My first post here and info request

I've seen some recent posts concerning GB auctions and was wondering if it's appropriate to ask for advice on a particular gun. I know the basics such as dis assembly, low#/high#, researching build dates and markings but, after reading some recent comments about some GB items, I would surely be the type of person that would get ripped off buy buying a rifle that wasn't all it seemed to be.

What I'm interested in is http://v4.beta.gunbroker.com/Auction...Item=125090851 The barrel date is consistent with the build date but I'm not too sure about the inspector stamp. Any advice would be appreciated. Sorry if I'm out of line.

Al

The inspection stamp dates from the late 1930s and is that of Stanley P. Gibbs at Springfield Armory. From the finish, I would guess the rifle has been refinished at some point.

As far as I know, it is fine to post questions or comments about an auction - it is not all right to use this forum (or any others) to "push" any item that you are selling on an auction site.

(Badger - correct me if I'm wrong!!)

Rick is right, its foul play to pimp your stuff from an auction.
but fair to ask about a rifle your thinking of buying.
the rifle in question looks pretty nice, is DHT, right before NS was used, barrel date is right, stock has been replaced at one time. his opening price is about what the gun is worth resale, didnt see if he offeres a 3 day inspection, but thats normal practice.

thanks for the replies. Something I've noticed on various GB auctions is the relationship of the serial number to the "Model 1903" above it. Should the serial number always be centered on "Model 1903". It looks like, in every case where it isn't centered, the numbers that ARE centered would be a low serial number. Is it difficult to punch an extra number in the metal? I can't believe someone would misrepresent a rifle that way.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by old_dood

thanks for the replies. Something I've noticed on various GB auctions is the relationship of the serial number to the "Model 1903" above it. Should the serial number always be centered on "Model 1903". It looks like, in every case where it isn't centered, the numbers that ARE centered would be a low serial number. Is it difficult to punch an extra number in the metal? I can't believe someone would misrepresent a rifle that way.

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In the few cases where I've paid attention, the serial number always appeared properly centered on the receiver.

The serial number on the rifle in the auction appears fine.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

Early 1920's service rifle, rare period. I'd like to have it even if it has been overhauled and swapped out. The metal and wood look nice. PD

the price exploded in the last 20 minutes. Oh well.

The serial number should be centered, within the width of a serial number digit. For many years, it has been common for people trying to sell "low number" rifles to add a "1" at the front (left) of the serial number. When you see that "1" offset to the left, alarm bells should go off.

Without getting (again!!!) into the LN, HN business, changing the number is not only fraud, it is illegal in itself and shows that the rifle is a fake, at least to that extent. But serial number fakery is rarely alone; usually other kinds of fraud (fake cartouche, fake finish, wrong stock) are seen on the same gun.

Jim

Thats the down side of asking for help,everyone in the shooting world reads these posts.Board members may be gentleman,but outsiders won"t even thank you for the tip.

I agree with Irishsteve - that is a real problem in asking for guidance on a rifle for sale. If it is a good deal, it will be gobbled up. I remember a few months ago, I was bidding on a low numbered Rock Island on Gunbroker and someone decided to "congratulate" me with like 20 minutes left in the auction, giving the auction number and everything on the M1903 forum! Needless to say, I was outbid!

Fortunately, it later turned out the rifle on GB had problems and I was glad I hadn't won.