ok, great I may go that route, thanks for your help.
---------- Post added at 08:20 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:18 PM ----------
thanks for this tip I may just do it.
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Another option would be to get a C stock from the CMP for $165+ $8 shipping. I bought one last month and it looks nice, I just bought a S stock from this afternoon for the same price. This stock is made by Boyds and there are some floating around that were made in Italy.
thanks for this tip I may just do it.[/QUOTE]
Yes the gun will be more valuable if as many parts as possible are in the original condition. In the case of the Model M1903A4 they remained in military service for decades and large percentage were rebuilt/refinished at government facilities. So while a completely un-rebuilt example will be at the top of the value pyramid a decent rebuilt rifle is the next best thing.
Having examined the pictures of your rifle I think it would be a bad idea to refinish any of the metal parts.
If you can afford them get an original A4 stock, original ¾" Redfield rings and an original M73B1 Telescopic sight. The total investment will be about $2000. to $2300. But when assembled your rifle will be worth $4,500. +.
You are ahead of most people in that you have the original barreled action and bolt. If its within your means a real restoration would be worthwhile IMO.
Also many of the aftermarket stocks are not notched for the A4 bolt handle. While it may appear to be a simple woodworking project trust me it's not. Most of the home brew conversions look like a dog's breakfast.
Regards,
Jim
Thanks Jim for chiming in it means a lot and you are right, the end value would be worth it. I may hold on for a while and keep searching, I am afraid of also buying a stock that isn't legit and paying to much and for nothing. I am no expert but am learning. It isn't hurting anything now and maybe fun to start looking and give me something to do. You are right about the stocks not being notch and judging from the butcher job on my stock, which I had no part of, it could end up looking horrible too, I guess. who knows maybe I will luck out and find one at decent price. I really have to find one though that was actually a sniper and has the markings, which I mean stamps? I found one on ebay that had the cutout for bolt for $700 but only like two markings and think it needs to have more, and another one that didn't have any but was did have cut out and said unissued, but don't I have to have the correct marked stock?
nothing wrong with the original finish on that rifle...
leave it.. oil the rifle, find the correct parts.. locate a correct scope..
Some times that attractive greenish color, at least to me it is attractive, of the metal may be the result of having been originally stored with cosomoline on the metal and which chemicals have a habit of tinting a light grayish parkerized metal to a greenish tint after awhile. Be careful, as using a degreaser or a metal cleaner, such as Acetone on the metal, will instantly return the metal back to that light grayish color it was born with. Ask me about how I know. Using a gun oil should be ok to clean that grease. Ray