Any added value for a first year production rifle | General Discussions & Questions

Add Reply

Add Topic

Topic RSS

Any added value for a first year production rifle

May 10, 2019
11:20 pm

Manuel

WACA Member

Forum Posts: 329

Member Since:
February 19, 2013

Offline

Quote

I tried searching but didn't find anything. Does being made in the first year of production add any value to a Winchester? Obviously high condition guns will already be a category all of their own even being a first year gun. But what a "brown" rifle? I have a model 1886 made in 86. 4 digit serial number 1428. Bore is a solid 7+ and with a bit of work could easily come out 8+.

What do the professionals say?

May 11, 2019
2:30 am

TXGunNut

Northern edge of the D/FW Metromess

WACA Member

Forum Posts: 2153

Member Since:
November 7, 2015

Offline

Quote

First off I don’t consider myself a professional but the following opinion is worth every penny paid.

I think it’s a subjective or personal taste thing, Manuel. It’s worth more to some collectors than others. I’ve owned an 1894 and an 1895 built during the first twelve months of production so it obviously means something to me but I don’t feel I paid any more because of their early manufacture date. OTOH the buyer who bought the early 1895 from me and the guy he sold it to found the low serial number very desirable as the latest buyer (that I’m aware of) paid far more for the rifle than I felt it was worth.

Mike

Life Member TSRA, Endowment Member NRA

BBHC Member, TGCA Member

Smokeless powder is a passing fad! -Steve Garbe

I hate rude behavior in a man. I won't tolerate it. -Woodrow F. Call, Lonesome Dove

Some of my favorite recipes start out with a handful of depleted counterbalance devices.-TXGunNut

Presbyopia be damned, I'm going to shoot this thing! -TXGunNut

May 11, 2019
2:38 am

WACA Member

Forum Posts: 432

Member Since:
June 4, 2017

Offline

Quote

Manuel, If your gun had a single or double digit S/N yes but 1423 is neat but not money neat. A 1873's with a model number on the lower tang bring big money or a raised thumb print dust cover bring a premium but a early 86 does not have any rare or radical features. T/R

May 11, 2019
2:02 pm

nanzca

WACA Member

Forum Posts: 139

Member Since:
October 6, 2009

Offline

Quote

Manuel, 1873's will def bring a premium mainly because of short lived production features that TR mentioned. A four digit 86 in avg condition not so much.

Casey

May 11, 2019
3:49 pm

Manuel

WACA Member

Forum Posts: 329

Member Since:
February 19, 2013

Offline

Quote

That's kind of what I was thinking. Still cool to have a first year production rifle. Thanks guys

Add Reply

Add Topic

Any added value for a first year production rifle | General Discussions & Questions | Forum