Another Should I Return my Classic M39 Thread

[familyfarm]

Thanks for any help you guys can offer. This is not my specialty area, as all my AR-15's and 1911's don't develop cracks!

Presented for your consideration, my non-hand select Classic 1942 VKT - pics below.

Pros:
I love the stock - nice tiger striping
Bolt seems in OK shape
Bore looks just OK, but I am not an expert -
Matching bolt, barrel and receiver. Floor non-matching

Cons:
CRACKS in handguards - see pics
Both top pieces have big cracks and the front portion has two cracks
finish is mostly gone
Post-war stock
Light stamping on barrel

I have not looked to see if it is an antique receiver.

So for $370 so far, do I keep, return or try to exchange?

Matt

[marksmandowntown]

Looks like a case of butherface. In your place I would try to return it, but I wouldn't call you crazy if you decided to keep it.

[Grendl]

Those cracks are more significant than those some folks are complaining about. On the other hand, that looks to be a prettier than average stock. Replacement handguards are here for $40. https://www.libertytreecollectors.co...&idcategory=17

[NOTABIKER]

The one i got was nicer than that one and i still got rid of it. My surplus Mosin 91 30s spoiled me for out of the box condition. Yes M-39s are cool but dang i would take a nice mosin over beat up M-39.
If you need a finn that bad pay for a nice one PP that you can look at and move on.

[Freedom_shooter]

I had sort of the same dilemma today with a french fry (see attached)

I had bought this in a group buy along with other fry's. The seller must of not known what he had. It has no cracks and the tiger striping is gorgeous.
I had only paid for an plain fry but got something totally better. Sometimes buying something unknown can be scary but you might be surprised what you get.

[Emdawg]

Just duck-tape it and you will do fine.


Honesty, though, the handguard would be fine if you can replace it, but that and a poo-foo barrel are just... eck! I would try and return it.

[familyfarm]

Love the french fry photo-match. Not sure I understand he "poo-foo barrel" comment. Is the bore worse than I think?

I am sure I can repair or replace the handguard but am still not sure this is a keeper at a cost (so far) of $370. Any other observations?

Thanks for the help.

Matt

[mosinnagantm9130]

Are the cracks only in the handguard, not the actual stock? If that's the case, I'd keep it.

[Grendl]

It is a hex, so it's worth finding out if it's an antique before returning it. Bore might clean up just fine.

[DennisCA]

Are the cracks only in the handguard, not the actual stock? If that's the case, I'd keep it.

Agreed-cracks in the hand guard isn't too significant.
A bit of epoxy should do the trick!

If it really bugs you call Classic and see what they say, I have found them to be straight shooters (customer service wise)

Just remember-when have you seen this many M39's for sale?

I have a M39 that I got as a b-day present; the bluing is nearly gone the stock is in ok shape BUT she shoots great-accurate as hell!

[familyfarm]

Just to clarify, the actual stock is rock solid. Its just the hand-guard that has multiple cracks. Some careful clamping and gluing can solve that.

I am not a good judge of older bores so am not sure how to score it. I will check the receiver tonight and see what it is. The stock is pretty but post-war. Not sure how it got that much use post WW2!

Matt

[Emdawg]

Love the french fry photo-match. Not sure I understand he "poo-foo barrel" comment. Is the bore worse than I think?

I am sure I can repair or replace the handguard but am still not sure this is a keeper at a cost (so far) of $370. Any other observations?

Thanks for the help.

Matt

Hey, just making up a word. Did you clean it? Can't tell if that is debris or pitting.

[Syntax Error]

If the stock is in good shape and the metal is too and the only detraction is the handguard, I'd just get a new handguard if it bugs you and if it's a hand select gun, ask Classic for the hand select fee refunded.

[familyfarm]

Look what I found under the receiver (see attachment) - Its a 1902 Sestroryetsk receiver and trigger with a Tula bolt.

Bore is uncleaned, so I am not sure about that.

Should I keep it and fix the handguard since it is antique?

Matt

[Eljay]

1902 is past the antique cutoff. Not an antique.

It's really up to you if you keep it or not. I'd be pretty irritated with a hand guard that trashed but it's not really structural and you can stabilize it as above.