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R. Sauer Enterprises A site about myself and my projects

Firearms

My love of firearms goes back to the days of shooting in the backyard with my Grandfather. I started off "plinking" with a lever action .22 rifle under his supervision and eventually worked my way up to shooting skeet with one of the 12 guage shot-guns. We would always finish off our day by spending hours in the den cleaning the guns. To this day the smell of gun oil reminds me of my times with him.

In highschool I joined the rifle team and learned to compete using the Anschutz .22 rifle. The range was the standard 50 feet between myself and the target and from the day I started I was able to destroy the center of the "bulls eye". After years of highschool competition I was offered the oportunity to compete in the National Rifle Matches held at Camp Perry Ohio while representing the state of Connecticut. For those of you unfamiliar with the National Matches, it is the pinacle of marksmanship. While competing I met members of the Navy Seals, Marine Corp. Shooting Team, Army Rangers, and numerous other international shooting teams. I even met Carlos Hathcock, the Marine whose performance as a sniper in Vietnam and instructor in the Marines, did more for military sharpshooting in the US than any other individual (in my opinion).

My weapons were the M14 and M1 Garand 30-06 with iron sites (no scope) and the maximum distance to the target was 1000 yards. It was here that I learned to compensate for weather conditions by watching the mirage and refined my breathing technique. I went on to compete in the National Matches a few times and eventually was allowed to shoot with the Marine Corp. Shooting Team. Once while shooting with them the firing pin on my M14 broke in the middle of a match. The armorer took my weapon, replaced the firing pin, and returned it in time for me to complete the match. I was in awe.

Marksmanship Awards I have recieved include the following...

NRA Junior Championship NE US 1988, NRA Junior Sharpshooter qualification

NE Divisional Conference Champions (our school team)

US Marine Corp. Sharpshooter qualification M14 1989

US Army Sharpshooter qualification M16, M14, hand grenade 1989+ (also maintained during time in service)

My current collection includes the following firearms...

1916 Lee Enfield SMLE Mk. III serial number 86874 (not field refurbished) semi-restored and functional

1944 Lee Enfield SMLE No5 Mk4 (marked U.S. Property) sporterised with floating barrel and glass bedding

Chinese SKS assault rifle 7.62 with composite stock (black), sniper scope with "B-square" mount, ported barrel

Sheridan model C9 .20 cal. pellet rifle

Marksman model 1790 .177 cal. pellet rifle

CVA 1861 Colt Navy Revolver .45 cal. black powder (built from kit)

1900's vintage Webley Bull Dog restored (still researching)

Restoration projects are always welcome in my shop and I am always looking for another. I can refinish metalwork and stocks while maintaining the value and appearance of an antique firearm. My favorite method for reconditioning Enfield stocks is to strip it using laquer thinner, soak it in a tub of warm water to raise any dents, a light sanding to remove "hairs", and 2 applications of hand rubbed linseed oil. This results in a finish that is correct for the period and a better looking weapon.