Colt Light Rifle (save it or shoot it?)

Paper · 02-03-2008, 09:50 AM

I picked up a NIB Colt Light Rifle in 30-06 and I can't decide if I'm going to slap the included rings on it and a scope, or just leave it in the box as an investment gun.

I feel I got a decent deal on it as the Blue Book has it listed at $675 in this condition, and I picked it up for $450. It's in absolute perfect condition, as expected for a new rifle.

Not a lot were made by Saco for Colt when you compare numbers of other rifles, and I feel it'll go up in value..

I don't "need" another rifle to shoot, but part of me wants to slap a scope on it and enjoy this rifle...

Thoughts on this rifle?

Palladin8 · 02-03-2008, 09:55 AM

I do not own anything that hasn't been shot. I am not a collector so I couldn't tell you if it's a worthwhile investment. I would say shoot it and enjoy it.

samuel · 02-03-2008, 10:14 AM

At that value I would shoot it and be happy.The reduction in price isnt that great when you figure the price of intertainment now a days. sam.

meatloaf · 02-21-2008, 06:53 PM

shoot it, if you want a long term investment buy a roth IRA

texnmidwest · 02-21-2008, 07:12 PM

I tend to agree, Paper. Shoot it and be careful with it and it will not be much less value. I look in the blue book and the price of 100% and 98% is not that much. So, if you keep the box and take good care of it then the value should be about the same give or take 50 or so. Shoot it, if you want to and have fun with it.

nathangdad · 02-21-2008, 09:09 PM

Nothing against your gun but it is in neither small enough in
quantity of manufacture, nor unique design, nor associated
with a major period of history to be worth saving in the box
for decades.

On the other hand it might be a good deal in the deer stand
or on the target range.

Good shooting (and I both mean it and advise it)!

Mooseman684 · 02-21-2008, 09:24 PM

Colt produced 4,000 to 6,000 of these rifles and then stopped production...
That is not a very High Number, so Anyone that has one NIB should keep it that way and NOT fire it...Keep it and the box and Hang Tags in Mint shape for it will appreciate in the future...Anyone telling you otherwise doesn't know beans about Gun Collecting and what determining factors to look at when Investing. Guns have NEVER crashed like the Stock Market...they have Never decreased in Price, and right now it is worth 250 more than you paid for it...and Guys 100% NIB UNFIRED commands a Premium on Collector guns!
Buy shooters to shoot...
Rich

Paper · 02-21-2008, 09:41 PM

I'm with ya on this one Mooseman.. All the paperwork, including the letter from Colt stating that this one was made after the recall (firing pin spring was bad on the early 30-06's), along with the warranty paperwork, factory rings, and original box is currently tucked away.

I lubed the gun up with a light protectant and stuck it back in the box.

There wasn't many made, and I have several other rifles to shoot.. Hell, I've currently got a Swede Mauser, .17HMR, and a bunch of Mosins, and a H&R Garand that haven't been to the range yet, and I plan on shooting them..

I think this Colt's gonna just get put away, in unfired condition..

Mooseman684 · 02-21-2008, 10:04 PM

Good for You Paper !
I have an Unfired pre-64 Model 70 in .300 Win Mag...One of the highest priced Collector guns made in the Model 70. The previous owner threw the Box away as well as the Hang tags or it would be worth 500 to 1000 dollars more than it is...That's the breaks...I have never fired this rifle due to the Collectability, and have never seen another one that I could buy that was used..I hunt with a post 64 Model 70 because of this....
Rich

Midas · 02-21-2008, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooseman684

Colt produced 4,000 to 6,000 of these rifles and then stopped production...
That is not a very High Number, so Anyone that has one NIB should keep it that way and NOT fire it...Keep it and the box and Hang Tags in Mint shape for it will appreciate in the future...Anyone telling you otherwise doesn't know beans about Gun Collecting and what determining factors to look at when Investing. Guns have NEVER crashed like the Stock Market...they have Never decreased in Price, and right now it is worth 250 more than you paid for it...and Guys 100% NIB UNFIRED commands a Premium on Collector guns!
Buy shooters to shoot...
Rich

+ 1

GlockMeister · 02-21-2008, 10:34 PM

Hey paper, how ya' doing? In another post you left, the one about your C&R and telling someone that had just gotten theirs they should now cut up their credit card, and the fact you rattled off a handful of what you've gotten since you got your C&R, I figured you have plenty for shooting, and, you did just mention it above... lol

From what Mooseman stated, it sounds like there were very few of these made. Out of those how many were used. Out of those how many survived. And out of the ones that may have survived, what condition could they be in. Based on that and what you said you paid for it, it can only go up in value.

Besides, how often is it one runs across a deal for an item like that, in that NIB condition, with the box and paperwork?

So if you have the space and can afford to basically let $450 or more, depending on what you could get for it if you were to resell it, just sit there, my vote is hang on to it.

