Dig this pic of some grafiti on a VZ stock...

[Ezra Coli]

A rrecent purchase has me swamped in cleanup right now, but the VZ-52 stock has some neat stuff on it.

What are the chances this is from some Cuban dude who ended up in Africa? The words say "EL CAMPION" with the accent on the "o", and has a crucifix on a hill. El Campion is spanish for "The Champion", or Christ. On the other side are three initials. Sure, it could be just some bubba's markings, but judging from the crud and looks of the stock, they appear authentic. Even so, at least I can dream...

Neat to have a rifle with character, huh?

http://www.gunsnet.net/album/data/500/4868elcampion.jpg

[awp101]

Neat!:up:

I have a friend who looks for stuff like that.

He'll take a "personalized" one like that over a mint specimen almost every time.

[swingset]

Originally posted by awp101
Neat!:up:

I have a friend who looks for stuff like that.

He'll take a "personalized" one like that over a mint specimen almost every time.

I'm the same way. The real upside is that "collectors" into the monetary value of their pieces won't touch them, and so the price is often much lower to get one with some character on it.

I like unit markings and the like too, anything that puts it at a specific place or time.

One of my favorite rifles is a beater K98k with the name Mitta carved in it, I assume it's a sweetheart's name.