Collector value of 1976 "200 Years of Liberty" 10/22?

[DougB]

I'm planning to buy a used 10/22 tomorrow. Of the three I have to pick from, the oldest was made in 1976 and the barrel is stamped with something like "200 Years of Liberty 1776-1976." I believe it also has a walnut stock (barrel-band style). Anyway, it is priced only $10 more than another rifle that shows a lot more wear, so it seems like a better deal. But I plan to replace the stock, the barrel, and polish the finish off the receiver (which is about all I really want). I feel kind of guilty doing this if this rifle has any significant collector value or interest. It is in nice shape, but it does show some use. Thoughts?

Doug

 

[James K]

They made those guns for the entire production year. Unless the gun is new in the box with all the Ruger material, it has no great value over any other 10/22. Still, I admit that I hate to see the gun "sporterized".

Jim

 

[Gewehr98]

I bought my Bicentennial 10/22 at a pawn shop back in 1997, only because it had the best feeling trigger and smoothest bolt cycling of all the ones there. It was smooth because it had seen a LOT of hard use, once I got it home and cleaned the action out. It's a FrankenRuger, now.