Easter Evening Swede M38

Old Outlaw

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I was down here in the US just killing time looking at gun Auctions for Swede rifles I like to gather up. I still needed two years of manufacture for a
Husqvarna M38. A 1941 in decent condition is hard to find for the most part. The ones I have found were always only about 50 to 70% on metal finish. Even those were going $450 to $550 US a year ago.
A few days before Easter closing I had seen this rifle and it had only one bid at $252.50 and the Reserve was not met. I got more pics from the seller and this thing was the real ticket. But, there was no way this one would not sell for anything less than $500 and perhaps $600 US in my collectors opinion. No money right now for that one.
Well, Easter night I looked to see where it was at. Curiosity I guess. Then, there it was at the same $252.50. Went $5 a crack until I was at $280. No one bid! I already knew the seller had a $325 Reserve. With 30 seconds to go I put in the Reserve and did get her. Pretty thrilled.

All matching numbers! Paid the $325 plus $30 Postage. However, seller sent free gifts with it. Full box of 140 Sierra MatchKing bullets, 1/2 box of Nosler CC bullets, 50 rounds of Norma Brass. Plus a sling for it. Just over $100 worth of stuff I don't have to buy. So, gun actually only cost $250.
The Lord was looking out for me is all I can say! Or, I am getting as lucky as Buffdog! :D








 
you're a step ahead of me on this forum. I had joined a while ago, but forgot my user Id... I'm used to SRF's format, so this one is taking some getting used to. You'll be glad to hear I will taking my Swedes to the range Monday! I will definitely have to post up some pics of my toys.

Marc
 
It doesn't take a lot of luck, but more like a lot of time and persistence. While a lot of firearms on the Equipment Exchange, Auctions, or where you find them are overpriced for the condition they are in, every once in a while you come across a good one. Looks like you have come a long way in the last couple of years, when it comes to the Swedes. Sooner or later, whatever you want will come by at a reasonable price.

The flip side of that is that you have to be prepared to walk away from something if it does not meet your expectations or criteria. I kind of decide just what I would pay for an item, and it is worth that price, not some highly inflated price more. At Auctions, I bid to my price plus one bid more. On the other hand, if it is underpriced, then I tend to buy it.

The best way is to keep abreast of the trends, prices and availability of the firearms that you are collecting or interested in. A good reference library can help in spotting the stuff that is scarce or rare, and books, reading and knowledge of your subject puts you well ahead of the rest of the pack.

As far as "luck" goes, I find that the more I read, look at, spend time researching and on the various Forums, the "luckier" I get. Nice rifle, Steve, and it will fit well within the fine collection of them that you are accumulating.
.
 
Thank you Wayne. Yea, I have learned a lot from you, Swede, and Fson over there in Sweden. Plus my copy of the book "Crown Jewels" is always at my side.
I usually look at condition, condition, and condition before I even decide what I will bid or pay. Guess us old guys are a bit tight! LOL
Steve
 
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