Mismatched serial numbers on antique rifles and their value?

[101combatvet]

Hello,

I recently purchased a rifle that was advertised as having all matching numbers. However, upon receiving it, I discovered that the bolt does not match the rest of the rifle. I plan to contact the seller to negotiate a reduced price or request a refund. I have always understood that a mismatched rifle is worth about half the value of a matching one. Is that correct?

[Shadow9mm]

I know its less, but not by how much.

[taylorce1]

If it was marketed as a numbers matching rifle you do have a valid complaint. I will say when I usually try to sell rifles that have some collector value, I offer a three business day inspection no questions asked refund minus shipping costs back to me. However, if you fill out a form 4473 then it's your rifle to keep, even if you decide you don't want it.

As to value, I couldn't say if it's worth half or not. I would say if you were buying it as an investment you should have asked more questions since this seems like an online deal, just by the premis of your question. If it was local and you paid the money without thoroughly inspecting as much as possible, I'd say the rifle is yours.

[101combatvet]

Originally Posted by taylorce1

If it was marketed as a numbers matching rifle you do have a valid complaint. I will say when I usually try to sell rifles that have some collector value, I offer a three business day inspection no questions asked refund minus shipping costs back to me. However, if you fill out a form 4473 then it's your rifle to keep, even if you decide you don't want it.

As to value, I couldn't say if it's worth half or not. I would say if you were buying it as an investment you should have asked more questions since this seems like an online deal, just by the premis of your question. If it was local and you paid the money without thoroughly inspecting as much as possible, I'd say the rifle is yours.

I am a Federal Firearms License dealer. I acquired it for my collection. The seller advertised the item as matching and provided every serial numbers except for the one that doesn’t match. I can’t say for sure if this was intentional. I’m currently waiting for them to get back to me about the issue.

[101combatvet]

Originally Posted by Shadow9mm

I know its less, but not by how much.

In my circles, we generally follow this rule of thumb.

[taylorce1]

I figured you had an FFL since you state you're a "Gunsmith" in your tag line. I don't know how you do paperwork on firearms to distinguish between personal and business firearms that's why I mentioned the 4473. That's mainly what I deal with as an individual seller and buyer.

We don't even know what you bought, so it's hard to value something. Serial numbers only really matter IMO to historic military firearms. They are the only firearms I've had that stamped darn near every part with a serial number.

[Jim Watson]

I would be dissatisfied if a rifle advertised as "all matching" came in with a mismatched bolt. If for shooting, you might worry about headspace, if for a collection you would feel a loss of originality and resale value.

[jmr40]

In this case returning and refunding the money is appropriate. You're not happy with it and never will be even at a reduced price. Some would be perfectly happy with it if the price reflected the mis-matched numbers, but I get the feeling you're not

How much less, if any, the rifle is worth would depend a lot on which rifle it is.