clarence said
Well, what’s the sale price?S&W letters were just raised from $75 to $100; but I guess you can’t complain when it “only” takes 6 months to get it.
Cheapest Colt letters are $75. Many are $100 and some $300. It only took five and one half months to get my last ones.
Chuck said
Cheapest Colt letters are $75. Many are $100 and some $300. It only took five and one half months to get my last ones.
Colt sold their information a while back and its now owned by a private company that does the letters.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
Colt sold their information a while back and its now owned by a private company that does the letters.
Bob
S&W did the same contemptible thing. If these companies needed the money (a pittance relative to their overall cash flow) THAT bad, I hope they both go bankrupt; it bespeaks a clear disregard for their own histories & the loyal customers who made them what they are.
A friend of mine who deals with them a lot getting letters said that he suspected for a while and finally had it confirmed.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
28 gauge said
I remember a time when you could contact Winchester in New Haven and they would send you what information they had on a firearm on a printed card ,for free.Seems every where these days, they are trying to squeeze the last penny they can out of everything and everyone.![]()
So do I & very well! Actually, a letter could be obtained (likewise free) is you specifically requested it. I’m afraid I rather abused this service by requesting info on junky ’73s & others I picked up cheap at pawn shops while I was still in high-school, because a letter for a standard cataloged model with no options is really rather pointless.
clarence said
So do I & very well! Actually, a letter could be obtained (likewise free) is you specifically requested it. I’m afraid I rather abused this service by requesting info on junky ’73s & others I picked up cheap at pawn shops while I was still in high-school, because a letter for a standard cataloged model with no options is really rather pointless.
Not to worry, Clarence…the fellow who shot the last passenger pigeon remains anonymous to this day!
November 7, 2015

I think in the case of Winchesters that have at least a few special features the letter is well worth the price for pride of ownership or resale. I still hesitate to pay the going price for the letters so I elected to become a museum member and I get all the letters (and searches) I’ve needed (so far) included in my membership. As a WACA member I get even more searches! The Cody Firearms Museum is a great facility for all Winchester collectors and the fees from letters and searches help keep the lights on.
Mike
TXGunNut said
I think in the case of Winchesters that have at least a few special features the letter is well worth the price for pride of ownership or resale. I still hesitate to pay the going price for the letters so I elected to become a museum member and I get all the letters (and searches) I’ve needed (so far) included in my membership. As a WACA member I get even more searches! The Cody Firearms Museum is a great facility for all Winchester collectors and the fees from letters and searches help keep the lights on.
Mike
I think all serious Winchester collectors should support the Museum. Most of the cost to join is tax deductible. During most large collectors shows staff will be available by phone or email to run a quick search for a gun you may be looking at buying. There are a certain amount of shows that Jessi will be at the show.
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