Here is another example of someone selling a non-antique serialized receiver on fleabay. I see this quite often. (Not just Krags.) If I tried this, it'd be pulled by fleabay in 20 minutes and I'd probably get a visit from the feds.

With all of these Krags being parted out at a dizzying rate, it makes sense that they would have to get rid of the receivers somehow.

What do you guys think?

  (You need to Login

I've seen it a lot over the years!  Were I to try it, the winning bidder would be an ATF agent!  I have messaged sellers in the past warning them.  Sometimes they pull them, sometimes they go on.

I've tried that a couple times before and then I realized who appointed me Fleabay police? I don't fool with it anymore.

It shows "ended" this morning

Someone did a "Buy It Now" on Dec. 15 for $90.

What I think:

It is silly that all U. S. Krag receivers are not classified as antique firearms and exempt from BATF documentation.

It is silly how Krag parts are bringing crazy money on ebay.

It is silly how ignorant or unscrupulous some ebay vendors are and how they misrepresent and over price things.

It is unfortunate how many historical firearms are being 'parted out' to fuel ..... what?

I grew up in the tradition that we were merely the custodians of antique items. We were free to use and enjoy our acquisitions. But, we were honor bound to properly care for and preserve things, like firearms, in their 'experienced state' and accurately pass them on to future generations of aficionados.

A bit of profit was "OK" to build and improve one's collection, but, you also always looked out for and tried to help the "new guys".

One of the most important lessons I learned as a Boy Scout when I was a kid (back when Boy Scouts of America meant something) was to leave something better than you found it.

I always have fixed and cleaned up the old milsurp firearms I have bought or had pass through my hands. I won't damage or alter anything that hasn't already been altered. Whoever gets them when I am done will definitely have a piece of history that is in better condition than when I got it.

I agree...I think we have a duty to preserve history and not profit from its destruction as we are witnessing. It's not just Krags, either. I see it with ALL milsurps.

I guess it just makes the unaltered ones left worth even more.

very tough thing here as I do not want to support this phenomenon but occasionally there's a part I need. I prefer to buy from Grandpa's or S&S.

Is there any jeopardy for the buyer receiving this?

Yes. And, there is a paper trail leading right to their door through Fleabay.

Is something likely to happen, though?

Doubt it. Even if someone reported this transaction, I doubt the feds would likely pursue it. Low priority.

Seller has more risk generally. Buyer can have it confiscated at the worst. Seller could be fined or worse if some federale wants to make an example of him.

There are many who do not give a crap about "preserving" history nor do they give a crap about history, period. ALL they want is to acquire as much M O N E Y as they can and they will do anything....history and its preservation be damned.....to do it.

See the same thing with almost any "collectible" or anything of "value"


Whig wrote on Dec 17^th, 2018 at 11:06pm:

One of the most important lessons I learned as a Boy Scout when I was a kid (back when Boy Scouts of America meant something) was to leave something better than you found it. I always have fixed and cleaned up the old milsurp firearms I have bought or had pass through my hands. I won't damage or alter anything that hasn't already been altered. Whoever gets them when I am done will definitely have a piece of history that is in better condition than when I got it. I agree...I think we have a duty to preserve history and not profit from its destruction as we are witnessing. It's not just Krags, either. I see it with ALL milsurps. I guess it just makes the unaltered ones left worth even more.