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IDF Mauser M-66 SP

Those cases, look exactly like the ones we used on my HS rifle team, back in the 80's. This thread was worth it just for that.

Still looking for an equivelant today...something between the cheap flimsy cases and a bulky pelican
Just look for the real deal... Protecto Kaddy with the Star logo.

They do come up for sale and are not spendy.

If you put an M66-SP inside a Harbor Freight case for any reason whatsoever, @TheGerman will come over to your house and make poor noises at you until Valentines Day. Don't do it!

Sirhr
 
APN.gif
 
I just bumped into this piece of info about the Australian sniper rifle trials in 1978:

"Early in 1978, user trials were commenced to evaluate various 7.62mm rifles with a view to introduction of a standard sniper rifle. The contenders were the Austrian SSG 69, Mauser 66, Heckler & Koch G3, F N Mauser, and the Parker Hale. The SSG was fitted with ZF 69 'scope, and the main criticisms were the large muzzle flash, light barrel and bedding problems under extreme heat, and some problems with ammunition. The Mauser 66 was found to be the best performing rifle, fitted with its Zeiss Diavari telescope, but it was considered to be too much of a benchrest configuration and very expensive."

"The British Sniper" by Ian Skennerton, page 211.

I'm certain he is referring to the 66 SP. Thought y'all would enjoy.
 
I just bumped into this piece of info about the Australian sniper rifle trials in 1978:

"Early in 1978, user trials were commenced to evaluate various 7.62mm rifles with a view to introduction of a standard sniper rifle. The contenders were the Austrian SSG 69, Mauser 66, Heckler & Koch G3, F N Mauser, and the Parker Hale. The SSG was fitted with ZF 69 'scope, and the main criticisms were the large muzzle flash, light barrel and bedding problems under extreme heat, and some problems with ammunition. The Mauser 66 was found to be the best performing rifle, fitted with its Zeiss Diavari telescope, but it was considered to be too much of a benchrest configuration and very expensive."

"The British Sniper" by Ian Skennerton, page 211.

I'm certain he is referring to the 66 SP. Thought y'all would enjoy.
IMHO it is a Rifle better suited to fixed surfaces such as Benches, Walls, Roofs, etc....while I've carried worse, I don't see it as being a first choice for humping around.
 
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IMHO it is a Rifle better suited to fixed surfaces such as Benches, Walls, Roofs, etc....while I've carried worse, I don't see it as being a first choice for humping around.

I agree. The various designs each have their plusses and minuses. This rifle is great for a police sniper, or defense of a fixed position. The M24 is lighter and holds more rounds, and is a great rifle for a sniper to carry long distances and still deliver precision shots. And the Dragunov and the H&K G3 SG1 are super for quickly firing multiple accurate (but not precision) shots.

It's all a question of the right tool for the job.
 
Thanks to Buffalowinter and Gol1…. Almost have the new mount restored.
A4B035C2-3C24-4FC7-8B2E-00950D9C365B.jpeg


More to follow… but thanks to both my friends!

(And if the scope is backwards in the mount my bad). It’s just sitting there until I mount it up. I’m not sure which way it goes until it gets on the rifle.

If anyone needs a restored photonics (see earlier photos) we can talk. Be happy to help someone complete their build!!

Sirhr
 
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For anyone interested, Photonics vs. Diavari. Absolutely amazing glass in the Diavari. The Photonics has a very cool reticle with lots of drops. Almost an early Christmas tree. Pretty cool.

But with the mount and the Zeiss I have the perfect set up for this rifle.

Tomorrow I need to put it on the Mill for a very quick operation shrinking the thickness of a Cheesehead screw holding one of the mounts on. The original was missing and held in with some kind of Apoxsee. But I was able to make up a new one it’s just that the head is a little bit proud. Five minutes on the mill and it will lock right on.

So awesome what a restoration gets its final details right. Cheers
 
Looks great! I have a couple of those original mounts, also the larger ones for night vision sights.

What was wrong with yours? And which rings are you using?
 
