Possible Mauser trade

[Chuck White]

I have a 1903A3 30-06 that has been sporterized and has a Bishop stock on it.
Looks pretty good.  Shoots good.

A friend has a Swedish Mauser (don't know if it's a 94 or 96) that is 38 inches long overall.
It's been sporterized.  Has a synthetic stock. Rear sight removed.
Looks pretty good.  Haven't shot it.

Both are pretty-much in the same condition.
I'd like to get that Swede.
Don't seem to make much difference to my friend.
But neither of us want to get burned in the deal.

Question:
What are some of your opinions on a trade? 
Are they about the same value or is one worth a significant amount more?

[Mikey]

Chuck - pm sent.  Mikey.

[Chuck White]

Mikey;

PM sent, I think!
Sometimes it just don't seem to work for me.
Chuck

[S.S.]

I will answer the question in an indirect way.
I would not trade my Swede for an 03-A3...
No need to say more I guess....

[Aardvark]

 Value wise I'd say the '03 is worth more...You can get very good Swedes for Under $400...I do not see many GOOD condition '03's gor for less than $550-$600...If the Swede is only 38" long, it is more than likely a M94 with a 17.5" barrel...Be sure it is not a cut down M96...They have 29" barrels...Also check to see the maker of the Swede...It will be either a Carl Gustafs, Oberndorf, or Husqvarna...They are all excellent quality guns...If it is a complete original M94 with uncut stock, you are talking about a $850+ gun...The M94 is 37" total length and has a full mannlicher type stock...The M38 is about 43" long...The M96 is about 49"long...
  Here is a couple of pics of a M94 and a M38...Note that the stock has been cut down on the M94 and there is a slot in the butt...Also notice that the M38 has a flash hider attached that makes it look about 3" longer.
  Since you said it was sporterized, that reduces its $$ value but if iis done nicely, it is probably a very good gun.

Here is the M94:


Here is the M38:

[S.S.]

One thing I never have really been able to figure out about Milsurp collecting
is why the U.S. weapons are thought to be so much more valuable. Quality wise,
they are no better and in a lot of cases not as good. as European models.
Prices are HIGH though.., Just never understood it.

[Chuck White]

Good info Aardvark!

Both rifles are sporterized  and have replacement stocks on them.
The Swede has a synthetic stock.  It is a Carl Gustaf rifle.

Thanks;

[1911crazy]

One thing I never have really been able to figure out about Milsurp collecting
is why the U.S. weapons are thought to be so much more valuable. Quality wise,
they are no better and in a lot of cases not as good. as European models.
Prices are HIGH though.., Just never understood it.

S.Sumner;  Your right about that.  Thats why i don't own any american made military surplus guns there priced too high.

[Winter Hawk]

Maybe because prior to 1968 you could get a Springfield for less than $40, while an Argentine Mauser went for less than $20, through the mail.  My first '06 was a sporterized 1903-A3 from Klein Sporting Goods (in Chicago, if memory serves me) bought via the USPS for $60.  That had a nice Monte Carlo stock, turned down barrel, sporting sights and was drilled & tapped for scope mounts.  This when the MSRP for Winchester 94 or Marlin 336 was $87.50, and the Winchester model 70 and Remington 700 BDL went for $149.  And I bought a Remington Rolling Block in .43 Egyptian for $7.50....  There were lots more foreign guns available than American, and the price was set to reflect this fact.

-WH-