eb in oregon

This is opinion only. Cartridges with split necks are not collectable, and depending on the crack may not be shootable. Small cracks not advanced further than the neck my be shot one time and one time only. That's a decision the shooter will have to make based on their own experience. Dies are worth no more than what they are selling for new. 5.7MMJ may not be common, but new dies are available from several manufacturers. I once had two sets of dies and like an idiot I sold one set. Should have kept the set. 5.7MMJ is available from custom ammunition manufacturers, it sells for about a buck a round, so you should be able to sell it for that price if not a bit less. The carbines will sell for common prices in my estimation, I can't see anyone paying a premium for who once owned them. Good luck with your mission.

I'd leave it alone unless you simply have to "restore" it. However it will never be original regardless the funds you spend on it and I'm betting you'll never recoup the expense if you decide to sell it.

I would avoid the carbine, Universals carbines have a deserved poor reputation.

I just finished ordering my copy. Now to get it autographed by one of the most knowledgable firearms authors and researchers on the planet. "I wish that I had some 'spare cash' and I would order 1000 copies and put in an 'online shop' for future purchasers." 50 grand is some serious "spare cash."

Excellent, enjoy your Spitfire. Bummer about the other barrel though.

User carelessness is not an indicator of originality or restoration in my opinion.

Sorry ArtR, but it will take more to convince me than that. In my experience no 82 year old rifle has such a nice finish unless it was kept in a closet most the time. And the bolt appears to have parkerized. I've been told by you and others that's a sure sign of refinishing. And too the screw heads all appear to be perfect. That's also odd on a 82 year old rifle that supposed to be original.

However I'm thinking it is a Miltech restoration. The overall finish is far to good to be original. So what? It's still a great piece.

Very nice.

Somebody is better "fixed" than I. Nice BBBQ. The dot appears to be a musket mini-ball, the case has me stumped. I'm sure I've seen something similar in the past, but can't remember where.

Seems reasonable for 50 new head stamped cases, but I'd not go much higher unless desperate. A buck a case is pretty high if it gets there.

Boy howdy.

All tools have a use. Some tools designed for defense or assault are old and simple. I like the Johnson rifle a bunch, but I have a preference for simple as it is more personal.

About 10:18 of this video there is a quick shot of a guy hosing down a house with a JLMG.