I had this dilemma a few years ago. I was interested in an all correct gap letter. It was import marked on the barrel--nothing obtrusive but it was import marked. I discussed this with leemazoid and he said 'What the heck. It is still an all correct gap letter. So it has an import mark on it." Given that advice, I bought the rifle and I haven't regretted it since. I think I paid $985 for it about 2 or 3 years ago. I wouldn't think value would be affected more than $100 or $200 at the most in my case. HTH Al