The mount I had from gol1, which he gave me, had one of the rings held in basically with epoxy. Which is fine because I just fixed it up and machined it. I was surprised to find it was a 1032 screw not a metric.

And the reason I am switching scopes is that the mount is 30 mm. The photonic scope is 26 mm. So Buffalo Winter found me a 30 mm Zeiss. Which combined with the 30 mm ex-IDF mount makes a period correct and gorgeous set up.

Cheers! Sirhr
 
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This is the screw I replaced. But in order to get it to work on the shoulder I needed to put a special washer I cut underneath it. Now the head is just a little bit proud so it won’t slide on the Picatinny type rail. So I just have to mill that screw head down about .050” and it will slide right on.

All easy stuff in a days work when you restore stuff!
 
View attachment 7831582This is the screw I replaced. But in order to get it to work on the shoulder I needed to put a special washer I cut underneath it. Now the head is just a little bit proud so it won’t slide on the Picatinny type rail. So I just have to mill that screw head down about .050” and it will slide right on.

I'm pretty sure that's a standard HK claw mount screw. https://hkparts.net/product/hk-german-claw-mount-screw-for-optics-rails-p17921.htm/

HK German Claw Mount Screw For Optics & Rails​

$3.95

HK German rail screw that is used on the HK claw mount to add an optic such as a Hendsoldt or Stanag optic to the claw mount. The screw is used German surplus manufacture but in perfect shape for use on all HK style claw mounts.
All easy stuff in a
hk-german-claw-mount-screw-for-optics-rails-1.jpg
days work when you restore stuff!
 
That's looking good. Now to get them sighted in.
I had the Photonics sighted in. Shot a bit above MOA with 'whatever' ammo was handy. I'll get this sighted and work on a load. It's not going to be a .3 MOA rifle. But I will get it under 1 for sure.

It's outstanding and such a great piece of firearms history and, well, quality.

All a testament to help from my friends here, too!

Sirhr
 
Don't forget that if it was in service in the IDF it was probably very poorly maintained and shot over 20 times of it's barrel life expectancy.
But It's a beautiful piece of history and a really nice and unique rifle.
Enjoy it
 
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New member here but not new to collecting sniper rifles. I currently have several WW2 era snipers, including two 03A4s, a L-E No. 4 T, and a Polish refurbed Mosin 91/30 PU and yesterday I picked up this beautiful ex-Israeli M66 SP from a fellow collector who was liquidating a large collection of mostly surplus rifles. I kind of knew what it was and for the price he offered it to me, I couldn't refuse. I also got an NDM-86 but that's for another thread!

I am doing some research on what the most appropriate or correct scope would be. My friend has a Nimrod 6x that was on another rifle in the collection but i don't know if it was ever on this one. What would be some other reasonably affordable options?

IxR9fnlh.jpg
 
New member here but not new to collecting sniper rifles. I currently have several WW2 era snipers, including two 03A4s, a L-E No. 4 T, and a Polish refurbed Mosin 91/30 PU and yesterday I picked up this beautiful ex-Israeli M66 SP from a fellow collector who was liquidating a large collection of mostly surplus rifles. I kind of knew what it was and for the price he offered it to me, I couldn't refuse. I also got an NDM-86 but that's for another thread!

I am doing some research on what the most appropriate or correct scope would be. My friend has a Nimrod 6x that was on another rifle in the collection but i don't know if it was ever on this one. What would be some other reasonably affordable options?

IxR9fnlh.jpg
The Nimrod 6X was on that rifle. Not that particular one necessarily, but the model 66.

