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I obtained this particular KP-2 In trade from another
collector, Jason Stutz. Jason had just recieved it from another owner. Cosmetically the rifle is
in appalling condition. The original owner had undertaken a number of crude modifications and had painted the
entire rifle camoflage. As sad as this was, internally the rifle is quite good. The bore is excellent with only a
few VERY minor scratches. The internals were very good, the wood was okay with only a couple of deep dings. The bolt
was surprisingly good.
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Several modifications had been performed on the gun. Most noticable was the crude drop-out quick change.
A section of the bottom tube had been cut away. The cut was rough, uneven and
very unsightly. Secondly, the opening between the magazine and the barrel had been enlarged, appearently to serve
as some form of direct feed. This is by far the most difficult area to fix. The
magazine tube had also recieved a second slot so that the original fixed end cap could also serve as a loading point. In addition to these
modifications a rather Rube Goldberg External Velocity Adjuster had been added as well as a wooden
sleeve that converted the original aluminum pump into an oversized model.
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| I call this the Suicide Speed Loader. It's a second loading port hacked into the front of the magazine tube. That way you can look down the muzzle while you load it. Not a bright idea if you ask me. Note the blue paint that was caked in the groove here. When was the last time you saw that shade of blue? I'm at a loss to explain what tool was used to cut this slot. I doubt it could have been done with a coping or jewelers saw. Maybe it was drilled then filed, or maybe a Dremel with a cut off wheel? |
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| After completely dismantling the gun I decided that the first step of operations would be to desolder the magazine tube. It would need to come off in order to facilitate the repair of the CO2 drop-out. The specific internal and external diameter of the bottom tube of the rifle is not standard. Thus, replacement stock is not available off of the shelf. Even a neophyte machinist would have been able to make a suitable section out of appropriate stock but, as I still lacked access to a functional machine I was forced to improvise. My replacement section came from a .68 Magnum that was beyond reasonable salvation due to a bent barrel. Using a precision miter saw with a metal cutting blade I carefully measured and cut a new section to fit. The final fit of the parts was so snug that I was able to tap the part into place with a rubber mallet. Resoldering the joint and light sanding were all that was required to blend the part. While this rifle will never be suitable for polishing, it will certainly not show any signs of the repair once it is refinished. |
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