HK-91 Questions

dvdcrr · January 20, 2019, 06:31 PM

I have a couple of questions regarding the imported HK-91s. Among those that were made in Germany, which are the most prized for collecting now? What are desireable features to look for while seeking to add an HK-91 to a collection?
Thank You!

**44 AMP** · January 20, 2019, 10:16 PM

I had a German made HK 91 back in the 80s. While robust and functional I didn't like it much, and got rid of it when I got an M1A, a rifle I liked much better and one that is much, much more reloader friendly.

Can't help with the collector market today, sorry. I can say that generally what collectors want most, and will pay the most for are the most pristine, uncommon variants. And a rare variation in worn condition may be worth more to a collector than a NIB condition common version.

I'd look first at the stocks. The "slim" forend is less common than the fatter one, and the green stocks less common than the black ones.

Generally aftermarket additions lower the value to a collector. Additional factory items may not, and may add value, depending on the collector, of course.

Good luck.

davidsog · January 21, 2019, 01:19 AM

HK 91 and only speaking of an HK 91...

Value stays pretty high no matter what condition but like every other collectible certain things can effect price. Rounds fired, original box and accessories etc

Good place to check out is HKpro forums.

Basic list in general high to low for HK long guns for collecting:

1. G3 (Santa Fe)
2. HK41 (1966)
3. HK43 (1974)
4. PSG1
5. HK94 (HKSP89- pistol would be next)
6. HK93 (especially woodland/desert camouflage)
7. HK91 (move to 6., if woodland/desert camouflage).

davidsog · January 21, 2019, 01:35 AM

The slim handguards are not common on HK91’s nor are they especially collectible. You can buy slim handguards for ten bucks, Bundeswehr surplus.

The early import HK 91’s had the wood furniture which has dried up and hard to find.

davidsog · January 21, 2019, 01:39 AM

Personally I would just get a PTR 91 GI and shoot the heck out of it, lol. Not really a collector myself. All my guns are tools.

dvdcrr · January 21, 2019, 08:41 AM

I had read what seemed a decent summary of the history of the HK91 imports to the USA including which ones were more desireable, I may have to see if I can find that article...

davidsog · January 21, 2019, 09:53 AM

I searched for a guide and could not find a decent article. HKpro forums seemed to have the latest info.

Most gun collector sites say the rifle is to “new” to accurately predict.

https://gunwatcher.com/gun-value-sol...?itemName=Hk91

Stock HK91’s seem to go for 3000 to 4000 USD with rare variants commanding much higher prices.

It would appreciated if you can find that article. Thanks.

davidsog · January 21, 2019, 10:07 AM

One of the pitfalls when collecting such high value niche guns is your market that is willing to pay is limited. A PSG-1 for example goes for 8,500 to 15,000 USD depending on condition. Empty cases start at s grand, butt stocks are a grand, and trigger packs just as much. A complete lower is 3,000 USD.

It is like a friend of mine once had a diamond valued at a quarter of a million. Beautiful rock that he tried to sell for six years before he finally traded it for a 60,000usd Jaguar.

Value is one thing and worth is another.

JJ45 · January 21, 2019, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidsog

Personally I would just get a PTR 91 GI and shoot the heck out of it, lol. Not really a collector myself. All my guns are tools.

If you are a shooter, heck yeah...The OP seemed interested in collecting. I have a PTR 91GI. There are mostly positives in owning the PTR91 if you like battle rifles and are a shooter.

Depending on opinions there are some negatives, just like any other firearm....for me it's the incredible amount of grime accumulated after 100 rounds...doesn't effect function, but for me a PITA to get really clean...I thought about taking the barreled receiver to the car wash

I could have bought an HK91 but it would have probably ended up a safe queen as I would probably have been reluctant to shoot it much. With the PTR, I just bang away with it, not worrying about de-value.

shurshot · January 21, 2019, 01:20 PM

In the early 90's I had an HK 911, a all black 91 with a thumbhole stock. Cool gun, but FAR too heavy for my use at the time (hunting woodchucks and deer). I never scoped it, missed a few woodchucks, and getting tired of carrying it, sold it, opting for a scoped bolt action Mossberg Howa .270 with a 4X scope. That .270 was a real varmint gun and I started hitting chucks at very long ranges.

I don't think many 911's were imported, in retrospect I kind of wish I had kept it.

hub1home · January 21, 2019, 02:32 PM

I have an HK91 original manual in excellent condition if anyone is interested in buying it.

davidsog · January 21, 2019, 04:22 PM

Quote:

With the PTR, I just bang away with it, not worrying about de-value.

That is what it is made for....HK goodness without the guilt, lol.

The fact it is an infantryman’s rifle unknowingly limits it’s value to many people especially when they try to fit the rifle into a niche it was not made for or try to work it like they want and not how it was intended.

