FN 1900 on Gun Broker

[Mikeshoe72]

Just saw an FN 1900 up for auction on GB. Says it's serial #26. Be fun to watch that auction, from the sidelines for me!

[jack1653]

Hey Mike,

The sidelines is the best place to be on this one. There are several issues with this FN, some are mentioned, some are not. I will watch with you.

Regards,

jack1653

[Mikeshoe72]

Hey Jack,

What issues are you referring too? I noticed the stock and where the receiver was drilled and tapped, I assume for some type of receiver sight. I always enjoy learning what to look for on these guns.

Mike

[jack1653]

Hey Mike,

The seller mentioned replacement stock and you can see in the pictures it does not fit properly. The pictures do not show enough detail as to what kind of replacement stock has been put on the rifle. There is a picture of the butt plate which has been replaced. You will search forever to find the correct butt plate for an FN. Another picture shows the charge handle with a replacement screw for the lost cap, spring and pin. This was a common issue with the FN. You can find some threads in this topic about this issue that I posted. I had a gunsmith in Johnson City, Illinois, make these parts for me and several other FN owners. Not cheap!! These are the most evident issues. The overall external appearance is not very good.

These rifles are rare and are definitely on the collector must have. To buy one in this condition would not be a good investment in my opinion. There are simply no parts available for these rifles. I hope this helps.

Regards,

Jack

[Mikeshoe72]

Jack,
Thanks for the info. I'd say, in my amateur opinion, that this one is too much money for its issues and condition, and too rare to be a shooter. I don't mind wear and tear on a rifle if it's honest wear. Like my 1912 model 8, because I'm more of a shooter than a collector. However, I like them to be original. To me, every little ding and scratch tells a story. At this point, I'm just learning how to spot correct and incorrect things on these guns. On a side note, at a local gun shop, I found a Rem Model 11 12 ga., made in 1938, that is all original. Gonna go drool on that some more today. It never ends!

[jack1653]

Hey Mike,

If you are not concerned about condition, and the price is right, I would consider buying it. The fact that it is rare, should not be a deterrent for buying the rifle. The FN is better built than the model 8 because of the attention to detail that all FN firearms seem to exhibit. I have found the FN's shoot very well and are dependable and that is primarily due to the JMB design. This rifle is a shooter and I would not have any reservations about shooting it after I had cleaned and inspected it.

The price for this rifle with its issues would be in the range that the seller is asking. The price of the FN's has been increasing over the past several years. I would estimate the average price for the FN in decent condition to be in $2500-3500 range. I have seen some go for over $4000.

Regards

Jack

[81police]

Not saying the rifle is not #26, but I'am saying the serial number locations on the rifle are peculiar. We have three FN's on file earlier than this gun (#5, 11, 21) and the serial numbers of these guns are consistent with the rest of production. Perhaps the serial number on the bottom of the receiver was filed off and replaced with the unusual locations shown in the pictures?? Odd.

Sling swivels are also a replacement. Additional holes drilled in the top tang. Forearm checkering not consistent with other FN's. All that aside, hey, it's still an FN 1900 and pretty cool!!

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/592774651

[Roger]

Hey fellow members,
I received a notice from Gunbroker that this FN 1900 was running out on time. I was busy with work and paid little attention to it yesterday. This morning I looked at it and saw that it sold for over 2500 $. Some things have no explanation what-so-ever.
Thanks for your time,
Roger

[81police]

Wow you're right Roger! That dude sold for $2525

[doublecanister]

I noticed a Model 81 in .35 Rem in good condition sold for $1575 on GB recently. I have noticed that 8/81s in .35 Rem in good/vg condition are going for money more these days.