Gents: My latest acquisition is a surprisingly rough, somewhat abused but still very shootable, Dickson-marked magazine rifle in .270 caliber, sporting the Frederick Street address and post-1954 London proof marks. Where can I turn to find out more about this seemingly unusual gun and whether it is worth restoration?
With the caveat that this is not an area I know a lot about, my overall impression is of a circa-1960, foreign-built rifle marketed as an entry level, utilitarian gun by a making-ends-meet firm trading on their still-great name. Although I can find no markings to suggest the rifle or action was imported, the overall quality of the gun reminds me a bit of Czech Brnos from the same period. The cartridge for which it's chambered suggests, perhaps, that it was intended for the North American market.
The "calibre," maker's name and address are all engraved in a single line along the top of the barrel, all serial numbers match on the barrel, bolt assembly and stock, and the gun appears to be all-original, except for a possible aftermarket safety. It has an island rear sight with one standing, open "V" sight and two additional leaves, marked 100, 200 and 300 yards; as well as a stippled ramp front sight with platinum bead and missing removable cover. It appears to be a Mauser-type action, and the bore is still in excellent condition.
The rifle's major, non-cosmetic flaw is that the bolt handle shaft and knob appear to have been ground flat on the upper/outer side, removing nearly half of the original steel, to provide clearance for a scope ... at least that's my best guess. A workmanlike job was done of polishing and reblueing, but it still looks odd, and I'm thinking of someday having a new handle welded on, and perhaps replacing the safety with a traditional 3-position type.
Any guidance will be much appreciated. TT