When you get time, we'd all LOVE to see that NDM-86. 😁😁 (my best pretty please faces)
 
Actually if I remember correctly the rifles were supplied with Zeiss Diavari 1.5-6
The nimrod came later, ax a side note both Nimrod and Eyal s opes were produced by Hakko later known as Japan op tics I believe
Good luck, nice find
 
Here's the only shot I have of it right now. I got both rifles without scopes, but my friend is supposed to be picking up all the ammo and accessories that were in the collection tomorrow, so I am hoping the correct NDM scope show up along with any other accessories. The guy who owned the stuff had all kinds of weird optics combos on various rifles. The NDM had an aftermarket scope and rail on it that I didn't want, and the Nimrod was attached to a MAS49/56 of all things. I may be able to purchase that separately if we can negotiate a price. What's the going rate for a Nimrod 6x these days?

cNlfrFZh.jpg
 
The Nimrod will be collectors price, and I have no idea where that is right now. A good scope for it's day, it certainly isn't what you could buy on the open market for a lot less. But, open market rifles of today don't have the provenance of a 6X Nimrod.
 
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New member here but not new to collecting sniper rifles. I currently have several WW2 era snipers, including two 03A4s, a L-E No. 4 T, and a Polish refurbed Mosin 91/30 PU and yesterday I picked up this beautiful ex-Israeli M66 SP from a fellow collector who was liquidating a large collection of mostly surplus rifles. I kind of knew what it was and for the price he offered it to me, I couldn't refuse. I also got an NDM-86 but that's for another thread!

I am doing some research on what the most appropriate or correct scope would be. My friend has a Nimrod 6x that was on another rifle in the collection but i don't know if it was ever on this one. What would be some other reasonably affordable options?

IxR9fnlh.jpg
Very nice!!!

For scope... take a look up a few posts at my Photonics... Just replaced with a Diavari. Restored several pages back. If it would help your build, PM me back.

Cheers,

Sirhr
 
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Your friend sold you two amazing rifles! Congratulations--I wish I had friends like that!

I don't think the Mauser 66SP ever carried a Nimrod scope (they were on the later M14s), but I might have one to sell you one of you want it. I'd have to dig it out. But definitely have a look at Sirhrmechanic's Photonic scope--he details his restoration in photos in this thread, and it's probably the best IDF Photonic scope you'll find in a decade of looking.

I also have one or two spare mounts of the sort Sirhrmechanic just added to his rifle--they're very sturdy. If you really want specialty stuff, PM me and we can talk about the similar mount they had for night vision equipment. I don't think anybody else here has one.

Anyway, here are my notes on the optics for this scope. Mine carries the IDF-marked S&B 2.5-10x, but all of the below options are legitimate, and even the Nimrod duplicates the capabilities of the Photonic scope, so isn't far wrong. Wording and some of the research is mine, but info is largely from gol1, who recently posted above. He carried one of these as a young soldier, and is an invaluable resource. Any errors are mine, and I love getting better, updated information, so this blurb could change over time. I can take photos of most of these items if anybody is curious.

Optics

The SP66 is not fitted with iron sights. The rifle normally shipped from the factory with a Mauser-marked Zeiss Diavari ZA 1.5-6x variable power scope, but Israel is believed not to have used these scopes, opting instead for a series of purpose-built sniper scopes. The Zeiss scope mounted to rings on a heavy milled quick detach lever-secured scope base that was used with the later IDF scopes as well.

Early IDF SP66s used a 6x42 fixed power scope closely resembling the Kahles ZF95, produced under license by Swarovski subsidiary company Photonic Optics. This scope is marked near the eyepiece with the IDF catalog number 1000 85143. The scope reticle closely resembles Kahles reticle 104, with 1-meter ranging marks from 200 to 1000 meters. It is tritium-illuminated and has a fixed parallax, with a bullet drop compensation (BDC) elevation turret calibrated for the 175gr M118 bullet. Most, if not all, of the ninety SP66 rifles imported and sold by Springfield Armory in the late 1990s carried this scope, but without the proprietary Mauser milled QD mount.

In the mid-1990s the IDF fielded a similar Photonic scope to replace the Nimrod scopes then in use on their M14 sniper rifles. Instead of the earlier scopes’ M118 turrets, the new scopes used BDC elevation turrets marked “M14” and calibrated for the 168gr M852 round. These scopes carried the IDF catalog number 1000 86042. While these “M14” scopes were likely not used on the SP66 in Israeli service, they are ideal for the many SP66 rifles that prefer 168gr match ammunition to 175gr.

