You make a very valid point. I saw a mk4 today that had been sported, and as beautiful as it was, it had been to far modified to restore. I'm always on the look out for unmodified surplus mk 4's. As for my Ishapore, I think I'll leave it be for now. If I do modify it, it will be nothing serious. Unfortunately, the barrel has been cut into along the top for some reason, and has grind marks on it also. It will never truly be an intact rifle.