I think the longer the war went on the less they were inclined to serial number everything so not a real issue.
Given the choice between the two, I'd go with the one with the mum. Bayonets will cost minimum of $70 if you're lucky.
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I think the longer the war went on the less they were inclined to serial number everything so not a real issue.
Given the choice between the two, I'd go with the one with the mum. Bayonets will cost minimum of $70 if you're lucky.
You are right. turns out that the series 32 stopped putting serial numbers on the bayonet lug.Quote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
unfortunately, the one with the mum was sold 5 minutes before i went on the site, so I guess i am back to the first one. considering that the man is willing to sell it to me for $350 and pay for shipping, it is a very tempting offer.
I looking online, and I saw this Arisaka. The description says that there has been no work on it, but the stock has me a little cautious. Anyone here want to help me to tell if it has been sanded or refinished?
To me, it doesn't look like it's been worked on, but you guys here know more about it than me.
Looks good to me.
Looks pretty good here too, nice barrel. Doesn't look messed with other than the mum.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
Yeah you guys are right. The reason why it looked so much lighter was because of hte lighting. Some close-ups showed that it was the typical red finish on the stock. Looks like I will be able to cross Imperial Japan off my list if I manage to snag this one. Next will be Nationalist China or Italy.Quote:
Originally Posted by browningautorifle
Italy is simple and cheap. Nationalist China will be a real challenge unless you are acceptable to having a wall hanger because that's what most of them are. They will fire but the barrels are mostly all shot out. I have a wall hanger, Hanyang 88 but would like a nice Chinese produced mauser.
Omega Weapons Systems might have some Chiang Kai Sheks Mausers left, they were $150 each shipped. I'm sure they are trashed and in wall hanger condition (may be even in nice shape due to dubious metallurgy) but in terms of an easy source for Nationalist Chinese weapons probably only option. Springfield Sporters did mention having some Hanyang 88s in similar condition that were cheap when they last opened their show room, but they didn't open it this year though it looks like they may be doing it next year.
Well, it has been a while, but i went to my usual surplus store and saw a MAS 49/56 for sale. They were asking for about 750 for it. It looked to be in good condition and didn't appear to have any problems. What do you guys think?
I personally think they are pretty cool rifles. I don't know the value in America, but that is the approximate value (after exchange rate is calculated) in Canada. One thing I know to look for is if it is in the original 7.5x54 instead of being one of the 7.62 Nato dealer conversions. The reason being is some weren't done very well and that can lead to issues.
If it is not in its original caliber, forget it. Don't even THINK about it for a moment. Unless it is one of the few actually made in 7.62 NATO by the French, those are fine. Whoever imported these, I think Century, and then converted them did a miserable job of it. From all personal accounts I've read, they don't function correctly and take some significant work to get them to do so.
That being said, I think the price is way high. I'd do a good Gunbroker check but I'm thinking these are in the $500-$600 range at present. I could be wrong. I forget what I paid for mine but it was way under that, somewhere in the $300-$400 range but that was 4-5 years ago. Great gun to shoot, very smooth, handles and works well. One of the few of mine that I actually have fired. Ammo is available in limited surplus but PPU makes it and it's the usual PPU pricing, $15-$18 a box so reasonable.
Thank for the input. It was in the original 7.5mm, which was why I was wondering if it was a decent price. I know to stay away from the .308 ones by Century Arms since they have a bad reputation.Quote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
I did do a search on gunbroker and they all seemed to be asking for more than what the store was asking for. There was one man selling a .308 MAS that had been converted by Century Arms, but had the problems fixed. Not sure about that, especially since he mentioned that there is a crack on the gas block, according to him
Don't confuse what they are asking to what they are selling for. Most of those rifles will never sell for those prices. Check their sold records. That's the going rate.
thanks again for hte assistance. I'll try to see what I can find. I might try going for a Garand, if i can find one for a decent price. Most of what i am seeing is asking for over a grand for one. IS that the normal asking price?
Shooter grade Garands can still be found around $800, sometimes even less with individual sales. Better Garands, those that are mostly USGI parts, etc in good condition are typically in the $1000-$1200 range at the shows. If you are patient, shop the classifieds hard, you might find one for $600 but they are getting few and far between.
I was searching online and i found a man who was selling an Arisaka Type 99 for $400, with the mum in tact. From the description he gave me, all the numbers matched, minus those on the dustcover, which doesn't really matter to me.
From the pictures, it almost looks too good, and I wanted the opinion of you guys. I can't tell of the bluing has been redone or if hte stock has been refinished, so any help would be appreciated.
I got my Garand a year or so ago on Gunbroker for about $800. I got very lucky by gambling on some pretty poor quality pictures and getting one in VERY nice shape.
