Restored or Redone?

[ibuymilitaria]

Well this topic deserves some discussion I see. It I'm sure will stir up a bees nest. This is my thought on it..... I see so many people on this sight and others saying that they have restored there 03's or other military weapons. They show pics of them and people comment on how beautiful a job they have done fixing sometimes, but not always, Bubba's mistakes. You see this early 03 in black park with a new stock and a new barrel. This is NOT RESTORED! We all know when they were blued and we all know what finish they had in WWI as well as WWII. My thought and only my thought is if the rifle is not exactly like it ran off the assembly line its not restored. Some early exceptions would include the rod bayonet rifles that were brought up to the 1907 configuration or the MK1 that was put back to 03 status. Keeping the rifle as close as possible would be restored. Matching the exact time frame with the correct marked parts, with the exact color and exact wear. Not refinished with new stocks. Miltech re does rifles and they look it, they do a fine job. A restoration if done correctly would be very difficult for even the best collector to tell that it was re done. This website has a vast number of knowledgeable people that are more than happy to help individuals who would like a restored weapon. They make and sell wonderful books with incredible information. "Be patient, take your time, ask a lot of questions". Anybody can build a shooter and take it to the range but please DO NOT call it restored! Regards Jeff B

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[Jim Tarleton]

Interesting topic, and one could take it even further. Is a restored rifle worth more than a rebuilt rifle? To me it would be, but I can see how others may not think the same way. Neither is the same rifle that came off the assembly line.

A rebuilt rifle can be pretty much any combination of parts, but a restored rifle is limited to specific parts from a specific time frame. I restored a Rod Bayonet rifle with all original parts down to the pins. It loooks great to me, but its allure dimmed once I completed it. I realized that I enjoyed the restoration process. The unrelenting search for parts is more fun to me than the finished project. Others are opposite in nature. I guess it takes all of us to make an effective collecting community.

I agree about the distinction between restoration and rebuilding.

Jim

[pdh]

AS nearly all 1903s went through a rebuild at least once making one "as issued" is not that big of a deal to some.I guess it's all in what the owner wants.If you can wrap up a fortune in rebuilding it to "Correct" status why not?I wanted a representative peice to shoot.You guys have posted some beautiful rifles.Mine is a fencepost in comparison but it does shoot well when I do my part.Regards pdh

[Jim Tarleton]

My favorite 03 shooter is a parts conglomerate rifle. I used the parts I liked to build the rifle without regard to "match". It does what I want it to, and that is to put rounds in little circles at long ranges. I like it.

No 03/A3 is a "fencepost", and that includes yours. All that matters is that YOU like it. They are well designed and proven weapons of combat, and fun to shoot!

Jim

[JohnMOhio]

Jim, I think he was saying fence post in comparison of appearance.

[Chuckindenver]

i think the 03 crowd isnt as bad as say, the M1 carbine, or M1 Garand bunch,
and one of the reasons i no longer post those forums.{and i own a few of both}
iv seen them flame off a few new guys that rstore and or rebuild.
its my experiance that most guys are not only collectors but shooters as well. in this group.
i have a few nice original unrestored examples, and some very rare examples as well, and i shoot them.
but my favorite 03 variant is my RIA low number, that i restored many years ago, second would be my A3, thats a recovered drill rifle.
being a gunsmith that restores and refinishes military weapons for a living.
i can tell you,
it all depends on who does the work, on how it effects the value.
i dont think much of Miltec,s work, not saying that they do bad work,
i think they look restored, from a mile off.
i try and do my best to make the rifle or pistol look nice, but not restored.
that in itself is a challange.
some i cant or wont do, more work then its worth.
im ok with both, and feel we should collect what and how we like, and not judge someone for the way they do..
feel warm and fuzy now???i do.lol

[Jim Tarleton]

Hey, John.

Yes sir, I kinda got that idea. I just was pointing out that no 03/A3 is a real junker, some are just prettier than others.

Jim

[Loy Hamilton]

My favorite 03 shooter is a parts conglomerate rifle. I used the parts I liked to build the rifle without regard to "match". It does what I want it to, and that is to put rounds in little circles at long ranges. I like it.

No 03/A3 is a "fencepost", and that includes yours. All that matters is that YOU like it. They are well designed and proven weapons of combat, and fun to shoot!

Jim

I like redones and rebuilds particularly when you look through the right sight