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BM59 Clone Value

but
Hi all,
I have a M59 rifle made by Santa Fe on hold at my favorite gun shop. It just came in yesterday on consignment and is in great condition. I can have it out the door for $1100.00. It looks just like a BM59 except no select fire option or grenade launcher. It comes with 2 original BM59 mags.

Do you guys think it's worth the asking price? I really want to buy it but I need a little push, it's not every day I spend this kind of money on a new toy. All opinions are welcome and thanks in advance.
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Comments

8 comments

Date Votes
  • rufe-snow
    You might? have got yourself a good one there.
    Supposedly at least some of those were made by "GOLDEN STATE ARMS" under license from Pietro Beretta, using ex GI Grand receivers and Italian PB marked parts. Look it over real good, specially the receiver, make sure it's not a reweld.
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  • boeboe
    About the only objective site I've found with good, discussion board type info on the BM59 is:

    http://www.machinegunbooks.com/cgibin/ikonboard/ikonboard.cgi

    There is one board exclusively devoted to the BM59 here, and if you brouse through it, you will find some good info. According to some of these posters, at least some of the the Sante Fe and Golden State BM59s were built on re-welded receivers, I suppose it's a matter of opinion on which would be better, a re-welded Garand receiver assembled under license from Beretta, or a forged, genuine Beretta receiver machined and sold here in the US by Springfield Armory, Inc. Most people tend to avoid the re-welds, but there's probably nothing wrong with them and I believe that re-welding was an alternative approved by Beretta. I think the most desireable BM59 type rifles are the Berben and Benet imports, which are true Beretta made BM59s, but I've been offered them for not much more than $1,000.

    I've seen the Golden State and Sante Fe versions offered for from $800 on up, if you do an "old search" on the following gunbroker site for BM59, you will get a good idea of their true market values.

    http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/SearchForm.asp?Tab=5

    And following is a Sante Fe that sold on Gunbroker for $905.00.

    http://www.gunbroker.com/auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=6845478

    Just a bit more, whether the Springfield Armory "clones" (with a book value comaparable to the Springfield Armory FAL) or the earlier versions, I believe the BM59 is an underpriced battle rifle. And according to some, the BEST battle rifle. People are so hung-up on the FAL and HK, few know the BM59 really even exists! For that reason, I think they are underpriced. You might also want to look at:

    http://reesesurplus.com/

    And keep an eye open at auction site for good magazines, I've bought them for from $40.00 (used) to $60.00 (new), don't pay the $70 to $100 that many people want. I wouldn't tell you that if I didn't already have 20 of them. I need to cut back....

    To err is human, to moo is bovine.
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  • seamus
    I roger all that Boeboe said. And would only emphasize that before you buy, check out reesesurplus.com. Examine the photos, and give them a call to discuss details. They're very helpful. You may even find that you like the BM62 (the rare sporting version, which I own) better than the BM59. There are various models available and they come with many extras. You deserve to see what is out there before putting down your money. Mags from them are priced on the high side, however (about $70.00 each), so look around. - Good luck and happy shooting -
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  • boeboe
    Hey Seamus, I've been trying to contact you for a couple of months, I have a good lead for you on mags if you want. They have new ones for $60.00. Do you want the site?

    To err is human, to moo is bovine.
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  • mag
    I once had a BM59 clone made on surplus parts. This was in 77 or so and I do not know if it was a welded rec. It used M14 mags. When fired the cases would have two bulges matching the reliefs at the bottom of the chamber. Pretty scary. It went right back and I got my money back !!

    Ray
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  • but
    Hey Boeboe,
    Thanks for the great info. Where can I get new mags for $60.00? The cheapest new ones I've found so far are $70.00
    I would like to buy at least 2 of them for now as bucks are a little tight after buying the rifle. You can contact me direct at but304@netcarrier.com if you prefer.

    By the way guys, I came home Friday night with BM59 in hand. It's a birthday present to myself. Thanks for your input.
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  • boeboe
    It was about 2 to 3 months ago I found these guys, they had 10 at that time. They still list they have 10. It's worth checking into. They are listed a ways down the page, no photo,

    http://www.tacticalstocks.com/Bunker.htm

    To err is human, to moo is bovine.
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  • but
    Boeboe, thanks again for the info. I will contact them this week.
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