i got my first m1917

[daveboy]

It all depends on how original it is. If Grandpa brought it back from WW1 and it was never monkeyed with, then could be pretty valuable. They run anywhere from $300 up to $1000. But, again that is all based on originality and condition. Photos would help others (not me, I'm not the expert) to give a better price.

daveboy

P.S. It's a pretty sure bet that it's worth $75!

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[aslsmm]

thanks for all the replies. i had it looked at by a gun smith and he said i could get 475 for it in the condition that its in. he said it was in fairly good condition and a steal at 75 bucks. now im not new to guns, or 30-06's but i dont see me using this rifle in its original condition. i do plan on keeping it but i would like to add a scope to it. i realize that i would have to mod it, and that would take the historical awesomeness away but i would like to use this rifle in a more practical sense. what do you guys suggest as far as moding it goes? what stocks are reca mended, what is a good scope, is there a good place to sell/trade the original stock and accesories for a sporting stock? just curious. if modding it is a all around bad idea please feel free to let me know and let me know why. thanx

[daveboy]

You will get all kinds of opinions on this one, most will tell you not to alter it one bit. Reasons? (1) Gunsmith's estimate of $475 probably is for it in its current condition, modifying it will certainly drop its value (2) None of these have been manufactured since 1918 or so and tinkering with it will destroy its historical value. (3) You can purchase a new or used .30-06 sporting rifle for your purposes and sell your antique to a collector and still come out ahead.

Personally, I would post some photos and ask those experts on this site what it is worth. If it is indeed valuable (unless your gunsmith is a collector he was just guessing) then I would certainly think twice about making any changes to it other than a good cleaning.

In the end, it is your rifle to do as you wish.

daveboy

[aslsmm]

thanks. i might wanna keep it cause when my gran children inherit it it will be over 150 years old. that would be like haveing some actual civil war gear, it will only get cooler with time. besides, i have other 30-06 rifles.

[aslsmm]

here are some pics