Rifle without original Bolt

[Eaglelord17]

"...Most of all matching number firearms are collector grade..." No, they aren't. Not all 'matching' rifles are in decent enough condition and condition comes first when determining collectability.

Condition doesn't come first. Desire comes first. Collectability is subjective, and it is all based on the desire of the person wanting the rifle. What someone considers collectable changes from person to person. I personally prefer rifles with character and usage (i.e. not best condition) over many pristine rifles for the simple reason that pristine rifle sat in a armoury somewhere and never did anything. If it is to marvel at the craftsmenship (think mint South American Mausers) that is one thing, but if I want to collect used examples it is another thing all together.