Thinking about trading a M39 Mosin for a Ballester Molina, is it a good deal?
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Panzerschwein
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The Mosin M39s are increasing in value rapidly. They are no longer imported, and a couple months ago the last lot of them in the country was sold off within HOURS.
They are now worth north of $500 for a good example, and many are willing to pay MUCH more than that. I've seen them sell for well above $700.
They are now worth north of $500 for a good example, and many are willing to pay MUCH more than that. I've seen them sell for well above $700.
DMK
Member
Wow. I had no idea they appreciated that much.
I might even be willing to part with my Sk.Y for that.
The Mosins haven't gone up as much as Cooldill suggests. Classic Firearms still gets them in spurts and sells the standard 91/30's for $189 + shipping. I've seen people listing them for $350 and not getting any bites. Obviously yours is not a 91/30 but I still wouldn't be asking $700 for it (just yet ).
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Panzerschwein
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I was referring to the M39s in good condition on the auction sites. I have indeed seen them sell for over $700 after some "bidding wars". They are highly sought after by Mosin collectors and shooters, much more so than the standard soviet M91/30s.The Mosins haven't gone up as much as Cooldill suggests. Classic Firearms still gets them in spurts and sells the standard 91/30's for $189 + shipping. I've seen people listing them for $350 and not getting any bites. Obviously yours is not a 91/30 but I still wouldn't be asking $700 for it (just yet
BSA1
member
If you both walk away happy who cares what somebody else thinks.
You have a surplus gun you have have never shot and have no need or interest in. But there is a gun you do have a interest in owning and shooting. Choice seems easy to me.
You have a surplus gun you have have never shot and have no need or interest in. But there is a gun you do have a interest in owning and shooting. Choice seems easy to me.
Few things to check on the Ballester. Matching inventory numbers on the barrel, top of slide and frame if it has them. The actual serial is on the side of what would be the MSH on a 1911 and usually on the bottom of the slide and barrel. Nonmatching not worth a lot beyond a shooter.
Roll marked Ejercito, Marina, Armada, Gendarmeria (and a few others) fairly common and worth the least. Aeronautica, CFS, Provincia de (Juan or Eva) Peron (and a few others) rarer and worth more, sometimes lots more.
Original finish a soft blue; black or baked on not original. Grip wear should match finish wear. Refinish, new grips and import stamp hurt the value. Matching original magazine helps the value.
Roll marked Ejercito, Marina, Armada, Gendarmeria (and a few others) fairly common and worth the least. Aeronautica, CFS, Provincia de (Juan or Eva) Peron (and a few others) rarer and worth more, sometimes lots more.
Original finish a soft blue; black or baked on not original. Grip wear should match finish wear. Refinish, new grips and import stamp hurt the value. Matching original magazine helps the value.
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Gotcha. I misunderstood.
Anyway, I'm a Mosin collector so I'm biased, but I say keep the Mosin.
I've been looking into buying a Ballester recently. From everything I can find, an average one (well worn and not a "B" British contract gun) like in that pic is a ~$300 pistol in most circles.
M39s are worth more than that. I wouldn't do it. You can get a real 1911 for $400. A Ballester is basically a large Star B.
M39s are worth more than that. I wouldn't do it. You can get a real 1911 for $400. A Ballester is basically a large Star B.
Deanimator
Member
Not for me.
A Finnish Mosin is a better rifle than a Ballester-Molina is a pistol, although the latter aren't terrible guns.
I've got the previous model and certainly wouldn't trade it for a Ballester-Molina. A P-1 with the hex pin, MAYBE...
A Finnish Mosin is a better rifle than a Ballester-Molina is a pistol, although the latter aren't terrible guns.
I've got the previous model and certainly wouldn't trade it for a Ballester-Molina. A P-1 with the hex pin, MAYBE...
USAF_Vet
Member
Not a trade I would make, personally, unless there was some cash or something else to sweeten the pot on his end.
You've got what is one of the best and most desirable Mosin Nagant rifles, and while Ballester Molina pistols are neat, they aren't exactly all that rare or as desirable.
If you really want the Ballester, and don't care one way or the other about the Mosin, I'd sell the Mosin and put that cash toward the pistol.
Or you could give the give an even trade, and walk away happy with him getting the better end of the deal. I've done it before. If the trade is local, you'll make an impression on him and maybe work a good deal from him in the future that favors you.
You've got what is one of the best and most desirable Mosin Nagant rifles, and while Ballester Molina pistols are neat, they aren't exactly all that rare or as desirable.
If you really want the Ballester, and don't care one way or the other about the Mosin, I'd sell the Mosin and put that cash toward the pistol.
Or you could give the give an even trade, and walk away happy with him getting the better end of the deal. I've done it before. If the trade is local, you'll make an impression on him and maybe work a good deal from him in the future that favors you.
WardenWolf
member
Guess I got a good deal on the one I picked up last month in an LGS. Paid $350 for one in excellent condition. It was built in 1970 on a hex receiver, and has no other markings other than the date.
To the original poster, trading an M39 for an Argentine 1911 clone really isn't a good deal, particularly when new Rock Islands can be had for $450.
To the original poster, trading an M39 for an Argentine 1911 clone really isn't a good deal, particularly when new Rock Islands can be had for $450.
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