In my opinion, an unrestored gun in top originsl condition is very valuable.
But a properly restored gun is valuable as well. A well restored gun with proper parts should be desirable.
In the 2000’s, I was into Garand collecting. By this time, correct grade Garands (originally period correct parts) were few and far between but folks would go on quests to find parts that may have been installed on a Garand of a certain serial number range.
Not necessarily a bad thing overall but folks got a bit rabid over the process.
Personally, I like my CMP Specials over my Service Grade Garands. The Service Special grades are like new rifles while the Service Grades are well used examples of Garands.
Now, my first Garand is from Nov, 1941 and was last rebuilt by Red River Arsenal. I’m keeping it as is as it has some identifiable history.
At a time when IHC Garands were few and far between, I found a rebuilt example at a gun show. I bought it because I was worried about getting an IHC Garand. It looks nice. A few months later, some CMP IHC Garands became available. I obtained a Service Grade. A nice rifle but a bit rougher than the rebuild. I won’t part with either.
So, I feel some folks go a bit overboard about restored rifles but when done properly, historic firearms that are restored have a place in the collecting world.
Besides, I know of a number of classic cars that began their restoration with only the number plate.
But a properly restored gun is valuable as well. A well restored gun with proper parts should be desirable.
In the 2000’s, I was into Garand collecting. By this time, correct grade Garands (originally period correct parts) were few and far between but folks would go on quests to find parts that may have been installed on a Garand of a certain serial number range.
Not necessarily a bad thing overall but folks got a bit rabid over the process.
Personally, I like my CMP Specials over my Service Grade Garands. The Service Special grades are like new rifles while the Service Grades are well used examples of Garands.
Now, my first Garand is from Nov, 1941 and was last rebuilt by Red River Arsenal. I’m keeping it as is as it has some identifiable history.
At a time when IHC Garands were few and far between, I found a rebuilt example at a gun show. I bought it because I was worried about getting an IHC Garand. It looks nice. A few months later, some CMP IHC Garands became available. I obtained a Service Grade. A nice rifle but a bit rougher than the rebuild. I won’t part with either.
So, I feel some folks go a bit overboard about restored rifles but when done properly, historic firearms that are restored have a place in the collecting world.
Besides, I know of a number of classic cars that began their restoration with only the number plate.
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