UBB.threads Forums General Militaria Historic and Period Firearms Forum Opinions om these guns?

I was offered 3 rifles. Can I get your opinions please?

The first is an M1 Garand with a replacement stock. I don't know when it was made, and did not look up the serial number yet.

The second is a Mauser, but I don't know what era it's from. Is it pre-WWII? Made for a forgein country?

The third is a Model 1903. Again, did not look it up yet, what year/era is it?

Please let me know what you think they are, and an approx value. I can buy all three for $1,700.00. I think that's high, but would like your opinions.

Thank You Very Much,

Chief

next;

another;

another M1;

Garand;

top;

last M1;

The Mauser;

#2

#3

#4

Mauser #5 (it's not WWII is it?)

Mauser #6

Last two;

Mauser last;

1903 #1;

1903 #2

1903 #3

1903 #4

1903 #5

Last 1903

Thanks for looking,

Chief

On the M1 receiver it says;

US RIFLE Cal 30 M1
SPRINGFIELD ARMORY
1755460

On the 1903;

US
SMITH-CORONA
MODEL 03-A3
4794712

Chief

The receiver for the M1 Garand was made between June and September 1943. The Smith Carona is in good condition. What is the barrel date on the garand?

I think if the rifles are in excellent shape and not screwed with, excepting the Garand which may have CMP papers that would make it more valuable...it's a good and reasonable price for good and not junk rifles.

Mark

Without more info, I think that price is way too high. Lots of things would affect value such as. Does the garand have the original barrel? How many parts are correct on the garand. Does the Chilean mauser have matching numbers? Does the 03A3 have all Smith Corona parts? There's a lot of variables in gun vaules, but without a lot more info and a hands on inspection, I think the seller is way off on the value.

Chief, The Mauser looks like it could be Brazilian (?). But the small pictures really make it hard to get a better handle on just what you have, except for perhaps the 1903 which seems to possibly be unissued (?). (Not a complaint - I'm not very good with images myself.)

That said, I tend to be in agreement with Mark, especially if you are not looking for immediate resale. FP

Thanks guys!
I have not seen them in person yet, and these are the only pictures that I have.
I will check on the numbers and matching parts on the 1903, and will find out about the barrel date and matching numbers on the Garand.
If the Mauser (it looks like the full name for DWM is stamped on the side of the receiver) is Chilean or Brazilian, I will probably pass on that one and focus on the other two.

Thanks again, I will keep you informed.

Chief

It does appear to be a model 1908 Brazilian mauser. I typed "Chilean" by mistake.

Without better pics, that 03A3 could be in excellent condition or just a refrub.

Thanks Again Timboo!

Chief

Chief,

A garand won't have matching numbers. You'll need a good book or lots of experience to match up the various drawing numbers and parts to know if they are all correct.

The 03A3 won't have matching numbers either. Only the receiver should have a serial number. You'd have to look for various markings and judge by the finish. If everything is parkerized, that's your first flag that it's not the original finish. The bolt and some other parts should be blued. Another big flag is a serial number on the stock.

Thanks again!
I will see them today.
The M1 has a barrel dated '65, the 1903-A3 has a SC barrel.
What do you think they would be worth each?

Chief

I'd value the M1 at no more than the CMP currently sells them for. $500 to $600 for a rebuilt rifle depending upon the wear to the barrel and crown. You'd need gauges to check it for sure.

They were selling the Smith Corona rifles for $500, but are currently out. This price was for rebuilt rifles, so the one you're looking at could be worth more, but we'd need a lot more details to tell for sure.

Since I have examples of both rifles, I wouldn't put over $1,000 into both. But that's assuming the 03a3 has been through a rearsonal.

timboo,

Thank you very much for your quick and complete answers.

The Mauser is dated 1908, and is in great shape, but I passed because it's not from the WWII era, and my funds are limited.

The Garand is like new! The barrel is from 1965, but as you guys said, you probably cannot find a matching Garand very often these days. Everything is in really great condition, inside and out. Boy, those sure are heavy guns! I would have had a real problem carrying that around!

The 03-A3 is also like new! The barrel has the "flaming bomb" and "SC", so it looks like it is matching. The stock is also like new.

I was able to make a deal on the Garand and the 03-A3. I do not have an example of either gun, so I did pay a little more than your suggested price, but I am happy!

I will post pictures when I get a chance.

Thanks again for the advice and information, you guys really helpped me out again!

Chief

You got two great American military rifles and you won't ever have to look back. Those rifles looked very nice, not like the rack grade CMP guns at all. I would venture to say that in today's market $800 to $1,200 is what they bring here in Tennessee. The 1903 about $700.00 IF you can find either of these guns in this shape.

Congratulations!

Mark

I'm going to have to load up some of my guns and take them to a Tennessee gunshow.

Thanks Mark!

I like them both a lot!

I had been thinking about ordering one from the CMP, but was hesitant because I did not know for sure what I would get.

Since the owner wanted cash quick, he even brought them right to me today, so there was no travel involved, they looked great, and it was a quick, easy deal.

Thanks again,

Chief

Timboo, you should come to a Tennessee gunshow. The old Garands, especially one with a WWII build date..bring a mininum of $800 if the TE is less than 4. I collect Garands and they are continually going up in value...a real "rat" gun will bring $400.00. The nice one's that a seller takes the time to write the Garand condition and part number listing report on, bring up to $1,800.00. These are production Garands, not sniper models or Korean build. It (they) are my personal favorite military collectible. I got into the German stuff way after Garands, at a gun show in Ft. Lauderdale of all places.

Mark

At the shows I go to in WV, VA and NC, they price the common garands the same way, but they sit without selling unless the prices comes way down. Northern VA is a different animal with buyers seeming to have more money than brains.

Here are some new pictures of the Garand;

Chief

Picture #2;

Chief

The end of the barrel;

Chief