Yes a reproduction is not a milsurp "proper". But the lesser informed cannot distinguish a reproduction from a real example so the answer is still 4 types of milsurps.
Just look at all the de-sporterized Lee Enfields - what category are they because they have nothing original or arsenal. They are in fact a reproduction which I think dilutes the entire market, just like repro snipers.
I'm not posting my reply with any any malice towards you what so ever.
I honestly think the market got flooded with all the reproductions.
Yes a reproduction is not a milsurp "proper". But the lesser informed cannot distinguish a reproduction from a real example so the answer is still 4 types of milsurps.
You brought up some good points that really need to be addressed.
The points here that I feel should be examined and I go way back in this subject, in reality, this enabled me to put some serious thoughts forward on Milsurp designations.
There is a huge market out there by dealers and others reproducing and passing them off as original.
You could just say, Buyer Beware, but beware of what, if you are not educated in the subject.
As in the subject of Mosin Snipers, taking a regular issue Mosin and adding additional
reproduction, (mounts, scopes, ect)
That just fell out of the
Milsurp category into the Reproduction category because of the addition of reproduction parts changing it
from one designation to a total new designation. (Non -Sniper to a Sniper) Fake!
Just look at all the de-sporterized Lee Enfields - what category are they because they have nothing original or arsenal. They are in fact a reproduction which I think dilutes the entire market, just like repro snipers.
Here we are adding original parts to a sporterized Enfield for restoration to it's
original designation .
If a sporterized Lee Enfield is restored to original configuration and it is not changing it's original designation, it would thus return it back to a milsurp category with a disclaimer; (RESTORED MILITARY SURPLUS RIFLE)
Those original parts where spares in the system to be used by the (armorers - Weapons Techs) and or arsenals to be used for future repairs. They are not reproductions.
Yes, modern day reproduction parts have been used in restoration, but they are not changing the
original designation of the firearm,,, one class to another.
(RESTORED MILITARY SURPLUS RIFLE with the inclusion of reproduction parts)
There is no implication of changing its original designation, (Non -Sniper to a Sniper) Fake!
But,,,,,,,,, at the end of the day, is there a percentage of reproduction parts that would disqualify this statement???
Which brings me back to a earlier point (armorers - Weapons Techs) These are people in the Military System - organization that are authorized to do repairs and changes (modifications (mods), from within the system) There repairs do not imply any addition reproduction parts. They work with spare parts and procedures from their designated system within the military.
A firearm that they once worked on and is now (Milsurp - surplus) and would not fall under (RESTORED MILITARY SURPLUS RIFLE)
Maybe I should have included, (RESTORED MILITARY SURPLUS RIFLE) and (RESTORED MILITARY SURPLUS RIFLE with the inclusion of reproduction parts) as sub categories.
But the lesser informed cannot distinguish a reproduction from a real example
This is why it is imperative for people like yourself to pass on the knowledge of distinguishing the difference (Education) to those without knowledge.
Again, I am not trying to be a sm@rt @ss.
I am just pointing out my views that have taken the last 60 years to earn as a serious collector and with the knowledge of many friends that have served as Armorers - Weapon Techs from around the world.
This whole mess needs to be straightened out before the whole category of Milsurps is polluted.
saskminer, Thank you Sir for bringing this to light with me, these words have been brewing for some time.
There is no time like the present, as the saying goes.