Paper, did you happen to take any pictures before you put it away? I'd like to see it if possible? If not I'll google images of it. You gotta the model #? I just searched and nothing came up. I've never seen one and am curious as to what it looks like.

And by the way Paper, good find. lol

Mooseman684 · 02-21-2008, 10:38 PM

Blue Book right Now is 795.00...and Climbing! LOL

GlockMeister · 02-21-2008, 10:42 PM

lol I just took out that question because I also just noticed paper has it currently for $675. I think he'll like your blue books price instead of his. lmao

Mooseman684 · 02-21-2008, 10:45 PM

Yeah..He forgot to add the premium for NIB...No Longer Made...Etc....2% above MSR !

GlockMeister · 02-21-2008, 10:47 PM

Gotch ya'. Hey whats the model # of those. I'd like to check out some pics. As mentioned, I've never seen one.

Mooseman684 · 02-21-2008, 10:50 PM

Google "Colt Light rifle"...Gunbrokers.com...

GlockMeister · 02-21-2008, 11:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mooseman684

Google "Colt Light rifle"...Gunbrokers.com...

LOL, that another one of my many favorite places and i didn't even think to look there. I think of it to helps others and forget about it for my own help. lmao... DOH!

By the way, Thanks much.

Okay, I did just that. Is it me or does it look a lot like a Win. model 70? Or could it be the other way around? One I looked at they're asking $550. Another one listed as NIB asking $500 opening bid.

I'm assuming they were only offered with a composite stock? If so, bummer, bet it would look great with wood. Just like the Win. model 70 does.

meatloaf · 02-21-2008, 11:05 PM

man take the fun out of owning a gun.

Paper · 02-21-2008, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by meatloaf

man take the fun out of owning a gun.

Like I said, if it was something that I had to have to shoot, I'd shoot it.. I don't have the time to shoot all the guns that I want to shoot, let alone ones that I don't want to shoot..

Anyway, here's some pics.. It's really nothing special.. Black finish, black stock.. I bet it kicks like a mule, too.. Best that I don't shoot it, so I don't hurt my frail body.. All 250# of it..

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...l/IMGP0096.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...IMGP0099-1.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...l/IMGP0100.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...IMGP0103-1.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...l/IMGP0105.jpg
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h2...l/IMGP0104.jpg

GlockMeister · 02-21-2008, 11:54 PM

Beautiful firearm Paper. I'll say it again. Great find. And don't feel bad for being able to save it and not shoot it. Not that you do, but if you do, don't. You're in a position I'd love to be in. Which is to find a firearm, at a great price, be able to afford it as well as have the space to store it.

I said it above, but, to bad they didn't offer these with a wood stock. I like the composite, very weather friendly, but man, how beautiful would a wood stock look on that? Maybe they did offer it with wood, I haven't a clue.

What does the Spr mean after 30-06 on the box?

And thanks for taking the time and posting the pictures.

02-03-2008, 09:50 AM	#1
Paper One Buwwit Weft Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: IL/WI Border Posts: 862 Trader Rating: (0)	Colt Light Rifle (save it or shoot it?) I picked up a NIB Colt Light Rifle in 30-06 and I can't decide if I'm going to slap the included rings on it and a scope, or just leave it in the box as an investment gun. I feel I got a decent deal on it as the Blue Book has it listed at $675 in this condition, and I picked it up for $450. It's in absolute perfect condition, as expected for a new rifle. Not a lot were made by Saco for Colt when you compare numbers of other rifles, and I feel it'll go up in value.. I don't "need" another rifle to shoot, but part of me wants to slap a scope on it and enjoy this rifle... Thoughts on this rifle? __________________

02-21-2008, 07:12 PM	#5
texnmidwest Senior Bear Fluffer Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: South east Wisconsin Posts: 3,035 Trader Rating: (0)	I tend to agree, Paper. Shoot it and be careful with it and it will not be much less value. I look in the blue book and the price of 100% and 98% is not that much. So, if you keep the box and take good care of it then the value should be about the same give or take 50 or so. Shoot it, if you want to and have fun with it. __________________ "Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati" (If all else fails play dead)

02-21-2008, 09:09 PM	#6
nathangdad Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 2,265 Trader Rating: (0)	I do not think it will make it on the collector radar Nothing against your gun but it is in neither small enough in quantity of manufacture, nor unique design, nor associated with a major period of history to be worth saving in the box for decades. On the other hand it might be a good deal in the deer stand or on the target range. Good shooting (and I both mean it and advise it)!