Gunbroker's "Saved Search" functionality is a decent tool for snagging deals. Just check your searches as you drink your coffee in the morning and you'll hit on one soon.
Just an FYI, to search for the listings that actually sold on Gunbroker, hit "advanced" next to the search button, go to the completed items tab, search for what you'd like, and refine for "No Reserve." Then it's simply a matter of sorting the results with bids. With no reserve, anything with a bid has sold.
Your mileage may vary but that's how this ol' boy has made some educated buys.
Dust cover is possibly a Type 38s as it looks like the receiver is slightly discoloured above the gas vent hole. Not a big deal, just the Type 38 dust cover shouldn't be used with the Type 99 as it is slightly longer and will block the gas vent.
Thanks for pointing the dustcover out. I never would have noticed that. I managed to learn the the stock has the original finish, though the bluing still makes me wonder if it perhaps isn't original.
I didn't think the 38 cover would fit on the 99. Never checked. Rifle looks good to me. Stock is in great shape so why not the metal also. Wood gets beat up faster than metal.
See the crack behind the recoil lug to the mag well? Don't plan on shooting this one.
All I see is a very minor handling scratch in the stock similar to the one higher and to the right.
Nah, that's a hairline crack. it's classic on Mauser actions for them to crack the stock right in that spot. Ahhh, it's his money.
I don't see the crack that you are talking about. Can you point it out to me, because I don't see itQuote:
Originally Posted by WarPig1976
Look at the recoil lug, that large round screw type thing in the side of the stock. There is an irregular line starting in the 5 (clock) position and going down and to the right. He thinks it's a crack, I think it's just a handling mark. Wouldn't hurt to ask the seller. Based on the overall condition of the rifle, looking in nearly unused condition, I find a crack unlikely but Warpig isn't a novice with rifle stocks so I'm not fully discounting his opinion either.
Thanks for pointing that out to me. I sent him a message with the picture pointing out where it is. I hope that it's not a crack but we shall find out
Just got a message back from him. He took a closer look at it and he says that it is a scratch. Here's a picture with a better angle
Attachment 86764
It also appears to be a Series 24, which makes me thing that the mono-pod that is attached to it might have been added afterward. If i do get this, i will probably have it removed, but keep it with my other WWII memorabilia.
Still, i could be wrong. The metal doesn't look like it has been stamped properly since they apear only partial so it is a little difficult for me to tell.
Not the first time I've been wrong. At least it's a good thing this time..:)
Well, I thank you for bringing that up. I now have another question to ask before purchasing firearms with wooden stocks to make sure that I get a good deal.Quote:
Originally Posted by WarPig1976
What do you guys think would be the "do not pay more than this" amount?
Neah....neah....neahh....NEAHH...neahhhhQuote:
Originally Posted by WarPig1976
---------- Post added at 07:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:49 PM ----------
Sorry, got side tracked there for a moment.
"do not pay more than this amount" in relation to what?
On this rifle, $400 is a good deal. Condition is everything and this one is pretty nice. So long as it's original. Awful lot of work put into this if it isn't to make a little more.
You just couldn't help yourself huh?Quote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
Like this rifle, how much would be the maximum? And if i cannot get this one, what about others that are in rougher shape? I know that those with the mum and without it can have a difference in price by 100, but I was curious for any other details
If I could hold it in my hands and examine it and it looks like it does in the photos, I'd pay the $400 no problem. I paid that for one in lesser condition last winter. All others depends on condition, matching parts, etc. Going rate for any 99 seems to be around $300 these days. I have guys swearing they are a lot less than that But I'm not seeing them.
A bit off topic, but it must be about time for another aragorn243 restoration thread. :) . Any projects on the horizon?
Not really. I have three long term projects going that are all sort of sitting at the moment. The Gahendra rifle is nearly complete but needs a new hammer spring and a little more color matching of the patches. The Ecuador 88 needs a new tip added to the stock and still working on the end cap. And the third I'm not sure if I mentioned or not is an Italian Carcano that is most likely an imported semi-sporterized rifle. It has an odd length barrel which I did bring up on another thread somewhere. It has a couple of spot welds in the chamber to get out and some minor work on the stock to get a front band to fit. This is a $40 rifle I picked up a few months ago. In great shape, no idea why they de-milled it other than the guy said it was hanging on a wall in a bar. Just not really anything to show with all three, internal work is pretty much what they need. The last few shows I attended were very weak in milsurps and my recent purchases have not needed restoration.Quote:
Originally Posted by henry r
Well, I missed my chance to get two Arisaka's for a decent price, but it seems that everytime that I miss one, another pops up.
