Well, the local gun shop had a lonely looking m69 on the rack and the price was reasonable at $85 (hey, no shipping at least!) and so, it came home with me. I probably wouldn't have bought it if I hadn't read so many good reports here, so thanks!
It's marked UMC2 on the barrel over 1970 with the usual plethora of proof, inspection, acceptance, etc. marks all over the sides of the base of the barrel.
It has an unmarked (original?) magazine and the serials match. It also has a stylish brown vulcanized sling attached - pretty cheesy, but I am sure original. It also has the sight hood present. Seems to be complete in all regards. No cleaning kit in the buttstock though - but that's probably normal. Stock is the normal "been there, done that" milsurp stock - in good shape with some dings. Will clean up nice if I decide to refinish it.
Upon closer inspection, I found that the firing pin was sticking and that the machining rail is of the narrow type. I'm not too concerned with the rail as the flip-up sights are really pretty nice, but the firing pin had to be addressed...
I fixed the firing pin issue by disassembling the bolt (the safety didn't want to come off and I had to tap it off with a brass hammer - same thing to get it back together). Cleaned and polished everything up and that took care of the sticky pin. I won't be taking it apart again though if I can help it
Decided to test it out in my shop with some CB's which sound like a pellet gun when fired. It shot a little low at about 7 yards but windage was perfect (used the 25 yard sight) and the group was nice and round - a good sign. The lower elevation is to be expected with the low vel CB's.
You know, in spite of their low velocity, those little CB's easily penetrated a 3/4" pine board and lodged about 1/4" into the 2x6 I put behind it. Plenty good to dispatch unwanted four-legged visitors in the back yard - without alarming the neighbors.
Overall, I am happy with it - but I feel sorry for the poor sap that gets one like this and doesn't have a clue how to work on it
It's marked UMC2 on the barrel over 1970 with the usual plethora of proof, inspection, acceptance, etc. marks all over the sides of the base of the barrel.
It has an unmarked (original?) magazine and the serials match. It also has a stylish brown vulcanized sling attached - pretty cheesy, but I am sure original. It also has the sight hood present. Seems to be complete in all regards. No cleaning kit in the buttstock though - but that's probably normal. Stock is the normal "been there, done that" milsurp stock - in good shape with some dings. Will clean up nice if I decide to refinish it.
Upon closer inspection, I found that the firing pin was sticking and that the machining rail is of the narrow type. I'm not too concerned with the rail as the flip-up sights are really pretty nice, but the firing pin had to be addressed...
I fixed the firing pin issue by disassembling the bolt (the safety didn't want to come off and I had to tap it off with a brass hammer - same thing to get it back together). Cleaned and polished everything up and that took care of the sticky pin. I won't be taking it apart again though if I can help it
Decided to test it out in my shop with some CB's which sound like a pellet gun when fired. It shot a little low at about 7 yards but windage was perfect (used the 25 yard sight) and the group was nice and round - a good sign. The lower elevation is to be expected with the low vel CB's.
You know, in spite of their low velocity, those little CB's easily penetrated a 3/4" pine board and lodged about 1/4" into the 2x6 I put behind it. Plenty good to dispatch unwanted four-legged visitors in the back yard - without alarming the neighbors.
Overall, I am happy with it - but I feel sorry for the poor sap that gets one like this and doesn't have a clue how to work on it
"Only those are fit to live who do not fear to die; and none are fit to die who have shrunk from the joy of life and the duty of life. Both life and death are parts of the same Great Adventure." - Theodore Roosevelt
NRA & NAHC Life Member
NRA & NAHC Life Member
