Need help on parts

[Frederick303]

I have an early WWI barreled action in a sporter stock with a decent bore, which based on the looks of it went through a refurb. I would like to putr it back to military garb . A friend of mine has a very nice early pattern M1903 stock and handguard that he is willing to sell me.

The stock is the type 2 with a single reinfroce bolt on the rear of the action inlett area. That dates it from pre 1917 if I recall. the handgaurd had the tooling index marks, which also marks it as from pre 1917. the wood is very nice with no obvious defects, except in the Buttstock where someone stamped J134 on the left hand side. It comes with a dark rear band and a rather worn dark front band, which I is either a parked or blued, if parked ist is a dark park. My buddy thinks both parts are refinished based on the surface polish.

So what is a fair price on a decent set of wood for a pre 1917 M1903? I want want to pay a fair price but not excessive. Is wood for a low number gun worth more or less than wood for a high number gun, given there are nto that many low number guns areound with blued as built finish?

I was figuring that the CMP price for a new stock and handguard would be a start. Is that fair? I have no idea how much the bands are worth.

if it is worth a lot more I want to let him know, as I do not want to take advantage of the situation,

Thanks in advance for any help.

[Clark Howard]

Check out Sarco. They usually have a selection of good used 1903 stocks. You will probably have to pay at least $100-$200 for your wood. They also have kits for the correct metal parts.

[Fred]

What's your serial number? Any pictures? Barrel date?

[Crashyoung]

Frederic, I am doing the same thing.

If the stock your friend is offering is a finger grove stock,
it commands a high price, and it gets higher if it has only
one , or, no reinforcing bolts.

The stamped numbers sounds like a rack number, or other
inventory control number. It adds to the history of the stock
and depending on the person, may add or subtract a little,
but not much, from the value.

As to an absolute value, that is between you and the seller.
Refinishing and sanding, especially if the stampings are obliterated
kills the value very quickly. Dirt and dents are part of the story
of the stock, but if it looks like a new and unblemished stock,
it will look out of place on a 100 year old rifle.

I wish I was in your position, I will be looking for awhile for
what you have the chance to buy!

[Rick the Librarian]

It's been reported that a number of Sarco parts (especially in their kits) are foreign reproduction. I think I'd steer clear of them