The one I am looking at right now is going for a little over $400. Numbers match according to hte description, but I am asking for conformation on that, and there is no mum. According to hte description,
"The wood has scars and dings from handling but no cracks. Some of the screw heads have stripped a little bit but can still be moved for they aren't frozen. There seems to be a patch job in the stock of some sort but seems to be the same age as the rifle. There are spots of surface rust and past rust. There are some areas of pitting but nothing major. The rear sight does not have the "aircraft arms" and the cleaning rod is missing. The rifling/bore are chrome lined and are both in good condition."
The patch job is what I am curious about, and I wanted to know from you guys if it would be worth it to try and fix that to where the sling mount can be attached, or if I should just leave it.
It also some with a bayonet for it, that is still in good shape. The scabbard has rust on it though.
So what do you guys think? Is it good, or would it be better to wait for something in better condition to come around?
Run from this one. No mum, no cleaning rod, missing sling swivel, not worth anywhere near $400 let alone more. The patch job is where the real sling swivel belongs and shouldn't be there.
thanks for the advice. I was sort of cautious about this one. I'll wait until another one comes around with a mum and at least complete
Just a question for everyone, but does anyone know what is a decent price for a MAS 36? There is one in a store that I am interested in and I wanted you guys opinion.
Nevermind. I found the price today for a MAS 36.Quote:
Originally Posted by I.H.1989
I did find a Mauser for a Chinese Contract that was being sold for $375. According to the description, the serial numbers don't match and the metal finish is 75% thinning bluing, turning brown. There is scattered light pitting, but has "good shiny rifling and dark grooves". The stock appeared good and there appeared to be an arsenal repair.
Since you guys have been so helpful in this, I wanted to know if you think if I should go for this one, or just leave it be.
Just me but that isn't a "true" Chinese mauser so I'd pass. It is an export rifle to China. Basically the same thing but not Chinese made.
Yes, I knew that it was an export to China from Germany. You think that the man selling this is asking for too much?Quote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
I have seen real Chinese mausers for sale for a little over $180, but they are sold out of a bin and are mainly project guns, so I don't know what I would be getting until i get it in the mail.
I really can't answer if it is too high or not. If I found a nice Chinese made one for that price, I'd probably pay it. The biggest problem with these is the bore. Most are shot out which is why they sell for so less. I have a Hanyang that I can drop a bullet through the barrel it's worn so badly. I don't know that most collectors care if it is an export rifle or a local produced rifle, all Chinese mausers in good condition are relatively rare and this one has the typical markings and looks good.
I've read about how the Chinese fired them until they no longer could.
I managed to get an email from the man saying that there was no active rust, just pitting. He also said that the rifling is shiny and sharp, no pitting. The grooves are a bit darker, not shiny, but clean. The rifling is worn at the muzzle end. I am probably going to post this question on another forum as well to see if there is any other information that I can learn from this. I have managed to find that this rifle was used by both the ROC and PRC, which i think is a interesting piece of history
IT seems that fate enjoys toying with me, since not only have I found a Chinese Mauser, I have also found another Arisaka 99 , with a bayonet, but no scabbard.
All of the serial numbers on the bolt, receiver, and it comes with the anti-air sights, but no cleaning rod, and there is no serial number on the bayonet lug. It also appears to be a Series 20 rifle, which would make this a little weirs since that was built in 1941, and I thought that serial numbers were not put on the bayonet lug later in the war.
Anyhow, the asking price is $395, which seems a little high, but I could use a second opinion on this.
I'd say a bit high.
I'm going to see if perhaps the man would be willing to lower the price some. You guys think that $350 seems more reasonable?
While waiting to try and find an Arisaka, I was offered a Chinese Contract FN m30 Mauser.
Pretty sure he misidentified it as a k98, but the description that he gave for it was:
"Belgian Fabrique National (FN) 8mm mauser, exported to China in the early 1930,s. Serial no 588, in the first batch. This rifle has been through WWII, the Chinese Civil War, and served in Chiang's and Mao's Chinese Militia. Stock marks can describe. Mismatched bolt, otherwise all original, 588 on the barrel. Rough overall, pitting along the stock line. Bore is dark but with prominent rifling. Crisp, smooth FN action. Overall a very sturdy and collectible rifle."
He also told me in an email that there are no chinese markings on the metal, just the stamping on the stock. What i find weird is that there is no date under the crest, like i have seen on others. Not sure if this was something that the Belgians did or not.
Anyhow, the man has offered to sell it to me for $300. It seems a little high for me, but then again, I have very little experience with Chinese firearms from WWII, so any help that you guys can give would be appreciated.
Was looking at MAS 36s when i found this one online. Man was selling it for $400, which seems a little high to me, but I am not very knowledgeable for these rifles. Can anyone here tell me more about this rifle from the pictures that I have posted?
Post war rifle that did not go through a refurbishment. Tend to be a bit more desirable than those that did go through the refurbishment but not as desired as a pre war rifle.
