Herbertnb,

A very nice rifle and a very good decision, I might add. I just PMd a member here about something different but what I told him probably applies here as well - somehow, I feel that it is always a good idea to preserve the old and unusual because so much of it is actually disappearing around us, dying like people never to be again. Since your rifle appears to be in pristine condition, it might be really nice to hunt with it as it is and enjoy it as its original makers had intended for it to be used. Altering it would take some of its charm away - it would be as unfortunately funny as my trying to dance on a floor surrounded by young couples in their 20s.

Speaking of FN sporters, I have seen several come up on sale in Northern Illinois and in Wisconsin for asking prices between $ 700 and $ 1200 in the non embellished versions in 270 and 30-06. I would personally suggest Mike Schrank's Smoke N Gun as a store to look for this kind of stuff. Mike died recently and I haven't been able to go there and pay my condolences but he always had nice guns and at some of the most reasonable prices I have seen anywhere. Scheels in Appleton WI and Cabelas in Hoffman Estates also have several FN Mausers in different calibres from time to time. I go there frequently and culd check and report on what is available if you want me to find out.

Good hunting and congratulations on owning a fantastic rifle!