The Photonic scope is reported by at least one source to have been replaced by a Hensoldt 6x fixed scope, but this author has not been able to either examine an example of the scope or authoritatively confirm its use with the SP66.

The final scope known to have been used by IDF snipers on the SP66 is the Schmidt & Bender 2.5-10x56 variable power scope. The Schmidt & Bender scope’s variable power was especially useful in urban settings, where snipers often require a wide field of view to identify threats, while its 10x maximum setting remained useful for engagements at the extremes of the rifle’s 800m effective range. This scope’s S&B No. 7 reticle is of fixed parallax and not illuminated, and has an adjustable diopter. It is marked with Israeli catalog number 1000-83418 along the center of its 30mm tube.
 
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What's the going rate for a Nimrod 6x these days?

I think they're running $1000-$1500 these days. Not easy to find.

But then, if you've found a transit chest for a No4(T), you know how to find things that aren't easy to find!
 
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I think they're running $1000-$1500 these days. Not easy to find.

But then, if you've found a transit chest for a No4(T), you know how to find things that aren't easy to find!
I wondered if somebody would notice that. ;)

Got some good news today. He found the original scope and a bunch of magazines for the NDM, as well as a scope he thinks came with the Mauser, so I am waiting for some photos to confirm what it is and hoping to pick it all up tomorrow.

edit: Only got this crappy photo, but it looks like the correct Photonic scope.

KQGiYOEh.jpg
 
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Only got this crappy photo, but it looks like the correct Photonic scope.

Check the elevation turret. The one marked M118 is correct, the one with M14 isn't, but it's an otherwise identical scope and so will look the part. The former is for 175gr rounds, while the latter is for 168gr. Copy Sirhrmechanic's restoration technique described on this thread.

I can sell you an original one-piece mount like the one Sirhemechanic showed above, but any good steel rings work nearly as well, and there are so few of these rifles and fewer still mounts that nobody is going to know the difference.

Fero z51 night scopes as shown on the first page of this thread show up from time to time, and they're a fun addition to the package. This thread is worth a complete read now that you own one of the 400 of these rifles that were produced. These would be a "Holy grail" gun to more people if they knew they existed!

Happy shooting!
 
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Not my auction but here is a nice original brochure for sale illustrating all the different optics/mounts that came from the factory for these rifles.

 
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Not my auction but here is a nice original brochure for sale illustrating all the different optics/mounts that came from the factory for these rifles.


Thank you--great addition to the package!

First photo I've seen of the NVG/STANAG mounts as well. They work great for quickly swapping between day and night sights.
 
I reunited the rifle with the original scope was imported with. It has the M118 cam. Looking forward to getting it to the range with some decent handloads soon.



 
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I reunited the rifle with the original scope was imported with. It has the M118 cam. Looking forward to getting it to the range with some decent handloads soon.



That's nice! Looks like you have the whole import package.

How's the bore?
 
I can tell you that the Gentleman I bought mine from had another one that was identical except for the Brand/model of the optic: it was the same 1~6x looked the same as the Zeiss on mine but wasn't. As soon as I can arrange it, I'll get the details otherwise same case, look, markings, etc.
The forward scope ring on my rifle was fitted with a top half with a picatinny provision, which the sister rifle did not have....no idea what might have been mounted on it.

Your front ring has a mount for a Simrad night vision device. It's the same setup as on the Heckler & Koch G3 SG1.
 
That rifle looks great with that correct scope, thanks for the post and the pics. Very nice find(!).

Quick note re chronology of the 6x IDF optics based on their M14 sniper rifles, which I think carried over to the M-66 as well.
1. The Nimrod was adopted in 1984 and used until about 1994. (attached is pic of one of a M-66)
2. The Swarovski Futonic (also 6x) was adopted in 1994, and I suspect used during the 1990s. It sounds like they were ultimately replaced with the S&B 2.5-10x on 'late' M-66 rifles, but I don't know what year though. It's possible that some IDF units used the fixed 6x, and others the variable 2.5-10x.
Many of the IDF scopes were refurbished and painted flat black at some point, but the 2nd picture shows what they looked like originally - note the little yellow 'radioactive' marking to denote that the reticle originally used tritium to glow, which likely stopped glowing 15 or so years ago. Just an fyi.
 