02-21-2008, 09:24 PM	#7
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,283 Trader Rating: (0)	Colt produced 4,000 to 6,000 of these rifles and then stopped production... That is not a very High Number, so Anyone that has one NIB should keep it that way and NOT fire it...Keep it and the box and Hang Tags in Mint shape for it will appreciate in the future...Anyone telling you otherwise doesn't know beans about Gun Collecting and what determining factors to look at when Investing. Guns have NEVER crashed like the Stock Market...they have Never decreased in Price, and right now it is worth 250 more than you paid for it...and Guys 100% NIB UNFIRED commands a Premium on Collector guns! Buy shooters to shoot... Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

02-21-2008, 09:41 PM	#8
Paper One Buwwit Weft Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: IL/WI Border Posts: 862 Trader Rating: (0)	I'm with ya on this one Mooseman.. All the paperwork, including the letter from Colt stating that this one was made after the recall (firing pin spring was bad on the early 30-06's), along with the warranty paperwork, factory rings, and original box is currently tucked away. I lubed the gun up with a light protectant and stuck it back in the box. There wasn't many made, and I have several other rifles to shoot.. Hell, I've currently got a Swede Mauser, .17HMR, and a bunch of Mosins, and a H&R Garand that haven't been to the range yet, and I plan on shooting them.. I think this Colt's gonna just get put away, in unfired condition.. __________________

02-03-2008, 09:55 AM	#2
Palladin8 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 319 Trader Rating: (0)	I do not own anything that hasn't been shot. I am not a collector so I couldn't tell you if it's a worthwhile investment. I would say shoot it and enjoy it.

02-03-2008, 10:14 AM	#3
samuel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 5,056 Trader Rating: (0)	At that value I would shoot it and be happy.The reduction in price isnt that great when you figure the price of intertainment now a days. sam.

02-21-2008, 06:53 PM	#4
meatloaf Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: lakewood CO Posts: 863 Trader Rating: (0)	shoot it, if you want a long term investment buy a roth IRA

02-21-2008, 10:04 PM	#9
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,283 Trader Rating: (0)	Good for You Paper ! I have an Unfired pre-64 Model 70 in .300 Win Mag...One of the highest priced Collector guns made in the Model 70. The previous owner threw the Box away as well as the Hang tags or it would be worth 500 to 1000 dollars more than it is...That's the breaks...I have never fired this rifle due to the Collectability, and have never seen another one that I could buy that was used..I hunt with a post 64 Model 70 because of this.... Rich __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

02-21-2008, 10:34 PM	#11
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 4,959 Trader Rating: (0)	Hey paper, how ya' doing? In another post you left, the one about your C&R and telling someone that had just gotten theirs they should now cut up their credit card, and the fact you rattled off a handful of what you've gotten since you got your C&R, I figured you have plenty for shooting, and, you did just mention it above... lol From what Mooseman stated, it sounds like there were very few of these made. Out of those how many were used. Out of those how many survived. And out of the ones that may have survived, what condition could they be in. Based on that and what you said you paid for it, it can only go up in value. Besides, how often is it one runs across a deal for an item like that, in that NIB condition, with the box and paperwork? So if you have the space and can afford to basically let $450 or more, depending on what you could get for it if you were to resell it, just sit there, my vote is hang on to it. Paper, did you happen to take any pictures before you put it away? I'd like to see it if possible? If not I'll google images of it. You gotta the model #? I just searched and nothing came up. I've never seen one and am curious as to what it looks like. And by the way Paper, good find. lol __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6! Last edited by GlockMeister; 02-21-2008 at 10:41 PM.

02-21-2008, 10:38 PM	#12
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,283 Trader Rating: (0)	Blue Book right Now is 795.00...and Climbing! LOL __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

02-21-2008, 10:42 PM	#13
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 4,959 Trader Rating: (0)	lol I just took out that question because I also just noticed paper has it currently for $675. I think he'll like your blue books price instead of his. lmao __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

02-21-2008, 10:45 PM	#14
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,283 Trader Rating: (0)	Yeah..He forgot to add the premium for NIB...No Longer Made...Etc....2% above MSR ! __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

02-21-2008, 10:47 PM	#15
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 4,959 Trader Rating: (0)	Gotch ya'. Hey whats the model # of those. I'd like to check out some pics. As mentioned, I've never seen one. __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!

02-21-2008, 10:50 PM	#16
Mooseman684 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Alaska Wilderness Posts: 9,283 Trader Rating: (0)	Google "Colt Light rifle"...Gunbrokers.com... __________________ You know you might be facing your doom,when all you get is a click when you're expecting a BOOM!

02-21-2008, 11:05 PM	#18
meatloaf Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: lakewood CO Posts: 863 Trader Rating: (0)	man take the fun out of owning a gun.

02-21-2008, 11:54 PM	#20
GlockMeister Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Northern Illinois Posts: 4,959 Trader Rating: (0)	Beautiful firearm Paper. I'll say it again. Great find. And don't feel bad for being able to save it and not shoot it. Not that you do, but if you do, don't. You're in a position I'd love to be in. Which is to find a firearm, at a great price, be able to afford it as well as have the space to store it. I said it above, but, to bad they didn't offer these with a wood stock. I like the composite, very weather friendly, but man, how beautiful would a wood stock look on that? Maybe they did offer it with wood, I haven't a clue. What does the Spr mean after 30-06 on the box? And thanks for taking the time and posting the pictures. __________________ I'd rather be tried by 12 than carried by 6!