opinions

[rice 123]

Which would be better to have a stable of average clean more or less correct SA. RI, and Remimngton 03s. or instead to have one really collectable 03 such as a NRA fine original LN or a documented USMC sniper

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[John Beard]

Which would be better to have a stable of average clean more or less correct SA. RI, and Remimngton 03s. or instead to have one really collectable 03 such as a NRA fine original LN or a documented USMC sniper

What you collect should depend on what your collecting goals are.

If you're a shooter, then you should collect less-expensive arsenal overhauls with good bores and tight headspace.

If you're a series collector, then you will prefer to collect one of each type and/or style.

If you're an investor, then you should collect rare high-dollar rifles in excellent condition.

If you're a trader, then you should collect moderately-priced rifles in good condition having good visual appeal.

If you're a "raccoon" collector, then you should collect shiny objects.

Hope this helps.

J.B.

[RickM]

Always pay a premium for ones the have afghans with them

[Rick the Librarian]

How about "all of the above" from John's list???

[Tanguero]

Since I like Parade Rifles, does that make me a "Racoon" collector? I always thought that Chrome Plated Rifles were the domain of the "Crow" collector. What I like about them is that they cost less and shoot just fine.

Jim


1942 Remington M1903


1905 Springfield M1903- Top, 1907 Rock Island M1903 Lower

[Chuckindenver]

hmmmm.
personally, i shoot every gun i collect, no matter its history, not that i take it to the range daily,
but if i cant shoot it, i dont own it, that being said, iv owned some pretty rare rifles, and shot them, bragging rights? maybe,,if i had a super model in my bed, would i not want to mess up her hair and make up??heck she would need a make over when i was done.
im gunsmith and a resale collector, both ways of knowing more about what i shoot and collect.
iv been known to buy a rifle for one part that it has, for another project, and then resell the rifle for more money, yea gotta love it.
though i have my morals, anything for a few bucks i say.
however, im one of those dealers, buy low, sell for a few more bucks, make a few, give a guy a deal, let him make a couple buck, then keep alive.
dont buy low and drag it from show to show for more then its worth.
example, i buy a 1903A3 for 350.00 at an estate sale, clean it up, keep the nice 1918 dated sling, repalace it with a web sling, and put it on my table for say 500.00 still below market sale price.
guy walks up offers me 475.00, its his, or better yet, offers 350.00 and a nice old Smith, or Colt pistol to boot, DONE!!, i get my money back and a free sling and a cool new handgun, everyones happy.

[DANCESWITHEMPTIES]

It depends on how many other interest you have. If your collecting various milsurps a good representation of one of each may be the way to go. I decided a longtime ago to try an keep my collecting to 03's. Living here in Canada, their getting to be a scarce rifle. So my intent was to have a decent representation of the various 03's built. As a better one comes along I will pick it up & sell the other. Financial obligations & sometimes a lack there of, keep me from trying to import something, from say, the Stern collection. I'll leave that kind of stuff for the big boys & stick to my "shooters". Money will always dictate your wants & have's, so if you look at your collection responsibly and possibly as an investment, the natural outcome will prevail...
So it all comes down to what you want out of your collection...

[Emri]

I once thought that since I had a Springfield M1903, a Remington '03, and a SC 03-A3, that all I needed was a Rock Island to complete the collection.

Two gunsafes full and stuff piled in the corners has convinced me that there is no end to the collecting of them.

Just do what you will and have fun along the way!

FWIW,

Emri