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What a great thread here! I am yet another IDF Mauser SP66 owner here. I bought mine online from one of the gun auction sites back around 2005(?). Enclosed are a few pics. Seems to have the Photonic scope. Not the QR mount. 6x42 w Cat #. Etched component numbers.
 

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Hi Folks...

It's not marked, but I am pretty sure this is a correct Protect-O-Kaddy green case that went with the Mauser SP-66.


Looks in good shape, about commensurate with its age. The latches look right. For the price, this would make someone a nice addition to their Mauser!

Cheers,

Sirhr
 
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I was excited to find these forums and a lengthy discussion on the Israeli Mauser SP66 Sniper Rifle that I own.

Unfortunately, due to health issues I need to regrettably sell this great firearm - hopefully to someone who will appreciate it.

The FS post is here in the snipershide sale area (link below).

I’ve reached out to the admin if this post is allowable but not heard back yet. If not, admin please remove, with my apologies!

FS:
https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/fs-mauser-sp66.7148794/

SP66 Thread:

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/idf-mauser-m-66-sp.6302893/

My rifle (discussion):

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/idf-mauser-m-66-sp.6302893/page-4#post-10385655
 
If you really want to make it hard for yourself completing the rarest 66SP, here is what to look for. Zeiss in the 80'ies made a 2.5-10x52 with a large laser rangefinder mounted on top of the scope. The rangefinder had a built in servo that was coupled to the elevation turret. The system atomaticly adjusted elevation for lased range. I have been unable to find a picture of this contraption on the net.
 
If you really want to make it hard for yourself completing the rarest 66SP, here is what to look for. Zeiss in the 80'ies made a 2.5-10x52 with a large laser rangefinder mounted on top of the scope. The rangefinder had a built in servo that was coupled to the elevation turret. The system atomaticly adjusted elevation for lased range. I have been unable to find a picture of this contraption on the net.
Very interesting
Wonder if we'll see some kind of copyright litigation due to this with Vortex's new XM157?

 
I was excited to find these forums and a lengthy discussion on the Israeli Mauser SP66 Sniper Rifle that I own.

Unfortunately, due to health issues I need to regrettably sell this great firearm - hopefully to someone who will appreciate it.

The FS post is here in the snipershide sale area (link below).

I’ve reached out to the admin if this post is allowable but not heard back yet. If not, admin please remove, with my apologies!

FS:
https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/fs-mauser-sp66.7148794/

SP66 Thread:

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/idf-mauser-m-66-sp.6302893/

My rifle (discussion):

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/idf-mauser-m-66-sp.6302893/page-4#post-10385655
Bump
 
I was excited to find these forums and a lengthy discussion on the Israeli Mauser SP66 Sniper Rifle that I own.

Unfortunately, due to health issues I need to regrettably sell this great firearm - hopefully to someone who will appreciate it.

The FS post is here in the snipershide sale area (link below).

I’ve reached out to the admin if this post is allowable but not heard back yet. If not, admin please remove, with my apologies!

FS:
https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/fs-mauser-sp66.7148794/

SP66 Thread:

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/idf-mauser-m-66-sp.6302893/

My rifle (discussion):

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/idf-mauser-m-66-sp.6302893/page-4#post-10385655
Not sure why the FS link above is not linking!

Here it is reposted. Looks the same. 🤔🤷‍♂️

https://www.snipershide.com/shooting/threads/fs-mauser-sp66.7148794/
 
Wow. It's almost been a year with no updates to this thread.

While taken some pictures of my sp66 case for Troglodyte6 yesterday, I found all this under the foam inserts.
Trash, cleaning patches, shot record log, sp66 description pamphlet, old scope rubber piece and an old name tag.
After some translation. It looks like this rifle was fired 225 times out of 6000 times in 1993. and 385 times out of 6000 in 94.