The trigger for example is far from outstanding for shooting paper. It is creepy and has a long pull. The reset is positive once past the creep staying on the reset is actually quite nice. The trigger shines when on patrol and you find yourself doing a face plant into the rocks of the creekbed on top of your rifle, ruck slamming into the back of your head after falling down a creek bank flagging everybody in the column on the way down. It is made for patrolling not ipsc.

I was shooting my P365 and a custom 1911 with one of the guys I served with when this beautiful woman walks in selling her custom Daniel Defense rifle for way less than it was worth. A hot chick with a gun is porn in the making so of course we obliged when she asked us how much it was worth. Unfortunately it wasn’t a divorce sale nor was she pissed at her boyfriend so we checked her rifle. The trigger was a sweet aftermarket competition trigger. Great for putting holes in paper but I would not be comfortable patrolling with it.

Another quirk of the G3 design is it is probably one of the few designs that is the worst when brand new. The bolt gap has to settle and the cocking mechanism has to be broken in. It does not come out of the box nicely. It is stiff and more difficult to operate and not as accurate as it will be once the gap is settled.

davidsog · January 21, 2019, 04:38 PM

Quote:

with a thumbhole stock.

Ewww. Battle rifles are heavy enough without fattening them up even more with a thumb hole stock. You know HK had a high quality finished wood thumbhole stock/furniture export variant?

Kind of gave me the same feeling as the moment you realize that gorgeous Thai girl walking down Soi Cowboy isn’t what you thought.

dvdcrr · January 21, 2019, 05:51 PM

some info here: posted on m4 carbine.net
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...-HK91-G3-Rifle

davidsog · January 21, 2019, 07:52 PM

Good info. The info on PTR though is nine years out of date.

**4V50 Gary** · January 21, 2019, 08:26 PM

Aren't the HK-43s imported by SACO in high demand? Only 200 were imported.

Rob228 · January 21, 2019, 09:54 PM

Quote:

The trigger shines when on patrol and you find yourself doing a face plant into the rocks of the creekbed on top of your rifle, ruck slamming into the back of your head after falling down a creek bank flagging everybody in the column on the way down. It is made for patrolling not ipsc.

Thanks for the flashbacks

JJ45 · January 22, 2019, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidsog

Good info. The info on PTR though is nine years out of date.

Yeah, My ptr91 is the 16" K model with the GI barrel and 12 flutes. It has eaten everything I have fed it with no malfunctions...this with all 147/150 ball ammo. I think it was made 2012-2014. But I bought it new after mulling over an original HK91

I acquired an HK Parts match trigger although an improvement not really needed as the stock trigger was good enough for what the weapon is intended and seems to improve with use..

Replaced the large windage knob with an original smaller HK German one. Again not really needed but more to the original. Some guys don't like the oversize knob but my Garands have two

Had Bill Springfield install a paddle mag release (now they come factory stock on the new GIs)...this was the only mod that was kinda necessary and probably worth the dough.

davidsog · January 23, 2019, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Aren't the HK-43s imported by SACO in high demand? Only 200 were imported.

Yes and on the list.

Quote:

Thanks for the flashbacks

You are welcome, LOL. You understand the point. There is a reason I carried my M24 SWS in a drag bag until time to actually begin a stalk.

Quote:

My ptr91 is the 16" K model

I have thought about the 16" K model. I thought about it but Mine has a bayonet lug and bayonet.

Mounting that makes it a CQB variant.

Quote:

Replaced the large windage knob with an original smaller HK German one.

I have heard of complaints of the large knob causing issues with retaining windage zero. So far no issues but it has been on my radar screen as a "watch and see".

Skans · January 23, 2019, 04:18 PM

Any pre-89 "Assault Weapons" from foreign countries will continue to increase in value because no more can be imported. Condition is important. While the clones do impact value some, values should remain fairly strong.

davidsog · January 29, 2019, 02:23 PM

Quote:

values should remain fairly strong.

Especially so for the HK products.

January 20, 2019, 06:31 PM	#1
dvdcrr Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2010 Posts: 665	HK-91 Questions I have a couple of questions regarding the imported HK-91s. Among those that were made in Germany, which are the most prized for collecting now? What are desireable features to look for while seeking to add an HK-91 to a collection? Thank You! __________________ "All warfare is based on deception. Hence when we are able to attack we must seem unable....when using our forces we must appear inactive. When we are near we must make the enemy believe we are far away."Sun Tzu The Art of War.

January 20, 2019, 10:16 PM	#2
44 AMP Staff Join Date: March 11, 2006 Location: Upper US Posts: 28,820	I had a German made HK 91 back in the 80s. While robust and functional I didn't like it much, and got rid of it when I got an M1A, a rifle I liked much better and one that is much, much more reloader friendly. Can't help with the collector market today, sorry. I can say that generally what collectors want most, and will pay the most for are the most pristine, uncommon variants. And a rare variation in worn condition may be worth more to a collector than a NIB condition common version. I'd look first at the stocks. The "slim" forend is less common than the fatter one, and the green stocks less common than the black ones. Generally aftermarket additions lower the value to a collector. Additional factory items may not, and may add value, depending on the collector, of course. Good luck. __________________ All else being equal (and it almost never is) bigger bullets tend to work better.

