Odd you should bring up the .43 Egyptian. I almost caved the other day when a Rolling Block .43 Spanish showed up on the used rack at a local store, in good shape with a very shiny bore. But which .43 Spanish cartridge is it chambered in, and which version is the most obsolete? I'm not put off by having to jump through some hoops to handload some older cartridge, but after some research this one looked like more of PITA than it was worth.
My first center-fire rifle was a 7X57mm rolling block I ordered from Golden State Arms in 1956 for $7.97 plus shipping (about $3). It was in crummy shape with all the grease/cosmoline spread on it. I spent many pleasant hours cleaning it and re-finishing the stock and fore-end with tung oil. The barrel exterior is pitted (none of these South American rifles were very well cared for) but the bore is pristine.
I take it to the range 3-4 time a year and it takes me back 55 years! Lots of fun!
