M1 Garand

Good day...sorry moved this from the exchange...had it posted in the wrong spot.

Good day

I have recently acquired an M1 Garand made by Beretta for the Danish Army. It has the VAR barrel and still has the sighting sticker under the forend. I am considering selling it, but didn't want to take away from it in any way. Wondering what you thoughts are in cleaning it up. It has cosmoline covering all the internals and under the hand guard of the fore end. Am I going to be taking away any value to the rifle for someone who wants a very clean M1? Thoughts and comments are appreciated. I was going to turn this into an M1 in 35 Whelen, but can't bring myself to bastardizing such a cool rifle.
Thanks for your time

Paul
 
Any of the VAR barrels I've seen on the Danish Garands were only lightly used and they are always a good bet for accuracy. Removing the grease preservative certainly won't detract from value. Shoot it and you may want to keep it. Converting a Garand to .35 Whelen can be done w/o much difficulty, but the rifle becomes an orphan w/o much appeal for either collectors or hunters.
 
as being a former m-1 garand owner, and a 35. whelan owner, i just have to say that while the 35. whelan was effective on moose and deer, SO was the 30-06. there's nothing to gain except expensive gun smithing bills.
 
I disagree with the statement that cleaning it up will not detract from the value.

Collectors prefer having them in the grease, that being said its about what you want. If you are just intending on selling it I would leave it as is, if you want to shoot it you will obviously have to clean it up. The difference in value will be slight (maybe a couple hundred premium on value) but its up to you.
 
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