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August 27, 2013
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since i am really new at buying winchesters i am looking for some tips and advice concerining shopping on places like gunbroker or guns intrnational.i have read the tips on the forum and i have the 4th edition of the red book of winchester values and winchester legacy by williamson. i am a long time gun buyer using the websites above and many others i just dont feel very comfortable trying to look at pictures and deciding if an old original winchester has refinished wood or even an old reblue or non original parts. for example i was looking at a winchester 92 on gunbroker which is currently up for bid on its second time around. it is a winchesfter 38-40 made in 1917 with a takedown barrel which is octagon. it has a starting price of $ 3800.the seller has good feed back but there is no provision for a return so you buy it you are stuck. i cant post pictures but it is easy to find.anyway i have no bids on it but use it for an example.now to me the guns looks good but i really cant back that observation up with anything but looks.thank you john
April 15, 2005
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John,
My advice to you is to not ever buy a gun that cannot be returned… that is a solid clue that the dealer is not to be trusted. As a beginner is collecting old Winchesters, you should always try to view the guns in person, and with someone who knows what to look for… otherwise you are setting yourself up to get taken to the cleaners. Go to the bigger gun shows in your region, and attend live auctions (where you can preview the guns before bidding).
In regards to the Model 92 you are looking at on Gunbroker, one of two situations exists; (1) it is not correct or has been altered, or (2) it is overpriced. The good (collectable) specimens get sold without repeated relisting.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
August 27, 2013
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thank you bert for the good advice.it was the no return thing that worried me.john
November 7, 2015
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You’re off to a great start. Keep reading, looking and asking questions. Good reference books don’t cost, they pay for themselves and some are quite interesting to boot! You may have seen some threads here where members critique an offering on an auction site, that helps us learn what to look for. You may also get a feel for whether a seller is trustworthy after viewing several listings.
Mike
June 4, 2017
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The Tulsa gun show is a good place to start, Nov 10&11. 4200 tables full of guns is a good place to start your education. Maybe you can meet a member there and get some one on one help? Going to large gun shows with fellow collectors is fun, that’s what got me started. T/R
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