First off, I apologize if there is already a thread dealing with Russian WWII firearms newbie questions...I looked but couldn't find one...if there is then feel free to send me a link!
I'm a typical Mauser K98 collector but I'm interested in starting to branch out into other firearms and the Russian WWII front look interesting. I've got a few basic questions based on the few firearms that I've taken a look at:
1. It's seems like the overwhelming majority of Russian WWIIs that I've seen have been refurbished...I'm assuming this is a post war refurbish done by Ivan...how negatively does this affect value? Are non-refurbisheds readily available and how to they compare price wise to the refurbs?
2. How about import marked vs non-marked?
3. What are the main drivers and detractors of values on Russian war time (WWII) firearms?
Basically I'm looking at Russian war time firearms mainly for my love of history and value as a piece of history (at the same time buying something that's going to at least hold it's value)...I'm wondering exactly I should be looking for and around the price it should be in the world of Russian WWI firearms. Any advice is welcome....if this were a Mauser I'd know exactly what I'd be talking about but the Nagant is a different world completely!
Thanks in advance