SA marked Westinghouse M91, what would you do?

[vintage hunter]

While plundering pawn shops the other day I came across an SA marked Westinghouse M91 in reasonably good condition. I passed on it at the time due to it's bore condition and Finnish markings but now, thinking of it's history, I'm beginning to regret it. It's muzzle has been counterbored w/dark bore and it was restocked by the Finn's but is all matching with about 50% metal fininsh left. Don't remember the mfg date. Asking price is $249 but I've learned that the shop owner does'nt think much of old bolt action military rifles and will usually take a lot less that the sticker price just to be rid of them. Based on past purchases I figure I can buy it for $150 or there bouts. Maybe less. Do the Finn markings help or hurt it's value? What would you do?

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[Teleoceras]

While plundering pawn shops the other day I came across an SA marked Westinghouse M91 in reasonably good condition. I passed on it at the time due to it's bore condition and Finnish markings but now, thinking of it's history, I'm beginning to regret it. It's muzzle has been counterbored w/dark bore and it was restocked by the Finn's but is all matching with about 50% metal fininsh left. Don't remember the mfg date. Asking price is $249 but I've learned that the shop owner does'nt think much of old bolt action military rifles and will usually take a lot less that the sticker price just to be rid of them. Based on past purchases I figure I can buy it for $150 or there bouts. Maybe less. Do the Finn markings help or hurt it's value? What would you do?

Oh man, I'd snatch that up in a heart beat! The Finnish markings don't hurt one bit. I admit that I have a soft spot for the Finn M-N's. But this one if it sounds as good as you stated (I'd love to see pics), then it sounds like a great deal.

[jmoore]

I like Finn marked rifles. If it's all Westinghouse, and you won't mind terribly if it doesn't shoot all that well (it still may!), then have at it.

[Kirk]

Both the Finns & the Russians counterbored the muzzle to restore accuracy. The bore may even clean up a bit when you pass a cleaning rd through it. I also have a [SA] marked NEW M91. The rifle has real history - made in the USA, used by Russia and then by the Finns against the Russians. Any import marks? If not, that add to its value. The Finns carefully rebuilt their rifles so it may be a good shooter despite the bore.

For $150, I'd take it. Please let us know how it turns out. Pictures, please!

[Darkwolfe]

Jump on it! If you can scoop that bad boy for $150 you are in great shape. Westinghouse marked 91/30s are among the rarer examples of the rifle. That old beast will have some serious history behind it.

[vintage hunter]

I think I've found a new hunting ground, got the Westinghouse for the predicted $150 and in the midst of haggling got an all original all matching Savage no.4 mk.1* for $250. Now I gotta make the 200+ mile round trip to pick them up, and my trucks get awful mileage.

[Schwehn]

That is a great deal, even with the gas. Good find

[Kirk]

Congratulations! Please post some photos of both when you get them.

[vintage hunter]

Made the trip to pick up the Westinghouse today. It's in better shape that originally thought. After cleaning off the dried grease mixed with dust and dirt the metal finish is closer to 90%. Bore is still dark but has plenty of rifling left so it should shoot ok. Maybe. All Westinghouse parts except stock, even barrel bands. 1915 dated, still has Imperial Eagle intact. Now for the bad parts, it does have import marks and needs a handgard. Shop owner said it had one when it came in but it was broken and kept falling off so it was removed and appearently lost or discarded. Anybody have a spare Finn M91 handgard they want to part with? Or any M91 handgard for that matter. I got a set of hen's dentures I'd consider trading.

[Darkwolfe]

I'll see your quip and raise you a joke.

Trade you some bottom land for the rifle.. Just don't ask what it's at the bottom of.

All kidding aside, somewhere out there is the handguard. If that were my rifle, I'd be loading cast bullets with a gas check so as not to wear it down any further. I do that with my '43 91/30 already. The '42 is a mismatch so it get some jacketed round, but very rarely do I shoot surplus in either gun any more.