Thank for that info. I am trying to see what block the MAS was built in, but i can't seem to ID it. the cursive letter should designate what block it was, but I cannot seem to find it. It looks like a cursive "T" but that doesn't appear in the listing at all from what I have researched. Maybe I am misinterpreting it, but I could use a second pair of eyes to tellme what it is.Quote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
I would also call that a "T" which according to online sources wasn't produced as they went to double letters after "Q" which really doesn't make a ton of sense. Seems they did continue at least to "T" which would put production sometime after 1950.
I think i might have found an Arisaka, but I am having trouble what kind of bolt is has. It looks like one of the earlier ones, but it looks worn and is difficult for me to tell. It does have matching serial numbers and hte mum, so any help would be appreciated.
Looks like a late war welded safety to me. Not the best of pics however.
I asked him about that safety knob and this is what he explained to me:
"I am not positive if it is "last ditch", but the safety has very light knurling.
It has a couple of the features of a "Last Ditch"; no front sight hood, simplified rear barrel band.
But most features are of the earlier rifles; well machined barrel, complex front barrel band, complex rear sight, better wood, steel butt plate, knurled safety."
Question for anyone who reads, but does this stock look refinished?
Yes, looks it to me.
Yes...Quote:
Originally Posted by I.H.1989
I have been looking constantly, and I found an Arisaka that I might be getting, but I need the judgement of everyone here to help me out. The man wants $325 for it, and from what he has told me, the serial numbers match on the bolt and receiver, but there is none on the forward bayonet lug, which if i remember correctly is something that became common as the war progressed. Also, this rifle has a mum on it htat is not defaced.
Overall, it looks good to me, but he has told me that there is pitting and the blueing looks like it is gone on the receiver, but it is hard for me to tell
I'd offer him $275 and see if he'll split the difference at $300. Receiver and bolt both look finish worn. Finish on stock looks worn also but all in all not a bad example, especially if it all matches.
thanks for hte input. I'll see if he'll accept it. If not, I've been looking for a Carcano and MAS 36s to try and find ones at a decent price. I managed to find a price range for the MAS, but I am having difficulty with CarcanosQuote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
Carcano's are all over the place. Many reasons, quite a few different types being one and some guys thinking they arent worth much to those that are starting to collect them. A 91 is probably the most expensive, good ones start around $400. 38's next averaging today around $300, then the carbines with the folding bayonets, then everything else. Find the right guy and you can still get any of them for $100 but that is getting harder and harder these days. Two different calibers for the carbines and 38's. Vast majority will fall between $200-$300.
I actually thought that he would be insulted by offering 275, but i offered $300 and he said he would accept it. I honestly didn't think he would. If i had know that, i would have gone lower, lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
I did get a little more information on the rifle from him: "Gun shoots fine and pitting is lite/medium but can be found on all the metal surfaces around the action area and trigger guard area."
I am unsure if this will be the best offer i would get for a while, but I will defer to the judgement of others on here. Would it be a good idea to purchase it, or wait until one in better condition comes up?
I get the impression you’re a younger guy (no offense intended as you will see).
I’d wager that I’m even younger than you! Personally, I play that in my favor when I’m buying my guns. If I’m right in my assumption, you’ll have this gun for a loooooong time. $300 now is nothing. When I first starting collecting C&R guns, Mosins were $99...see what I mean?
Besides, Japanese guns are undervalued..at least I think they are. The Arisaka is a fine and super tough action absolutely steeped in history. Maybe not all good history but that doesn’t stop folks from going gaga over 98Ks.
My personal feelings, you made an offer, he accepted. The deal is done unless he's hiding something about the gun. I don't back out on deals. That being said, I think it's an OK deal or I wouldn't have recommended it. Never worry about offering too little however, it's part of the rifle world. They can always say no. If they laugh at you and act offended, walk away. I have made offers of half what they are asking. Been accepted once and laughed at once. But the laughing dude was way overpriced and I knew it and had no interest in dealing with him.
Yeah, I am a "younger guy" but ot sure if i am younger than you. I did get my first Mosin at the same price that you mention, and it came with the bayonet, cleaning kit, and bayonet lugQuote:
Originally Posted by rcathey
Well, thank you for your input. I think i will get hte rifle, nad I will be sure to post some pictures of it when i get it. I just have to hope that the man hasn't sold it between not and the next time we get in touch.Quote:
Originally Posted by Aragorn243
The good ol' days. I don't even own a Mosin anymore but I'd take a couple of the Nagant revolvers if I could find those at $99 again!Quote:
Originally Posted by I.H.1989
K31 whenever you spot one as they are probably less made than well known rifles and they will hold their value. You don't need tp be concerned about corrosive ammo..
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