[Darin115]

I built a 280 out of a 1909 Argentine Mauser this past year. I started with a action only. No barrel and no stock.

My buddy just came across a 1909 Argentine Mauser in great condition. It has not been cut. It is still in original form. Long stock, Long barrel, includes bayonet.

He wants $90 for it. I may buy it to build another custom rifle. Would it be better to leave it in original shape or bust it up to customize it?? I hate to screw it up if it is worth something as is.

Give me your thoughts.

Darin

 

[kdub]

Collectors will feign heart attacks if someone "bubbaizes" an ex-military firearm. If it is all intact and matching numbers, I'd personally leave it as is and maybe sell it to someone who appreciates such things, using the money to buy another action to work with.

 

[Darin115]

My customization is anything but bubbaized. New Shilen barrel, new blue, drilled/tapped for a scope, new safety system, repositioned bolt, jeweled bolt, hand finished new thumbhole laminate stock, glass bedded to the tightest tolerences, floated barrel that was sealed with glass and a timney trigger. I have over $1250 in my last custom 1909.

Where would I find someone who appreciates a old ex-military gun in original condition?
I would probably swap it for a more modern action to build off of.


Darin

 

[spitfire_er]

Darin, I hear you and I do the same thing building up Nice rifles, Not Budda specials.

Gunbroker is a great place to find current prices, and ether there or boards like this are great places to sell rifles such as the $90 09.

I know the bottom metal can be worth that alone, but a complete rifles last I recall have gone over $500 or so in good shape.

 

[kdub]

Darin - sorry for offending you. The statement of bubbaising a military firearm is in the context that collectors consider ANY modification from the original as butchering the poor thing. I've "modified" a handful of different military bolt action rifles in the past, myself. In my thinking, they all looked great afterwards and the sporterizing costs were more than if buying a new one. I had the gratification of doing the work though.

The collectors feel all old military arms are priceless items and should be left pristine. I've got a couple of MN's that debate that thought!

 

[Gil Martin]

I agree with kdub

My recommendation would to buy the original 1909 for $90 and sell it to me. I will give you an extra $10 for your trouble. OK? All the best...
Gil

 

[Darin115]

I was not offended at all. I just wanted to make it clear that I was not hacking these guns up in the name of customization. The only thing left original is the action itself and the bolt. And modification has been done on them to make them a thing of beauty.

I checked Gunbroker last night a my jaw dropped when I saw what these things were bringing in original condition. I have no desire to keep it original, I am only interested in the action itself. I understand it is hard to find a better action to build a rifle off of.

I woudl be interested in swapping it for a Remington short action of any caliber in decent shape. Let me get the gun and I will post pictures of it.

Darin

 

[Red Pepper]

And to think I sold an immaculate, 1909 Argentine Mauser with the crest and all matching serial numbers (including muzzle protector and cleaning rod) for $200 about 16 years ago! On the other hand, I only paid $45 for it unfired. It was the nicest bolt action I've ever handled or seen - machine work was superb, the action was very slick, but very tight. I've often thought it would have been a great action for a custom gun (other than ruining a perfect collectors rifle).

 

[30-30remchester]

Bubbaizing is a term refering to someone that altered a piece of history. These guns are quite nice in their battle dress and while I understand your desire to have a rifle built from a 1909 action but if a gun is original and matching let a collector have it. Then find one that has already been altered.

 

[tjrahl]

Bubbaizing is a term refering to someone that altered a piece of history. These guns are quite nice in their battle dress and while I understand your desire to have a rifle built from a 1909 action but if a gun is original and matching let a collector have it. Then find one that has already been altered.

I have to agree with this, original all matching military bolt guns become rarer every day, there is a large market of striped actions or previously sporterized ones, take on of those to work on, remember that that 1909 is a piece of history that cannot be replaced once you turn it into a modern bolt action sporter.

 

[MMichaelAK]

I got to agree. Use somethign Bubba already played with instead of tearing apart a matching MilSurp. They do not make them any more and that $90 rifle is worth more to a collector. You just need to find him. And he may be able to put you onto an action you can build on.

 

[Darin115]

I am leaving it as is. I got to go pick it up this week. I am going to clean it up a little and see what I have. I will probably sell it.

Thanks!

Darin