Sounds like more trouble than it is worth.
I thought maybe I could clean it up without hurting the value and keep as a collector but if the sites are rusted that will be a problem.
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Sounds like more trouble than it is worth.
I thought maybe I could clean it up without hurting the value and keep as a collector but if the sites are rusted that will be a problem.
In the military vehicle collection circles we would call it a "driver, depot ready". Get it functionally operational and shoot it, in a mass of pristine carbines it will get a few glances and comments that it is very cool. I like the sling, flat top bolt, no bayonet lug, push safety, flipper sight. Could it mean a bring back that slipped past the upgrades. Sure an un-issued carbine is nice, but all my mil-surps have been issued, and issued, and issued....
maxim
I looked at this one over on GB too. I do believe it's an as issued Winchester carbine, including the stock. I've seen worse looking carbines in original condition like this one go for a little less than the starting price and even a little more if you believe it. Personally, if I had two grand to burn, I'd probably already bought it. It's not necessarily a parts gun, but neither is it a top notch collectible either, although some may disagree with that.
Finally, and from looking way too many times at the pictures, I am guessing this carbine has a combination of rust, dried oils/ cosmoline and just general handling dirt on it. IMHO, I doubt it would clean up that well and look that much better.
I would buy that Carbine in a Heart Beat. You can't lose once you clean it up or send it to have someone do it. Even if inside the barrel is rough I would still buy it.
OK, add some facts. The barrel is NOT rusty and gages a 1.
The bore is rated a 9 out of 10 by the seller and he would give me a 3 day non firing inspection period..
The seller wants $2,000 for the rifle.
I am told the original owner put shellac or varnish on the receiver and some of the other metal parts.
Now would you buy it?
Well, since you're asking:Quote:
Originally Posted by Anton67
No I would not. It is a tatty example of a gun made by the million. It has no rarity value that I can see.
I accept that you are operating in a market with other price levels. They seem crazy to me.
The gun is not worth the asking price. But it is a desirable piece. Most of what I see on it is Boiled Linseed Oil, Tung Oil or some other kind of varnish, easy to clean. Many stocks were cracked behind the recoil plate from shooting grenade-launcher rounds. The fix for that is easy, fast, cheap and permanent; take the recoil plate out - soak Super Glue into the crack for a few minutes until it reaches the point of refusal, when the stock has absorbed all it is going to and the crack is full of glue. The next day it's finished. Remove any excess SG with Acetone and replace the recoil plate. I would start the clean up with alcohol from the hardware store, not the drug store. Anything that doesn't get will require the Acetone. Do not use any abrasives, steel wool, etc. Wipe the stock down with the alcohol. I would not be thinking about any refinishing until it's all clean and you can see what it really is. Some areas sure look like rust. If areas of it are rusty, it may be necessary to refinish it. But you don't pay even $1000 for a carbine that should be refinished.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anton67
Sellers tend to rate stuff on the high $$$ side, like that price! It might clean up OK, then again... Were it me, I wouldn't pay $400 for it, there are better rifles on CMP & GB every day!
Russ
I've got a friend with the same initials carved on the left side of that stock - might be the perfect carbine for him! :cheers: - Bob
This piece looks original but metal condition is very suspect. I would pass. Remember rare expensive junk will always be junk. IMHO