I picked up an old Carl Gustaf that's all original with matching numbers the other day and since it's not worth much money I was thinking about turning it into a sporter. I'm thinking just a polish and reblue, a nice stock, trigger, and a scout scope mount. There are tons of books out there about these rifles but I was hoping to get some opinions from someone who has done this. So do you think it's worth it or should I just leave it original?

Some people who collect C&R weapons would be very angry with you about doing anything to an old weapon. But it is your rifle, and it is for your enjoyment so do whatever you want. My brother sporterized his Czech Mauser and it is more comfortable to shoot. It is easy to get a synthetic stock and put it on one. Basically just do whatever you want, its your rifle.

I thought about that and all the things I'd like to do would be easily reversible except for the reblue.

And possibly the scope mount. On something like a Mauser you want a sturdy mount, they kick a lot. My brother had to have it drilled and tapped by a gunsmith.

The scout mount replaces the rear flip up site with no gunsmithing required, so it says. I had the headspace checked before I shot the 6.5 and when I did get to shoot it I was shocked that it didn't kick even with a metal buttpad. I had an 8mm when I was in Germany and that one kicked pretty good.

Yeah, the 8mm kicks hard. 6.5mm shouldn't be too bad with a long rifle. I've seen those sight mounts and they are actually pretty sturdy on smaller caliber guns.