Airsporter vauation

[Airsporter1st]

Depends how they have been stored - in dry/clean conditions you would hope - look at the condition of some of the boxes for the boxed Centenary rifles - some of them are like new and the rifles are older than the Mk6. (just)

If stored wrongly - they can deteriorate in the box though, really you should try cocking it as the piston can become stuck in the cylinder - some of the seals/buffer washer turn to mush and requires a stripdown to replace.
Buyer beware but good luck if you find a good one, boxed and for a good price. (a good price in my book is one you are happy to pay! )

atb
ASM

I don't think the polystyrene itself does much for keeping the gun in mint condition. I suspect there is something in it that attacks the metalwork. Those I've had that were boxed and mint were still in the polythene sleeve, which kept them seperated from the polystyrene.

[Airsporterman]

I don't think the polystyrene itself does much for keeping the gun in mint condition. I suspect there is something in it that attacks the metalwork. Those I've had that were boxed and mint were still in the polythene sleeve, which kept them seperated from the polystyrene.

Indeed Paul - good point - I never thought of that!

The buffer washers seem to disintegrate on some over time - even if unused/boxed - to replace, that would require a full strip down which can be difficult as the piston becomes fixed inside the cylinder - personally never encountered this but know of some that have. Always a shame to strip an immaculate/new/boxed Airsporter for the sake of a shot buffer washer! (probably would affect the value of a 'minter' rifle if it had to be done. Incorrect lube/oils seem to be the culprit over time! )

ASM

[Airsporter1st]

Indeed Paul - good point - I never thought of that!

The buffer washers seem to disintegrate on some over time - even if unused/boxed - to replace, that would require a full strip down which can be difficult as the piston becomes fixed inside the cylinder - personally never encountered this but know of some that have. Always a shame to strip an immaculate/new/boxed Airsporter for the sake of a shot buffer washer! (probably would affect the value of a 'minter' rifle if it had to be done. Incorrect lube/oils seem to be the culprit over time! )

ASM

I must admit, I would be very reluctant to strip my two good ones and I definitely would not entrust the job to anyone else. I hope and believe that the Ballistol I use will not have any negative affect on the buffer washers. It shouldn't do. The other big enemy of any kind of rubber is time though.......

[Airsporterman]

I must admit, I would be very reluctant to strip my two good ones and I definitely would not entrust the job to anyone else. I hope and believe that the Ballistol I use will not have any negative affect on the buffer washers. It shouldn't do. The other big enemy of any kind of rubber is time though.......

I'm the same Paul - wouldn't trust anyone else with my 'babies'!

ASM

[rovercoupe]

£240 plus commission, someone wanted it bad! Even a junk supersport went for £60, I got a nice knife though!

[Airsporterman]

£240 plus commission, someone wanted it bad! Even a junk supersport went for £60, I got a nice knife though!

May be resident in West Cumbria soon then?

ASM

[Muskett]

Solid price realised.

Mint in box, or at least factory fresh not fired are becoming increasingly difficult to find. The box is cardboard so is important only in that it ensures the contents are beyond reproach. Best if rifle is in plastic, as some packing comes with its own dangers.
Time sitting doing nothing brings its own problems. Really does require best dry storage conditions. When it goes wrong it happens fast. Undetected and damage, rust goes deep.
I'm a strong believer in factory fresh from 1979/80 onwards. Before that its just condition. That start time line because manufacturing changed and the mass market took off again. It was the start of the next "age" of airgun shooting.

So boxed or just factory fresh is because a "new" gun has an appeal all by itself, like a mint coin or stamp. The negative, huge negative, is they can't be used. They don't even have to work. Some of the plastics can't be touched as they will self destruct. If you want to shoot the type then there are plenty of very nice used ones for that, and without any premium. In truth the premium isn't enough to justify the rarity or give any return. The collectors enjoyment of ownership is the return.

Some people buy into mint some don't, its their choice. I think its good for some to be kept "perfect", when there are so many not. If you come across a minter and want to shoot the rifle, just sell it on and buy a user... and take a profit if you get it cheap enough. Well thats what I do.