Restamped Serial Number Question

[frankderrico]

I looked at a Wichester today that had the serial number restamped in front of the rear sight. I know they did this during rebuilds, but was wondering how this affects value? Actually the orignal ser.# was very readable, so I'm not sure why it was restamped. It is a RIA rebuild. Nice rifle, no import marks, first block Winchester and am considering it. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks.....Frank

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[DaveHH]

With the flip sight, number placement wasn't much of an issue, but when the adjustable sight was fitted it sometimes obscured part or all of the serial number. The first option was to apply white marking to improve readability, if this wasn't sufficient, the carbine was restamped. I suppose any number of things could have occurred with that particular carbine. It may have just been done to demonstrate how it is done, the inspector could have had poor eyesight or higher standards. I don't know if the adjustable sights are different sizes, but the milled PI ones seem larger to me. In any event, it simply guarantees that the carbine was rebuilt, something that a restorer may find objectionable.