3rd Gen Value - CAI Georgia VT

[KWIndy]

I have a question for the 3rd Gen experts on the 5903 I just bought, advertised as a "police trade".
On the bottom of the hood of the frame, on the exterior, is neatly stamped "CAI Georgia VT"

Now I know this means Century Arms handled it in some way but two questions.
1 - Does this effect the value?
2 - Is there any way to find out where it was used?

 

[s&wchad]

The CAI stamp is an importers stamp, which is required by the BATFE when guns (new or used) are brought into the country. Domestic LEO trade-ins don’t receive it. Their stock photo appears to show a foreign proof mark on the top of the slide, which would offer some insight on its history. CAI might be able to tell you where they came from.

Importer stamps do hurt the value of collectible guns, but these are shooter grade guns rated in “good” condition. Military/LE guns generally see harder use than ones privately owned, but they’re often maintained by trained armorers. These do have aluminum alloy frames, so I’d want to examine one closely before buying.

 

[KWIndy]

So if it's stamped it is NOT a local police trade as was advertised.

You are also saying it does not effect the value compared to the same gum without the stamp - given the condition is identical?

I bought this 5903 the other day and it's in great condition, the stamp doesn't bother me because I bought it to be a shooter range gun. But if I decided to sell it I am curious the value.

 

[18DAI]

I believe those guns were Isreali or European police force issued pistols. So, technically, they are "police trade ins". At least they didn't stamp it on the slide, which is where CAI usually does it.

Nice 5903! Congrats! Regards 18DAI

 

[dockmurgw]

At least they didn't stamp it on the slide, which is where CAI usually does it.

They definitely don't make any effort to hide it.

 

[murphydog]

It looks very nice and may have been unissued/unused while overseas.

To me, a pristine gun with an importer's mark shouldn't sell for much less than the same model without it. In this instance it's as though the gun is a passport with a visa stamp from a nice vacation.

 

[KWIndy]

It looks very nice and may have been unissued/unused while overseas.

To me, a pristine gun with an importer's mark shouldn't sell for much less than the same model without it. In this instance it's as though the gun is a passport with a visa stamp from a nice vacation.

Very cool!
Yea, it doesn't look like there were very many rounds through it and the cosmetic condition is REALLY good for being as old as it is. I got it at the LGS for $349 no box, one mag.

 

[murphydog]

Prefix VZC looks to be from about 1997. It is just old enough to start drinking.

 

[KWIndy]

Prefix VZC looks to be from about 1997. It is just old enough to start drinking.

Would I be able to call S&W and get the production date on this?

 

[murphydog]

They might be able to provide the year. A letter of authenticity would give you the exact date and destination:

http://www.swhistoricalfoundation.com/Letter_request_form.pdf

 

[KWIndy]

Thanks Murphy but it's not worth the $75 for this one, I'm not that curious.
If I had something of more value though I can see this would be a very cool thing to have.

 

[GaryS]

As the lawyers say "It depends." I don't know if it depends on who answer the CS line, or the gun, or when it was manufactured.

The few times I've called the answer has generally been the year and month. However when I called a couple of months ago, I got the exact date of manufacture on my CS9.

At the least they should be able to tell you the month and year.

Would I be able to call S&W and get the production date on this?

 

[S&W59]

Israel was a big consumer of S&W automatics during the 80s and 90s because the US military aid bills required the money allocated to be spent on US made weapons. One importer I did business with had a TON of old Israeli S&W's recently, even had original Jericho 941's. I spoke to them about them and asked if there was any paperwork indicating they were former Israeli firearms and he said there wasn't anything. I consider a S&W from Israel to be more valuable than a street S&W because I know the firearm was used and used in a fashion I wholeheartedly approve of.

 

[N4KVE]

On the bottom of the hood of the frame, on the exterior, is neatly stamped "CAI Georgia VT"

Now I know this means Century Arms handled it in some way but two questions.
1 - Does this effect the value?

While it’s commonly accepted that Century builds lousy guns, anything they import from a quality mfr is just fine. These guns were made in the USA, & exported to a foreign country. Now that they are being imported back to the USA, there must be an importer’s stamp. GARY.

 

[barbara_em]

One of the wise members here refers to this class of pistol as a fighting gun. Right now, all my pieces are carry guns, compact or subcompact 9mms. When it comes time to "up-grade" the arsenal, I'm leaning to this model. Unless a SIG P6 comes along.

 

[jmace57]

I think I would have been all over that for $349. Good find!

 

[KWIndy]

I e-mailed Century Arms on Saturday with the serial number asking if they can tell me where it came from.
They responded already and said they imported it from Israel.

 

[Merc6]

Yeah I wish the 6906/4s were marked like that. 99% were all plastered on the slide in a horrible font. That price I would have also taken it.