Not sticking my finger in anyone's eye here. I am comparing this conversation about putting replacement engines and transmissions into what amount to work trucks, to some themes in the firearms community. When another engine is plopped into a CMP, is its value raised or lowered? Is a converted No.4 Lee Enfield more or less desireable than one that is in stock service condition?
At the moment I have three guns listed on another forum. In a CMP context one is a motor pool daily driver, the second a limited issue specialist version, and the third is a full postwar customization.
The 1943 Long Branch rack grade rebuilt rifle sold in a heartbeat for the asking price of $400. (Which I guess means it was underpriced.) It was one I put back together with correct, good condition Canadian parts. The E.A.L. factory made .303 survival rifle, built on a No.4 receiver and parts, languished for longer than I expected but sold for $550. It is clearly scarcer and much more collectable than a generic wartime No.4. The highly modified and really thoughfully built No.4 target rifle isn't getting half as much attention.