Import Marks

[kenwest516]

Just curious. What are your thoughts on import marks? I know most colectors don't want anything to do with them. I really don't mind them. In a way they add to the history of the firearm. Just as any other stamp does even though it wasn't done by any military. I don't like the reason they are there,but I won't pass something up because of them. Think about it. Would most of you pass on a good looking date because of a bad looking tattoo? I know I won't.

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[armabill]

Depends on where and how it's put on. A bill board type import mark that's plastered all of the slide or elsewhere, no I wouldn't buy it. A discreet one, yes I'd buy it.

[Peter Laidler]

I have to say that when it came to that date with the tattooed lady you're talking about, then I think I'd just have to pass.........

Unlike the import or proof marks are what they are. A newspaper article just summed up them tattoos on women nicely. Not only do they say where you're from, but they say where you ain't going! Not my words of course.........

[Ironnewt]

I have purchased a few mil surps that have the import info underneath the barrel at the muzzle and the "New" serial number stamped in the breech area so that it is only visible when the bolt is open and retracted. I feel this is a much better set up than the 'dot matrix' bill boards that are all over the barrels and breeches and not even straight. I understand why these 'new' serials are necessary but I wish importers would be consistant and make their makes as unobtrusive as possible.

[VinnAY]

I rub a little cold blue over any import marks and find them to not be so prominent.

[AZPhil]

I have to say that when it came to that date with the tattooed lady

Oh Lydia Oh Lydia the tattooed lady,
I had that song stuck in my head today driving to work after I saw a BIG woman driving next to me with tat's covering her arms and then I read your post
Sorry I just couldn't help myself!

[HOOKED ON HISTORY]

I will not back up a bit from a Milsurp with a tramp stamp but a date "Not only do they say where you're from, but they say where you ain't going!" Peters quote sums it up pretty well. I never understood the tat thing.

[Bill Hollinger]

I don't like to see them but I don't get wrapped around the axle if it has one unless it's a Blue Sky applied so deep it can be read on the other side of the barrel

[Clash77]

Import stamps don't bother me too much unless it's plastered all over the gun, covers up original markings, or it's a US firearm.

[Brian Dick]

When it comes to British and Commonwealth firearms, some of the finest examples that were imported came straight from War Reserve stores in the late 1980's and early 90's. To pass them up because they have post 1968 import marks present is just plain stupid in my humble opinion. Many of the non-obsolete firearms that were surplused prior to 1968 were sold off for a reason. Mainly because they failed an inspection or gauging. It's called culling and it's a fact. I know that many collectors are anal about import marks but they choose to ignore the facts.