Gentlemen,

Thank you very much for your opinions. I was certain that I would get good advice from members with vastly more experience than I could ever hope to have and this has come true.

Bramble,

Thanks for the tip. I shall register on Rimfire Central today though I am not going to alter the rifle.

Steve,

Thanks, my friend. I shall buy a new HM2 rifle. Gander Mountain usually has heavy discounts at this time of the year and I hope to find something there. The 69A will be slowly restored.

Double D,

Thank you very much for the tip. I am now thinking of getting the rifle reblued and refinished professionally instead of ending up mangling it myself.

Ripp,

Thanks for the endorsement suggesting that I preserve the rifle. I shall have her restored and keep her. I am lucky to have got her for a song. Hopefully, she would see more regular use in the future.

Good hunting, everyone!