Buying milsurp unseen
- Thread starter scianna54
- Start date
StansfieldMcElroy
CGN Regular
- Location
- Upper Canada
Corwin Arms was the shop I trusted most for sight unseen milsurps back when they sold guns regularly. Martin was a gentleman to deal with and gave honest descriptions and had no problem doing a "hand select" if you had specific requests, free of charge. TradeEx never burned me but wouldn't accommodate any requests, which I understand.
I don't think I purchased from any other online retailers back in the late golden age of milsurps so overall I had good experiences.
I have bought a number of milsurps online, and the best experiences are where you can browse specific units. I agree that if there's a "stock" picture for a milsurp its a crap shoot. Best one though that I ever got was a 1934, excellent condition, all matching Mosin from Trade Ex - listed as a "pre war Mosin". It depends on the dealer. I think it depends on the time as well. Over the last 10 years or so I find the general quality of milsurps released through dealers has gone down - not due to any failing on the part of the dealers, you can't sell what you can't get, so I'm increasingly wary about online purchases of non specified units.
Coyote Ugly
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Whether it be a Private Sale or a Dealer, with or without pics, talk to the seller
on the phone with the item you would like to purchase in their hands so you can talk and ask all the questions as the seller
is your eyes giving you the information you want.
Ask for a 3 day inspection for return if not correct or if you need a hands on inspection.
Get lots of pics if you can. Not everyone knows computers or how to send pics, emails, etc.
I’ve bought several rifles this way sight unseen and have no regrets.
on the phone with the item you would like to purchase in their hands so you can talk and ask all the questions as the seller
is your eyes giving you the information you want.
Ask for a 3 day inspection for return if not correct or if you need a hands on inspection.
Get lots of pics if you can. Not everyone knows computers or how to send pics, emails, etc.
I’ve bought several rifles this way sight unseen and have no regrets.
I tried it once, with a site sponsor here, and regret it very much after. It was for a Mauser rifle. I asked for the handpick - show picture - approval - then ship service. Yes, they did pick one with nice wood stock. But when the rifle arrived, I found that the safety didn't work (stuck at the fire position). I had to send it to a gunsmith for repair, and have not had it back yet. A new safety part has to be ordered.
Eaglelord17
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Sault Ste. Marie
I have not had issue provided I trust the dealer. Tradeex, Marstar, and P&S militaria I have done it with. They were all accurate with the condition description. Mind you this also tended to be when better condition surplus arms were on the market initially from the dealer.
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I think companies like Tradex and Marstar are used in dealing with milsurp. Tradex is posting pictures of every one they sell, Marstar offers a handpick option. Others don't and just treat a milsurp just like any new gun, with the exception that returns are excluded on milsurp.
In that context I wonder how hard can it be to provide a picture and do a quick function check. How big (or small) are the margins on those? Assuming they have to hire an employee just dealing with milsurps in order to offer excellent service to the public. But I guess being honest about those old gals is not a financially lucrative business.
In that context I wonder how hard can it be to provide a picture and do a quick function check. How big (or small) are the margins on those? Assuming they have to hire an employee just dealing with milsurps in order to offer excellent service to the public. But I guess being honest about those old gals is not a financially lucrative business.
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
I’ve had decent experiences buying milsurp guns unseen, Martin always had good stuff and you were confident they were in the listed condition or better when you bought from him. I had good luck with Canam with a Mosin, I asked them to pick a nice one and I got a near mint hex MO double date 91/30 in the mail lol. So you can do alright sometimes but it depends on the dealer.
Another + for Martin at Corwin. Great to deal with.
I only got burned on a private sale no5 mk1. Draws were completely toast on it. My lithgow no1 mk3 had that damn crack where the fore end sits against the socket, cleaned it and epoxied with a clamp, shimmed the draws. Its a fantastic shooter and you'd never know.
I have been burnt once and got a rusted POS. Even asking bore condition which was stated to me as being good. I hate asking about bore condition in a PM, why not state it up front and also if numbers match. And a shiny bore doesnt mean that you can see light from the other end!!!!
That's not something I would expect a dealer, especially one that brings in a lot of milsurps for resale, to catch.
You don't give a time frame.
Mauser safeties are cheap and available from several sources. You may need a different smith as well, or check to see if he still has your rifle. Hope you got a receipt.
When you ask about condition, make sure to stipulate a specified "standard" such as NRA GOOD
By the NRA standard, the rifle may have been as described. That's one reason I make sure of their standard, before purchase.
NRA Modern Gun Condition Standards
NEW: Not previously sold at retail, in same condition as current factory production.
PERFECT: In New condition in every respect. (Many collectors & dealers use "As New" to describe this condition).
EXCELLENT: New condition, used but little, no noticeable marring of wood or metal, bluing perfect, (except at muzzle or sharp edges).
VERY GOOD: In perfect working condition, no appreciable wear on working surfaces, no corrosion or pitting, only minor surface dents or scratches.
GOOD: In safe working condition, minor wear on working surfaces, no broken parts, no corrosion or pitting that will interfere with proper functioning.
FAIR: In safe working condition but well worn, perhaps requiring replacement of minor parts or adjustments which should be indicated in advertisement, no rust, but may have corrosion pits which do not render article unsafe or inoperable.
NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards
FACTORY NEW: All original parts; 100% original finish; in perfect condition in every respect, inside and out.
EXCELLENT: All original parts; over 80% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; unmarred wood; fine bore.
FINE: All original parts; over 30% original finish; sharp lettering, numerals and design on metal and wood; minor marks in wood; good bore.
VERY GOOD: All original parts; none to 30% original finish; original metal surfaces smooth with all edges sharp; clear lettering, numerals and design on metal; wood slightly scratched or bruised; bore disregarded for collectors firearms.
GOOD: Some minor replacement parts; metal smoothly rusted or lightly pitted in places, cleaned or re-blued; principal letters, numerals and design on metal legible; wood refinished, scratched bruised or minor cracks repaired; in good working order.
FAIR: Some major parts replaced; minor replacement parts may be required; metal rusted, may be lightly pitted all over, vigorously cleaned or re-blued; rounded edges of metal and wood; principal lettering, numerals and design on metal partly obliterated; wood scratched, bruised, cracked or repaired where broken; in fair working order or can be easily repaired and placed in working order.
POOR: Major and minor parts replaced; major replacement parts required and extensive restoration needed; metal deeply pitted; principal lettering, numerals and design obliterated, wood badly scratched, bruised, cracked or broken; mechanically inoperative; generally undesirable as a collector's firearm.
Most dealers use the NRA chart to describe the condition of the firearms they sell.
I see it so often in the EE where the seller describes the condition as "GOOD".
I personally wouldn't purchase a rifle in "GOOD" condition. I prefer them to be in much better than "GOOD" condition.
