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This might be subjective considering personal taste & preference, & yes I was lying awake at night thinking this, but is there a common agreement what 3 Winchester models are the most collectible.
A quick answer for me would be 76’s, 85’s, & 86’s, but do shotguns or others make the list? Is there a definite answer?
RickC
April 15, 2005
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Rick,
Based on the sheer numbers manufactured & available, I would put the 1892 and 1894 before the 1876 and Single Shots. I also believe that there are more Model 1873 collectors than there are 1876 collectors.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Not sure if most desirable models makes a difference or is the same thing? I was going on production numbers just off the top of my head with 76’s & 85’s, which also are rarely for sale in Canada but your reply makes sense Bert.
November 7, 2015
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If “most collectible” indicates broadest appeal I’d have to say the 94. Almost anyone who has any interest in collecting Winchesters probably has one.
Mike
November 19, 2006
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Sometimes, “older the better” helps define what is most, “collectable.” Additionally the, “rarer the better” can apply. Applying these two factors, a M1876 is more collectable than a M1894.
I have never owned a Henry rifle but I consider them highly collectable.
Another factor is what is generally viewed as more desirable. We’ve discussed how round barrels with half magazine are more rare than octagon barrels with full magazines, but the majority of collectors find them more desirable. In the M1873 and the M1892, the .44-40 was the most common chambering, and is the most collectable. In the M1894, the .30 WCF is the most common chambering and is considered the least collectable.
Lots of twists and turns with collecting.
December 31, 2012
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steve004 said
Sometimes, “older the better” helps define what is most, “collectable.” Additionally the, “rarer the better” can apply. Applying these two factors, a M1876 is more collectable than a M1894.I have never owned a Henry rifle but I consider them highly collectable.
Another factor is what is generally viewed as more desirable. We’ve discussed how round barrels with half magazine are more rare than octagon barrels with full magazines, but the majority of collectors find them more desirable. In the M1873 and the M1892, the .44-40 was the most common chambering, and is the most collectable. In the M1894, the .30 WCF is the most common chambering and is considered the least collectable.
Lots of twists and turns with collecting.
I think the 32 WCF M1894 is the least favorite. They are generally cheaper, even in higher conditions. Somehow, I think the 44-40 M1892 Carbine is a highly sought after favorite, but they can be very pricey, even in lower conditions. I have a nice m1892 oct. bbl. rifle, I would never part with. It too is a 44-40. A Henry rifle is out of the question unless you are very well off financially. I had to get one of the new Henry rifles at $2,500 to fill a hole. They are really nice copies of the originals. I also have a M1894 38-55 with the 1/2 oct. bbl. Very desirable rifle and caliber. I am a poor boy, but make no excuses for the quality of guns I buy. Big Larry
April 15, 2005
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steve004 said
Sometimes, “older the better” helps define what is most, “collectable.” Additionally the, “rarer the better” can apply. Applying these two factors, a M1876 is more collectable than a M1894.I have never owned a Henry rifle but I consider them highly collectable.
Another factor is what is generally viewed as more desirable. We’ve discussed how round barrels with half magazine are more rare than octagon barrels with full magazines, but the majority of collectors find them more desirable. In the M1873 and the M1892, the .44-40 was the most common chambering, and is the most collectable. In the M1894, the .30 WCF is the most common chambering and is considered the least collectable.
Lots of twists and turns with collecting.
Steve,
I agree with most of what you have stated above… except the part about the 30 WCF being considered “the least collectible”. The reality is that the 32 WS (and I know you are a big fan of the 32 WS) brings less $$$ when all else is equal.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 19, 2006
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Big Larry said
I think the 32 WCF M1894 is the least favorite.
Larry – I assume you are referring to the .32 Special. I will concede that you may well be correct, but the .32 Special is too much of a favorite of mine to write what you did. I know there are other hardcore .32 Special fans around here 
November 19, 2006
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Bert H. said
Steve,
I agree with most of what you have stated above… except the part about the 30 WCF being considered “the least collectible”. The reality is that the 32 WS (and I know you are a big fan of the 32 WS) brings less $$$ when all else is equal.
Bert
Yes, I can’t deny my “big fan” status with the .32 Special might well influence my perceptions.
I’m with Steve on the 32WS cal but realize all things equal as Bert said.
RickC
February 22, 2021
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I like them all, but they have to be shootable for me to shell out any bucks.
Brooksy said
I like them all, but they have to be shootable for me to shell out any bucks.
I agree. I don’t buy wall hangers or non shooters.
May 26, 2017
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I thought the most collectible Winchester was the one in front of you that you have the money to buy?!?!? ?
Bill Hanzel said
I thought the most collectible Winchester was the one in front of you that you have the money to buy?!?!? ?
Fair statement Bill. I guess anytime I’m trying to acquire or sell, that one seems to be the most collectible. ??
November 19, 2006
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Bill Hanzel said
I thought the most collectible Winchester was the one in front of you that you have the money to buy?!?!? ?
I don’t know… the ones in front of me that I don’t have money for… can look darn collectible!
