Hardware Discussion => Curio and Relic => Topic started by: Spartan301 on April 29, 2020, 08:42:55 am
Title: Reproductions!
Post by: Spartan301 on April 29, 2020, 08:42:55 am
Hello AzGO members,
Being a small collector of milsurpus C&R bolt action rifles, I over the years have had to
purchase reproduction accessories for various rifles. (Slings, Frogs, Cleaning Rods,
Bayonets, etc.) I like to have originals but sometimes because of rarity,
cost or just plain unavailablity (especially leather goods like Slings or Frogs)
I have purchased reproductions.
With that being said, I have noticed the sale of reproduction items nearly reaching
the prices of originals items. Now if said items are no longer available I can see
there increase in price. But when items like original Cleaning Rods or Bayonets
are still obtainable, why would you pay 3/4 (or more) the price of an original?
I know I wouldn't. Having a original, even if it isn't in as good condition
is more valuable to me than a nice reproduction with no history.
Your thoughts fellow C&R collectors.
Spartan301
Title: Re: Reproductions!
Post by: coelacanth on April 29, 2020, 08:10:06 pm
I agree with your take on it but some folks are less concerned with having an authentic piece than they are with having a complete piece even if the accessories are aftermarket clones. I think some buy them and stick them on an older milsurp thinking they can sell it for more like that. :shrug
Title: Re: Reproductions!
Post by: Bayonet on September 05, 2021, 11:28:20 pm
I'll purchase a reproduction cleaning rod, that's not too much of a big deal for me personally. I've also purchased reproduction slings for K98 rifles since the original ones can push close to $150 or more. Items such as ammo pouches, leather frogs, cleaning kits, etc. I won't buy a reproduction on those items. I like to have the original accessories and for me it's worth spending a little extra for an original item. You can still find good deals on original surplus if you look hard enough. What I like to do is look for sellers who are selling items in a set (sling, cleaning kit, pouches, etc). I've been able to find some really good deals, you can get more for your money. Recently I was able to purchase an AK accessory set that included a East German ammo pouch, cleaning kit, sling, and oil bottle for $11. If you do some looking around you can purchase nice original items and actually save money compared to purchasing a reproduction.
Title: Re: Reproductions!
Post by: RJ on September 06, 2021, 05:34:15 am
well its a trend that has been going on for years, it seems it runs in cycle, pending on what C&R is plentiful at the time, then once sold out the frenzy is still on the run. when i first started collecting almost 30 years ago, cheap was the word, but even then some still tried to pass off clone items on some units, being new at it, i got bit more than once, but quickly figured out the avenue of which these idgits would attach what may or may not be the original. I've almost stopped the collection of the C&R, i still have probably over a hundred left and am slowly downsizing, frankly i was really never into having to have the complete unit, sling, bayo, cleaning rod ect. i was more for the fondling of the ''real deal'' and shooting them if possible. i have a few that i will never part with, just can't do it, the mere thought of holding and shooting a WW1, or WW2 unit just amazes me.
good luck with collection, seems they are getting harder and harder to find, and here i thought that type o collecting was long gone Rj
Title: Re: Reproductions!
Post by: Bayonet on September 06, 2021, 04:06:38 pm
i have a few that i will never part with, just can't do it, the mere thought of holding and shooting a WW1, or WW2 unit just amazes me.
I have to agree. My very first K98 I purchased is one of the rifles that I won't part with.
Title: Re: Reproductions!
Post by: Bayonet on September 06, 2021, 04:12:25 pm
As I mentioned in my previous post, purchasing items in a set saves you money in the long run. Also, you'll spend less money compared to buying a reproduction item. Surplus is drying up and has been for a while now but deals can still be found. In the photo I've attached is the $11 set I recently purchased.