Duffel cut effect on value

B

befus

Active member
So let's just say the value of a certain G43 was $3000 with an original stock. Identical rifle with a duffle cut stock would be discounted what, if any? Thanks for replies, just trying to learn some things.
 
Depends on how bad the duffle cut was done and repaired and where. But, it could decrease the value pretty good from a rifle that doesn’t have a duffle cut. On G.43’s, a duffle cut is not easy to hide. The only place it wouldn’t make much difference on a G.43 is under the stock band. If under the stock band and not done too bad, I would say not much decrease.
 
I agree with that. Duffle cuts do bring down the value but at least it tells you it was a legit bring back. All depends on how hidden the duffle cut is and where it's located. I have bought quite a few rifles with hidden duffle cuts that I'm proud to own. What kills a stock value is when the buttstock has been cut. And over the years I've seen some pretty nice stocks destroyed with very bad cuts.
 
Tiger 2 Tank said:
Depends on how bad the duffle cut was done and repaired and where. But, it could decrease the value pretty good from a rifle that doesn’t have a duffle cut. On G.43’s, a duffle cut is not easy to hide. The only place it wouldn’t make much difference on a G.43 is under the stock band. If under the stock band and not done too bad, I would say not much decrease.
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A thin, clean duffel cut under the lower band on a k98 doesn't factor into value IMO, it may even add to provenance. I have never seen a duffle cut on a G/k 43 that I liked, (they are usually visible).
 
The deep pockets Mauser collectors I know don't seem to be troubled by correctly done and easily repaired/hidden duffel cuts. I have several cut under the lower band and repaired by a pro so well that they aren't readily apparent with the band off. A duffel cut Mitchell is another matter...
 
Personally, I'll pass on a G/K-43 with a badly done duffle cut. A well-hidden cut on a 98k makes no difference to me. I'd prefer that it hadn't been done, but as stated above, the cut (and no importer's marks) adds to the provenance of a gun that does not otherwise have paperwork, as it was probably smuggled into the US.

The worst duffel cut I've ever seen on a K-43 was done right through the wrist of the stock. Shudder.
 
Most of the time repaired duffle cuts on g/k43s include sanding to help the pieces match.

Duffle cut means instant shooter to me.
 
ugafx4 said:
Most of the time repaired duffle cuts on g/k43s include sanding to help the pieces match.

Duffle cut means instant shooter to me.
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+1. Unless the duffle cut is hidden by the barrel band I don't like any of them. Kills the value for me.
 
I have a couple of dufflecuts. Doesn’t bother me.
It’s all part of the history of the rifle coming home with the soldier,
like artwork, even if crude or not, it’s what had to be done to conceal the rifle.
Also shows the mechanical aptitude and maybe the shortage or surplus of good carpentry
tools available.

Someone could probably write a book on dufflecuts and the various styles.

Title - Appreciating the Dufflecut!
 
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Tiger 2 Tank said:
That’s probably the nicest duffle cut repair I have ever seen.
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Yes whoever did it was a craftsman. That K43 came from GB about 9 years ago, I was glad to find it.
There are some DC's I can't deal with, like when the Buttstock has been sawed in half. :googlie
 
Glad I asked as this has been informative and interesting. If I may, the opinions range from, "The gun is ruined and will never be anything but a shooter", to, "It doesn't bother me a bit." The majority being that it devalues the rifle some, and how much depends on the type of cut and the quality of the repair. I'd lean towards the 'depends on the repair' train of thought. As much value as folks put on bring backs, it is odd that here we have almost guaranteed bring backs being dissed because of the manner in which they were brought back! At any rate, thanks for the stimulating discussion.
 
If it is like the one shown previous i would say no to very little unless someone is that particular. Also depends on how well it was cut, where it was cut, and how well it was repaired.
 
I personally think duffle cuts add a lot of character to the rifle. I have a k98 with the duffle cut behind the recoil lug. It was never repaired, just placed back together and put in a closet. Came from a local vet who passed away minutes down the street. The cut is sloppy and not straight. Looks to be done with a handsaw presumably somewhere in France. To me having a story to put behind the cut makes it invaluable and it's story can not be hidden.
 
It's interesting to see the various ways rifles were chopped. With a K98k, all that was necessary was removal of the bayonet lug by knocking out the pin to make the buttstock the same length as the action. It was done with this G.29/40 I bought that was a vet send home and never touched after that or re-assembled. Fortunately, the original pin was lodged inside the lug itself:
http://www.k98kforum.com/showthread.php?3427-G.29-40-660-1940-(pics
 
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