questions on updated vs not updated

[Danoaz]

is there any real difference in value if the rife has the flip site, no lug, flat bolt and push button safety vs. one with all the updates? both being re-buids.
my saginaw has all the updates. i bought it from Bud Evers back in 96 and he gave me the choice of either and I chose the updated version. i've been tornr ever since if I made the right choice. either way it's a beautiful rifle
Thanks,
Dano

Information

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[browningautorifle]

I think it involves the mind of the individual. The early features usually command a premium because of comparitive rarity. The later guns are usually to show progression or for shooting because of the replaceable parts they have.

[Tired Retired]

The value of any carbine is based on one of two areas - as a collector or as a shooter.

Collectors place premiums on the originality and condition of the weapon. Updates, rebuilds and refinishes move the weapon further away from the way it was manufactured 65 years ago. That is one reason for many of the forgery attempts in markings and people "rebuilding" carbines - attempts to increase the retail/collector value.

The other value (often overlooked by many) is as a shooter. Most competitive match shooters do not use the "collectable" guns to shoot. The original M-1 stocks and type I barrel bands, Dogleg hammers and original hammer springs do not lend themselves to the most accurate shot placement. The later refinements had a tendency to improve what you can do with the little fun-gun. A carbine that can hold a tight pattern is alot of times the difference between a Gold medal and being the middle of the pack. That is why people pay so much for refurbishing services (such as Evers) for some of the refurbish jobs. Quality gun smithing cost a few pennies. Refurbishment also gives you a weapon that will last for several more generations to come and just plan looks great at the range and in the displace case in the den. The down side is that refurbishment has a tendency to decrease the value to a collector because it's not "original".

So as you try to figure your values, think about which market you are selling to. You will never find a $4,000 shooter at the range - but you SHOULDN'T find a $4,000 presentation Rockola at the range either.

Me? I have a whole bunch of shooters that are fun to play with. I only have one that has any collector value which I actually received accidently from CMP.

Just my two cents....

[CrossedCannons]

Yes, just add up the value (as measured by online prices paid) of each one of its parts. Late parts can't hardly be given away, early parts commonly run over $100 each.

[INLAND44]

I only have one carbine, and it's a rebuild. I look at it as still collectible in a way because it's in the configuration it was when last in government custody. Not as valuable as an early version, but still legitimate. Good rebuilds have been going up in value over the last ten years. I don't really shoot it, although I may run a few rounds every few years just to experience it and check sighting (like it was going to change ).