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IMG_0392a.jpg


IMG_0393a.jpg


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IMG_0397a.jpg


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Good morning - hands down, this is the most informative source I've found on the Mauser M-66 SP. Prior to my simple NOOB question, I wanted to thank you all for your content. Difficult to source information for this rare model (360-500, in total).

Add me in as a grateful owner of this iconic former Italian Carabinieri rifle, from Atlantic Firearms, 4 years ago. It was in excellent shape, upon delivery, and only had a chance to oil it & store before I went overseas. Arrived home, and went to finally examine it closely. This was prior to finding this thread.

I easily removed the sliding bolt mechanism & it was well preserved (forgive me as I lack the proper technical terms).

I tried to reassemble it, unsuccesfully. I read the Mauser manual online and in this thread above. Figure #5 show armorer removing firing pin. As for assembly, it states to reverse the steps. That's it. I had planned to go to the range and waiting on someone kind enough to walk me through how to re-install the bolt carrier slide package. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Here are a couple photos, with bolt removed.

I am not sure if have to press in the firing pin (remain alert to spring tension) as I rotate the safety at rear, so it rotates the small fin pointing down. Fin is obviously blocking carrier from sliding forward. Yes, go ahead & say it, lol. I'm the numbskull that is dumbing down the gene pool. I Boy Scout promise I will educate myself further, take an armorer, find a local mentor and purchase proper tools. I need some help right now.

*Btw, I noticed the serial numbers were only 5 numbers away from the gentleman here that picked his up from the same source. I'm honored to be a student of this forum. Thank you.
 

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Good morning - hands down, this is the most informative source I've found on the Mauser M-66 SP. Prior to my simple NOOB question, I wanted to thank you all for your content. Difficult to source information for this rare model (360-500, in total).

Add me in as a grateful owner of this iconic former Italian Carabinieri rifle, from Atlantic Firearms, 4 years ago. It was in excellent shape, upon delivery, and only had a chance to oil it & store before I went overseas. Arrived home, and went to finally examine it closely. This was prior to finding this thread.

I easily removed the sliding bolt mechanism & it was well preserved (forgive me as I lack the proper technical terms).

I tried to reassemble it, unsuccesfully. I read the Mauser manual online and in this thread above. Figure #5 show armorer removing firing pin. As for assembly, it states to reverse the steps. That's it. I had planned to go to the range and waiting on someone kind enough to walk me through how to re-install the bolt carrier slide package. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Here are a couple photos, with bolt removed.

I am not sure if have to press in the firing pin (remain alert to spring tension) as I rotate the safety at rear, so it rotates the small fin pointing down. Fin is obviously blocking carrier from sliding forward. Yes, go ahead & say it, lol. I'm the numbskull that is dumbing down the gene pool. I Boy Scout promise I will educate myself further, take an armorer, find a local mentor and purchase proper tools. I need some help right now.

*Btw, I noticed the serial numbers were only 5 numbers away from the gentleman here that picked his up from the same source. I'm honored to be a student of this forum. Thank you.

YOU DISASSEMBLED THE BOLT?! You're a braver man than I. Angels fear to tread that ground.

Scan this thread to find the post @sirhrmechanic made about his work on his bolt. He's probably the only person around with the brains, skill, and (now) experience to do that correctly. If his post gives you what you need, success! And you'll be expert #2. If not, shoot him a PM, and I'm sure he can help.

Good luck! Please let us all know how it goes.
 
Wow. It's almost been a year with no updates to this thread.

While taken some pictures of my sp66 case for Troglodyte6 yesterday, I found all this under the foam inserts.
Trash, cleaning patches, shot record log, sp66 description pamphlet, old scope rubber piece and an old name tag.
After some translation. It looks like this rifle was fired 225 times out of 6000 times in 1993. and 385 times out of 6000 in 94.

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Gorlami!!!

Sirhr