And I made it!! While waiting for the call to work a while back, I was cruising the auctions - like I really shouldn't - and saw this 1870/87 Vetterli in sportered condition. The stock was clearly junk, but the metal looked good so I went for the modest minimum bid and got it a few days later.
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The bore was perfect! Looking at my 6,5 Vetterlis, I took one with a plug welded in the bore but a decent stock. It took a little planning and mucho hand fitting, but this is the net result. Yes, it's a fabrication, but I feel it's a lot easier to gaze upon than the chopped original.
Functions just fine! Feeds and ejects just like the others leaning against the wall! Haven't fired it yet, but soon!
It's 95% done - I need to apply a little stain around the nose cap. The front barrel band is just mocked up for the pic. I haven't decided whether to leave it or not. Looks okay either way.
A caveat for others wanting to make a "Fabb. d'Haystack" Vetterli: 10.4 and 6,5 stocks are not all the same size. Measure carefully before jumping in. I didn't but was able to make it work. Notice not as much of the magazine shows in the Fabb. Works just fine now - took some fitting.
Note for n00b collectors: notice also there is no bayonet lug. If there's no bayonet lug, it's a fabrication. I'm not saying you shouldn't buy one - just don't pay through the nose for something advertised as
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