Here's a question, two rifles: Savage all original No4 Mk1* with matching numbers and a Savage No4 Mk1/3 FTR in 52, new barrel and some small parts added during the FTR, matching numbers on receiver, bolt and fore stock. Both in excellent condition full wood. How much if any value does the second one lose because of the FTR?
Savage Lee Enfield
- Thread starter gerard488
- Start date
The Mk I/3 is a conversion- essentially a new model. For someone building a collection it may well be worth as much as (or even more than) an all original Mk I*. FTR'd and remaining as a Mk I* certainly reduces value below an original rifle, all else being equal.
milsurpo
milsurpo
It seems that, no matter what rifle you have, there is always someone who chimes in to assure you that because of (insert whatever modification), it is worth less. The actual truth is, however, that the rifle is worth whatever someone will pay for it, provided you want to sell it. I am talking about proper modifications, not hacksaw jobs. Not so very long ago, Russian capture refurbs were scoffed at. They sold cheap. Take a look at the prices now. The days of finding a crate of like new WW2 Mauser 98's in a musty old gun shop are mostly over.
Each variation, model, change has its place in history. The "Finn capture" Mosin Nagants are a prime example. Not all are "captures", as a good many were purchased from other countries. The Finn rifles are an absolute hodge-podge of parts, upgrades, and show the resourcefulness of the Finn military and civilian armed groups. I have a 28/30 that stumped some of the collectors who belonged to the now defunct SCMNCA.
At guns shows, I always suggest to the budding collectors that there are three things to do: 1. Do your research, 2. Do your research, 3. Always have cash. No excuse these days for not researching. The internet is like having the world library at your fingertips.
Each variation, model, change has its place in history. The "Finn capture" Mosin Nagants are a prime example. Not all are "captures", as a good many were purchased from other countries. The Finn rifles are an absolute hodge-podge of parts, upgrades, and show the resourcefulness of the Finn military and civilian armed groups. I have a 28/30 that stumped some of the collectors who belonged to the now defunct SCMNCA.
At guns shows, I always suggest to the budding collectors that there are three things to do: 1. Do your research, 2. Do your research, 3. Always have cash. No excuse these days for not researching. The internet is like having the world library at your fingertips.
Excellent condition No4 rifles in "original" condition don't grow on trees.
It's fine for someone with an extensive collection to be "picky" but when you find one and want one either as a curio or to fill a hole in your collection, it's time to step up to the plate. Snooze or procrastinate and you lose what might be the only opportunity you get to own one in excellent condition.
Both of the rifles described by the OP are desirable for collecting and shooting. They should bring what the market will bear.
I find most folks buying milsurps just want a milsurp of a certain type. They could care less about the specific model.
I've had newbies proudly exclaim Savage made No4 rifles are "fakes" because "No 4 rifles were only made in the UK"
OP, both of your rifles are IMHO legitimate and collectible. They both have similar values IMHO. Slight differences in percentage of condition would be the only difference for price calculation.
If you like to dicker, you might get more for one or the other depending on the buyer's angst.
It's fine for someone with an extensive collection to be "picky" but when you find one and want one either as a curio or to fill a hole in your collection, it's time to step up to the plate. Snooze or procrastinate and you lose what might be the only opportunity you get to own one in excellent condition.
Both of the rifles described by the OP are desirable for collecting and shooting. They should bring what the market will bear.
I find most folks buying milsurps just want a milsurp of a certain type. They could care less about the specific model.
I've had newbies proudly exclaim Savage made No4 rifles are "fakes" because "No 4 rifles were only made in the UK"
OP, both of your rifles are IMHO legitimate and collectible. They both have similar values IMHO. Slight differences in percentage of condition would be the only difference for price calculation.
If you like to dicker, you might get more for one or the other depending on the buyer's angst.
I recently acquired a Savage no.4 MK1 * sportered but only the wood ,the barrel is untouched. Two groove in nice shape. Unfortunately someone installed a PH no 21 base and the front receiver has a base installed with two holes. Rear base is mounted with the rear sight cross bolt and is about as solid as a diving board.Should I plug them for resale? The mts should be tossed. I have a replacement rear sight coming.Value as is ?
- Location
- Blaster land, Okanagan BC
I buy milsurps to shoot and not specifically collect, so the FTR rifle with the near new barrel is worth more to me than an original not refurbished barrel.
Right there is a good point. Not everyone who buys a milsurp is necessarily looking for Hitler’s personal 98 or Churchill’s personal Lee Enfield. Over the years I’ve lucked on to some dilly’s, collector wise, and also bought a good many simply because I liked the look, plus wanted one of that model. I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with being fussy. I’ve sold some at gun shows that went to a buyer that wanted that particular make/model/style/caliber, and was satisfied. Do what rings your bell. I have an ugly, beat up old M48 Yugo that is my go to rifle to burn off some corrosive ammo. The fancy, more collectible rifles are treated with more care. Seeing as I paid for them with my money, I think it reasonable to either shoot with them or not shoot with them.
