If this is true, and again, those without an M39 who want one (or more) must assume that it is, what we are likely to see is a replay of the M91/30 market post-embargo, but exponentially worse.
Yes. M39s will still be available. But not with the frequency that they have been. And the price? Just look at the ludicrous prices being asked on GB for M91/30 refurbs. In fact, this is already happening with M39s! And in a few cases, people are paying those prices.
Will most people ante up $500-$800 for an M39 (in the short term)? Unlikely. The guys who wouldn't pay $300-$400 for an M39 before sure as heck won't pay the asking prices that are coming. But the sellers won't drop their prices. They'll just sit and wait. That's what they are doing with the M91/30 refurbs. And there are a lot fewer M39s.
Yes, there are all sorts of exceptions to this. Zealous (and lucky) hunters will still find "bargains." But even if this isn't the end of the big inventories, the market has decided that it is, hence the "panic" in some quarters.
Unless I am completely misunderstanding the numbering of these rifles, that's a low SN! By "low," I meant within the first 6,000, not the first 600!
