but don't have the 1200 C (Super Clip) or the 1200P (Presentation) or even the 1200TX (Target rifle) hmmmmm this requires more thought

.

I also need to raise some cash to help finance the next one so over the next two days will be going through my accessories and seeing what I have accumulated and don't need, I know I ahve soe spare Enfield magazines even a brand new one and a couple of oil bottles and new pull throughs plus a pattern No4 fore sight adjuster that I can recall the others need to be looked out and see what I actually have

Ideally I could just apply for a variation for the next rifle but the local licensing office thinks I already have far too many so it's not going to happen hence the need to open up a slot on my licence

and put in for a one for one variation.

Of course I will probably go the the show and fall over a nice Ross 280 and all the planned ideas will go out of the window as I have been wantign one fo these for soooooooooooooooooooo long

.

rex6666 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 23, 2008, 07:05:43 AM »

I looked at a P-H at Cabelas the other nite, remember it was a rifle that catches your eye and was 30-06. I don't know any thing about a P-H so
wouldn't know what to look for, if i remember correctly it had a pretty fancy stock with real nice wood.

Brithunter · « **Reply #19 on:** October 23, 2008, 12:38:30 PM »

Regardless of it being a Parker-Hale the usual things ona used rifle should be checked. Bore condition and especially thoat condition or leade. Triggers on P-H's are adjustable so are not a problem usually. I have heard that some P-H's have suffered cracks to the tang area although I have never seen any personally.

Idenitfying the exact model of P-H would require more information and a photo would be far better as apart from early models their models are not marked as such and some folks find them highly confusing. I regularly see P-H rifles described incorrectly by dealers here and you would think they would at least make some attempt to find out what they are actually selling

. I have even seen invented names for them

rex6666 · « **Reply #20 on:** October 24, 2008, 08:27:08 AM »

I must correct my self Cabelas has 2 P-H 300 win mag. and 1 22lr
all three have the lite colored stock with dark redish forend caps and grip caps
made in England and dist. by some company in Denver CO. they are all maked
Parker and Hale but no model #. Really nice looking guns

Brithunter · « **Reply #21 on:** October 24, 2008, 09:23:09 PM »

Hmmm the 22LR is not one I am familar with

mostly P-H offered omporter .22 LR's in their catalogues and the only one I can think of was a late offering which looked like a M16 that they actually made as I understand it.

The 300 Win Mag sounds like it is most likely a Model 1200 Super which ahs a gold plated trigger and embossed floor plate (but not always

as my 1200V has a smooth one) and a california styled stock with roll over cheeck piece like this:-

That is my 1200 super in 7.92mm (8x57) it's a late model but some 1200 supers had a rounded tip to the forestock and they even did a 1200C with a clip magazine. Hope that helps

Sweet 6.5 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 24, 2008, 11:19:26 PM »

Brithunter stop it now!! I can only take so much!

And another stunning rifle. My wife has been bugging my for
a trip to London. When the Rand actualy recovers again and I don't have to sell
my house for a holiday, I will take her. But I will for sure come around your house
for a cup of tea

and to have a look at this collection!!

Cheers
Sweet

Mckie Hollow · « **Reply #23 on:** October 25, 2008, 12:23:40 AM »

Brit - Have You ever used Napier London Gunstock Finish? A stockmaker friend swears by it. I've recently used it, but haven't prooved that it can take the field elements. I think it's been around for a long time, so it must be a prooven finish.

rex6666 · « **Reply #24 on:** October 27, 2008, 09:24:58 AM »

Brit
the guns they had at Cabelas looked exactly like your pictures
but had the smooth floor plate, the 22 lr looked the same.
Very nice

Sweet 6.5 · « **Reply #25 on:** October 27, 2008, 06:57:17 PM »

Quote from: Sweet 6.5 on October 24, 2008, 11:19:26 PM

Brithunter stop it now!! I can only take so much!

And another stunning rifle. My wife has been bugging my for
a trip to London. When the Rand actualy recovers again and I don't have to sell
my house for a holiday, I will take her. But I will for sure come around your house
for a cup of tea and to have a look at this collection!!

Cheers
Sweet

I scared him away!!

Brithunter · « **Reply #26 on:** October 28, 2008, 09:00:27 AM »

Ahhh Sweet 6.5,

Nope just been away down south for a few days. Went to the Antique and Classic Arms Fair at Bisley and visited some friends took the 1100 Lwt but didn't see any deer on my little patch

. Bisley is of course south of London and I live some way north of London, in fact from Gatwick (London Gatwick) Airport or even Heathrow (London Heathrow) are about 3 1/2-4 hours drive from my place but I am sure if you are really serious something could be arranged

Oh it cost me around $80 US in fuel and the price is dropping here as it "only" cost about $1.75 US per litre now.

Sorry Mckie Hollow,

I have not tried that one but have been thinking about it and my local shop has a couple of the Napier kits in stock. My 1100 Lwt is about ready for a final polish then wax. Never tried this before but I did try the polish on a stock I oil finished a few years ago and it reall smoothed the finish up so it feels like silk.

Swampman · « **Reply #27 on:** November 19, 2008, 02:42:08 PM »

CCL TRADITIONAL ENGLISH GUN PRODUCTS do not seem to be available in the US. I did find these.

http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/71987-1.html

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=21424&title=OLD%20ENGLISH%20STOCK%20FINISHING%20KIT

This one may be CCL TRADITIONAL ENGLISH GUN PRODUCTS from looking at the label.

https://www.dixiegunworks.com/product_info.php?products_id=2466&osCsid=9e01c7c4541e99179c0a437fef296c52

I'm thinking I would need a red analine stain like a pre-64 Winchester color like this.

http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/ProductDetail.aspx?p=25688&title=FRENCH%20RED%20STAIN

Brithunter · « **Reply #28 on:** November 19, 2008, 10:23:07 PM »

Thank you swampman,

I didn't do a search to see if it was available in the US but yes the one from Dixe would appear to be the one I used although I cannot quite agree about the Brasso that the one reviewer put

. I have not tried the Napier Kit and would like too. As I ahve tos trip off the varnish where it's gone off on the P-H 1200V it might be a good time to get and try the Napier kit for a comparison

.

The Alkanet Root Oil (Red Oil) well the Root is suspended in the Oil and it helps blend in the look but it does penetrate the surface and build up in the fibres and make the grain stand out. I was impressed the first time I used it quite a few years ago and still use it due to the fine job it does.

Coyote Hunter · « **Reply #29 on:** November 20, 2008, 09:13:58 AM »

Britguy -

That's a real beauty!!!

MAybe with some more work you can shrink the group, though...