January 21, 2019, 08:41 AM	#6
dvdcrr Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2010 Posts: 665	I had read what seemed a decent summary of the history of the HK91 imports to the USA including which ones were more desireable, I may have to see if I can find that article... __________________ "All warfare is based on deception. Hence when we are able to attack we must seem unable....when using our forces we must appear inactive. When we are near we must make the enemy believe we are far away."Sun Tzu The Art of War.

January 21, 2019, 09:53 AM	#7
davidsog Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2018 Posts: 1,326	I searched for a guide and could not find a decent article. HKpro forums seemed to have the latest info. Most gun collector sites say the rifle is to “new” to accurately predict. https://gunwatcher.com/gun-value-sol...?itemName=Hk91 Stock HK91’s seem to go for 3000 to 4000 USD with rare variants commanding much higher prices. It would appreciated if you can find that article. Thanks. Last edited by davidsog; January 21, 2019 at 10:09 AM.

January 21, 2019, 05:51 PM	#14
dvdcrr Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2010 Posts: 665	some info here: posted on m4 carbine.net https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...-HK91-G3-Rifle __________________ "All warfare is based on deception. Hence when we are able to attack we must seem unable....when using our forces we must appear inactive. When we are near we must make the enemy believe we are far away."Sun Tzu The Art of War.

January 21, 2019, 01:19 AM	#3
davidsog Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2018 Posts: 1,326	HK 91 and only speaking of an HK 91... Value stays pretty high no matter what condition but like every other collectible certain things can effect price. Rounds fired, original box and accessories etc Good place to check out is HKpro forums. Basic list in general high to low for HK long guns for collecting: 1. G3 (Santa Fe) 2. HK41 (1966) 3. HK43 (1974) 4. PSG1 5. HK94 (HKSP89- pistol would be next) 6. HK93 (especially woodland/desert camouflage) 7. HK91 (move to 6., if woodland/desert camouflage).

January 21, 2019, 01:35 AM	#4
davidsog Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2018 Posts: 1,326	The slim handguards are not common on HK91’s nor are they especially collectible. You can buy slim handguards for ten bucks, Bundeswehr surplus. The early import HK 91’s had the wood furniture which has dried up and hard to find.

January 21, 2019, 01:39 AM	#5
davidsog Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2018 Posts: 1,326	Personally I would just get a PTR 91 GI and shoot the heck out of it, lol. Not really a collector myself. All my guns are tools.

January 21, 2019, 10:07 AM	#8
davidsog Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2018 Posts: 1,326	One of the pitfalls when collecting such high value niche guns is your market that is willing to pay is limited. A PSG-1 for example goes for 8,500 to 15,000 USD depending on condition. Empty cases start at s grand, butt stocks are a grand, and trigger packs just as much. A complete lower is 3,000 USD. It is like a friend of mine once had a diamond valued at a quarter of a million. Beautiful rock that he tried to sell for six years before he finally traded it for a 60,000usd Jaguar. Value is one thing and worth is another.

January 21, 2019, 01:20 PM	#10
shurshot Senior Member Join Date: August 25, 2006 Posts: 1,819	In the early 90's I had an HK 911, a all black 91 with a thumbhole stock. Cool gun, but FAR too heavy for my use at the time (hunting woodchucks and deer). I never scoped it, missed a few woodchucks, and getting tired of carrying it, sold it, opting for a scoped bolt action Mossberg Howa .270 with a 4X scope. That .270 was a real varmint gun and I started hitting chucks at very long ranges. I don't think many 911's were imported, in retrospect I kind of wish I had kept it.

January 21, 2019, 02:32 PM	#11
hub1home Senior Member Join Date: November 15, 2014 Posts: 182	I have an HK91 original manual in excellent condition if anyone is interested in buying it.

January 21, 2019, 07:52 PM	#15
davidsog Senior Member Join Date: January 13, 2018 Posts: 1,326	Good info. The info on PTR though is nine years out of date.

January 21, 2019, 08:26 PM	#16
4V50 Gary Staff Join Date: November 2, 1998 Location: Colorado Posts: 21,832	Aren't the HK-43s imported by SACO in high demand? Only 200 were imported. __________________ Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt. *Molon Labe!*

January 23, 2019, 04:18 PM	#20
Skans Senior Member Join Date: November 20, 2008 Posts: 11,132	Any pre-89 "Assault Weapons" from foreign countries will continue to increase in value because no more can be imported. Condition is important. While the clones do impact value some, values should remain fairly strong.