Gold Supporter
Silver Supporter
- Messages
- 2,559
- Reactions
- 6,200
So....here is my dilemma.
I recently acquired a IMBEL manufactured SAR-48. Not a parts kit gun built on a IMBEL receiver. A fully 100%, FN licensed, milspec built, IMBEL made rifle. These were imported from about 1985 until 1992 by Springfield Armory before the various import bans finally brought the heyday of military semi auto imports to an end. Mine was imported in June of 1988 according to Springfield.
So I bought this without a great deal of inspection. Two maybe three minutes tops. The dealer of course would have never allowed me to open it up (understandable) but in looking at it from the outside it was REALLY minty looking. The only mark I could find was where the selector had been operated across the lower receiver. I bought it right then and there.
After getting it home and opening it up were my suspicions confirmed. It's unfired.
I've had a great many firearms presented to me as unfired, but inspections of extractors, ejectors, and ejection ports don't lie and will often tell a different story. This rifle is spotless on the inside. Plus, it was still packed with cosomoline on the bolt carrier, bolt, operating rod, and inside the barrel and chamber. Even if someone were to fire it, it wouldn't have cycled.
On the negative side, It's missing the box, bayonet, paperwork, original sling, extra magazine, and I think even a bipod and blank firing device. So the rifle is somewhat of an orphan in that sense.
I really want to shoot it. However, doing so will probably knock off $500 with that first round. And they ain't making them anymore. I've thought about buying a SECOND one that does have wear and tear, but still........why.
Your thoughts are required.
-E-
I recently acquired a IMBEL manufactured SAR-48. Not a parts kit gun built on a IMBEL receiver. A fully 100%, FN licensed, milspec built, IMBEL made rifle. These were imported from about 1985 until 1992 by Springfield Armory before the various import bans finally brought the heyday of military semi auto imports to an end. Mine was imported in June of 1988 according to Springfield.
So I bought this without a great deal of inspection. Two maybe three minutes tops. The dealer of course would have never allowed me to open it up (understandable) but in looking at it from the outside it was REALLY minty looking. The only mark I could find was where the selector had been operated across the lower receiver. I bought it right then and there.
After getting it home and opening it up were my suspicions confirmed. It's unfired.
I've had a great many firearms presented to me as unfired, but inspections of extractors, ejectors, and ejection ports don't lie and will often tell a different story. This rifle is spotless on the inside. Plus, it was still packed with cosomoline on the bolt carrier, bolt, operating rod, and inside the barrel and chamber. Even if someone were to fire it, it wouldn't have cycled.
On the negative side, It's missing the box, bayonet, paperwork, original sling, extra magazine, and I think even a bipod and blank firing device. So the rifle is somewhat of an orphan in that sense.
I really want to shoot it. However, doing so will probably knock off $500 with that first round. And they ain't making them anymore. I've thought about buying a SECOND one that does have wear and tear, but still........why.
Your thoughts are required.
-E-
Last Edited: