Hobbies And Interests
Serviceability
The more operable the rifle, the greater its value. Examine your rifle for overall appearance, signs of corrosion, metal wear, surface pitting and serviceable parts. Determine the serviceability of parts by judging their appearance and functionality. If a part has no signs of wear (such as rounding on the part̵7;s edges), the part may be considered very good to excellent. If the part shows signs of wear but is fully functional, it can be considered to be in good condition.
Finish Percentage
The amount of original finish on your Remington rifle is instrumental to determining its value. Examine your rifle and determine the percentage of original finish still on the rifle.
Refinishing
Gun values are partially based on the amount of factory finish that is still on the weapon. Attempting to increase the gun̵7;s value by refinishing will actually decrease the value of the rifle. Refinishing negates the original finish percentage that factors into the gun's value.
NRA Antique Firearm Conditions Standards
Use the information from your inspection of the rifle and classify your rifle according to the National Rifle Association (NRA) antique firearm condition standards. A firearm in poor condition needs extensive restoration and part replacement, has badly damaged metal, has worn markings on its surface, has a badly damaged stock and is otherwise inoperative. A gun in fair condition is only in slightly better shape and either is operational or can easily be fixed.
A gun in good condition may need some minor replacement parts, is slightly rusted or pitted, has legible markings, has a scratched or repaired stock and is in working order. An antique gun is considered to be in very good condition if it has all its original parts (none of which have over 30 percent original finish), a smooth metal surface, clear markings and a stock that is only slightly damaged.
If the gun has all original parts, more than 30 percent of its original finish, clear markings and only cosmetic damage to the stock, it is considered to be in fine condition. A gun in excellent condition has all original parts, over 80 percent original finish, highly legible markings and a stock in perfect condition. The highest standard is factory new, that is a gun with all original parts, 100 percent of its original finish and in otherwise perfect condition.
Blue Book Value
Once the rifle condition and finish percentage have been determined, refer to ̶0;The Blue Book of Gun Values̶1; to learn its value. Of course, the Blue Book value will give you a guideline of the rifle̵7;s worth; the true value of the rifle is dependent on how much it̵7;s worth to an individual collector.