Palma rifles value question

[Hastings]

I have a neighbor who was a champion palma shooter. He still shoots, but his eyesight and age have forced him to move to scoped rifles. He has two 308 rifles he used in some of his palma matches. One is a Remington Model 70 1876-1976 Palma match rifle that he shot one match with, and won. The other rifle is an Omark Modle 44 that he used for about a year. He also has the Blazer and hat from the match he won in Australia in 1976. His name is Bert Laberge.

The Remington is in excellent condition, having only shot the 80 or so rounds he used in that match. He also has a full box of the ammo he used, I believe it's Winchester Palma Ammo (marked on the box), plus two boxes of spent casings in the same type of boxes. The rifle has the typical aperature front and rear sights, the metal forend piece (I assume for bracing in an offhand hold or for hooking over a rest, excuse my ignorance) and the original box.

The Omark has was used in a few matches and shows a bit of wear. It also has the aperature front and rear sights, and the original box.

He is interested in selling both rifles, the ammo and casings, and the blazer and hat. I told him I would assist him, but I have no idea of the value of the individual items or of the package as a whole. He said he would also dictate a narrative of the use of both rifles and the match information if anyone was interested.

If anyone can give me some help with placing a value on these items I would be very grateful. I never heard of Palma until I met this fellow a few months ago. He is still shooting 300 yard groups that put my 100 yard groups to shame, and I'd like to help him if possible.

I'll post some pictures of the rifles tomorrow. The blazer is a navy blue jacket size 44 I believe, with a red white and blue patch. The hat is a blue light-weight brimmed hat with a red, white and blue ribbon. Everything is in excellent condition.

Thanks
Hastings

 

[allaroundhunter]

The Remington is in excellent condition, having only shot the 80 or so rounds he used in that match.

He took a rifle that he had only shot once or twice before to a match and won?..... And perhaps I am mistaken, but I have never heard of a Remington model 70. Winchester makes a model 70, and Remington makes a Model 700.

Here is a link to a Winchester model 70 Palma that sold for just under $1,000

Here is a link for an Omark Model 44 that sold for $300.

 

[WNTFW]

Hastings,
I have little idea on the values. I would love to hear the stories though. I think it would be great if you post them here.

Another site that may help you:
http://www.usrifleteams.com/index.php
The forums are under the forum tab. Let your mouse hover over forums, then a drop down menu shows National Match & Long-Range. You may have to be a member to view & certainly to post.

http://www.usrifleteams.com/Palma_Team.php
for some background on 'Palma'

Eyesight aside the old guys can shoot from what I have seen. They can read the wind & have the rest of it down as well.

 

[Edarnold]

These rifles were built for long range (up to 1000 yard) target work, with high accuracy. They are pretty much single purpose, but fortunately there is a new shooting game called F-class which uses the same kind of gun, at the same ranges, but with scope sights and a forend rest in prone.

I'd guess the Winchester 70 should bring $600 and up, while the Aussie Omark would be a bit less due to missing the rear sight and questions about the bore condition.

 

[Hastings]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, stupid mistake on my part. The first rifle is, of course, a Winchester Model 70. I've owned enough Remington 700's that I should not confuse them, but I'm not that swift.

I'll try and get the narrative and post it for reading purposes. I appreciate the value info and will pass it along to Bert.

Thanks again
Hastings

 

[Slamfire]

Here is a link to a Winchester model 70 Palma that sold for just under $1,000

That sold in Feb 2008, just before the Great Recession, don't know if it would sell for the same price right now.

It did have the original Winchester Marksman stock and looked fairly factory.

If the rifle in question is all original factory it will be worth more than if the stock has been modified, if the receiver has been modified, if it has been rebarreled, if it has an aftermarket trigger.

I would not pay $1000 for an old post 64 M70 Palma rifle, I would for a pre 64, if there were such a thing, in all original condition, just because of its rarity.

The Post 64 action was competitive in its era, but that era is about over. There are other actions that are stiffer than M70 actions and make better foundations to build a competitive long range rifle.

I expect the value of an all original target push feed M70 to increase 50 years hence, so the future value is unlimited!

To infinity and beyond.......

 

[stubbicatt]

It occurs to me that *maybe* if you package it a little more comprehensively, it might sell for more.

Ferinstance, a little book with prints of photographs from that match, a copy of the match bulletin, whatever documentation that expresses that your friend won that match with this rifle, and a photo of him today holding the rifle, with his signature in sharpie on the photo, and a letter of authenticity might make this just the hot item. Maybe include whatever documentation showing the serial number and the gift of the rifle to him. Maybe in the background of your "today" photo showing your friend with this rifle, have his trophy visible in the photo.

Just my .02 cents worth. People will pay more for an authentic vietnam bring back than they will for a new firearm of same manufacture. Perhaps what you are selling is more an item of competition history than it is a mere rifle.

Lastly, perhaps offer it up for auction through the CMP, with a reserve of what your friend wants for the rifle, but with any amount over what he needs to be dedicated to furthering that mission.