Restore SG or Leave As Is?

[FlyJS41]

Gents,
I'd appreciate the collective wisdom of the group:

I picked up a very nice SA 3.8 mil SG awhile back and have been bouncing back and forth with what I might do with her.

She is largely original/correct. B/R, staked T3 lock bar and lower band all seem to be as originally issued. Based on the other parts, it underwent a rebuild in the mid to late '40s. The bolt, op rod, and trigger group have all been swapped out with other WWII vintage parts.

Here's the tell: The front sight has been staked to the gas cylinder. As has been discussed in various threads on the CMP Forum, this is considered a trait of the RIA rebuild program. This is the only evidence that would lead to this conclusion as the stock was replaced by a previous owner and doesn't have any RIA markings.

So, the $64 question is do I leave her as is and find a nice '40s RIA stock? Or, do I correct her with the parts I already have on hand? Which has the greater value?

Full disclosure. I'm not really into rebuilds, but I do have an appreciation for the genres.

TIA

[Jersey Devil]

My vote is to leave it just as it is. Any chance you can post some photos of it? The rifle sounds like a very interesting one, for sure.

[FlyJS41]

My vote is to leave it just as it is. Any chance you can post some photos of it? The rifle sounds like a very interesting one, for sure.

Well JD, if you're going to spend my money, I'll need a lead on an unmolested RIA/FK or EB stock. :>>

Pics will take some time. I'll try to get some up next week.

[Jersey Devil]

LOL!!! I'm good at spending money, both mine and other people's, that's for sure!!! LOL

[Phil McGrath]

I vote restore.... its a fun hobby. It's the thrill of the chase that makes it all worth while.

[FlyJS41]

Here's some pics. Again, any input is appreciated..

http://imgur.com/a/HWYzh

[FlyJS41]

The aforementioned staking...

[TJT]

I vote restore.... its a fun hobby. It's the thrill of the chase that makes it all worth while.

This^^^^^. My sentiments, exactly.
Jon

[Phil McGrath]

I'm a mixed bag of hammers, I'm not a hardcore M1 collector I'm more of a shooter but I do like restored or parts corrected rifles. I also like the been there done that look, or more too the point well used but not abused parts correct. Refinished rifles are cool as long as there is some finish wear you can't have a M1 and have it looking fresh out of the crate brand spanking new, you gotta have some character. Arsenal rebuilds have there place in my hart as well, I have a soft spot for the late LEAD rifles. And that's my I voted restore.


My M1 passion lays with the post war rifles, 7.62mm Navy/AirForce types.