M38 considering buying

[Rocket]

I'm considering buying an M38 from a guy. Dated 1943, counterbored. I don't have an M38, but from what I gather this is not rare or special, just a regular M38. What do y'all think? It's on an M44 stock. He's also selling a Nagant Pistol

[qz2026]

Nice looking but it sorta looks like the stock was refinished (I could be wrong but it doesn't look like a typical '43 refurb-Is C.A.I. the importer?) and the bluing to me looks too good. If true this could affect it's collectability. An M-44 stock doesn't really mean anything - it was done often. If the price is right, I might shell out a little for this rifle.

[Rocket]

Good observations. Also, I can get more pics from the seller.

[desdem12]

I would agree with the maybe refinished. Do like the nagant though. There is a possibility it might not been redone, but?

[ffeng31]

The M38 is ,in my opinion, questionable. Stock looks way too clean and smooth for me to believe it came from the crate that way. I would pass unless it is really inexpensive. Just my . On the other hand, what does he want for the revolver? I like the 1895 , looks clean and no import mark over the markings. The big suppliers are out now , so anything in the $150-$200 range is probably the norm.

[Dan4good]

go for it if price not outrageous

[Rocket]

$125 for the M38, $135 for the pistol. Only trouble is I'd have to spend $30 in gas to get it.

[Marcus]

This is a no-brainer. Spend the $30 in gas, get both, find a nice replacement stock for the M38 that hasn't been ruined by Bubba, sell the stripped stock.

[hoshow]

For that price I would buy both, but I understand those who wouldn't want the M38. Too good a price these days for me to turn down

[Emdawg]

Not a bad price for the M38. The Nagant looks like an early CCCP. Not sure on the price.

[Buckhead]

I would get them the price is right, pick up another stock and use the bubba stock for a club. The pistol I know nothing about but The M38 is a hoot to shoot. Get them and have fun with them. They are getting harder and harder to find for that price.

[bunkysdad]

I would not hesitate. They are both a bargain. The extra .32 cylinder for the revolver is worth 70 or 80 bucks I'd bet ya. I can't tell if the stock is refinished or just a light finish, but it is sure priced right. Does the bag of 7.62x54r blanks come with it? If you dilly dally this kind of deal will vanish.

[Titanium Hammer]

Jump on that. I'm on the fence too about the stock on the M38 looking too good and shiny but heck even if it has been molested by Bubba you can find a replacement stock and still come out well in the deal. Grab 'em both!

[qz2026]

For that price I would probably buy it.

[desdem12]

Don't cross the hippie barrier in Ashland That is not too bad for a m38.

[ffeng31]

I concur. At those prices I would be driving right now , before he has a chance to grow brain cells..

[Longcolt44]

Buy em!!

[Buckhead]

Liberty Tree has used M44 stocks $65.00 and your $125 find = $ 190.00. Go try and find an M 38 for $190.00 I haven't seen one of them in a while. I would have had it in my collection already. $30 for gas, hell if you order one you pay shipping and dealer ffl charge plus tax. Get it my man don't hesitate any longer.

[zeebill]

I don't want to criticize your life style, especially from my point of view, but if you lack $30 for gas what the heck are you considering buying a rifle or pistol for much more? My gut impression of the wares is it is awful hard around here to find what that picture shows, the extra cylinder which may be in 32 (think that is what they were) and tough to find these days.

I don't try to assess finishes online due to what photography can do to things posted online but yeah that does (the rifle) have a refinished look to it. So I would say save your money for gas in your case and wait for a better time financially on bothe counts. Of course if you want to eat PBJ sandwhiches for a month or so I would say bargain the price down on the pistol and look for a more accurate example of an M38 for maybe more money, If you must have the rifle explain to the seller it looks refinished and offer less money. Good Luck! Bill

[Rocket]

I don't want to criticize your life style, especially from my point of view, but if you lack $30 for gas what the heck are you considering buying a rifle or pistol for much more?

That's not the point. I don't lack it. Really, it's more the hassle. It's also about the total price. The gas represents 25% of the total purchase...so as a prudent steward I need to consider if it's still worth it. I just like to think of all the pieces of the puzzle.