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I recently inherited some antique rifles, including a couple of Winchesters. Trying to learn as much as I could about the rifles I had has been really enjoyable, and I am going to start adding to my collection. I came across this site in my research, and recently joined. It’s very informative, and looks like a great community too, with a lot of knowledge. I wanted to throw out a couple of questions to the group; none probably have a right or wrong answer, but I’d be interested to hear the thoughts of anyone wanting to weigh in. Here goes…
How did you come by your knowledge about Winchesters? Sites like this? Books? Looking at them and asking questions?
What’s the best way to make new acquisitions? I know there are high end auctions, but are there other, better sources?
I am sure all this information is in the forum or on this site, and I will keep reading.
[email protected] said
How did you come by your knowledge about Winchesters? Sites like this? Books? Looking at them and asking questions?
Time & Research. The most valuable source of knowledge came from physically handling several thousand specimens over the past 40+ years. My recommendation is to choose a specific model (or two), and study them as frequently as you can. Also, find & develop friendships with other collectors who share the same interests as you do… they are out there somewhere.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
Time & Research. The most valuable source of knowledge came from physically handling several thousand specimens over the past 40+ years.
Best opportunity to do that used to be provided by gun shows, but most of the quality guns formerly sold at shows now go to auction houses or on-line auction sites–looking at photos AIN’T the same! If that’s not bad enough, most gun related accessories now go to ebay! Some will say this change in selling makes buying easier, which I guess it does, but it makes LEARNING harder!
I started when I bought my first Winchester at a local show, I asked many question. The seller had a lot of Winchester he collected and invited me to his house and from there he showed me what books to read. Of course now I know there are errors and wrong assumptions in most books but it got me started. He had all his guns hanging on the wall and he would point out the differences between them. Once I had read some books I would visit him and he would point to a gun and ask me “Whats wrong with that gun”, he didn’t have all perfect guns and wasn’t afraid to show me problems to look for. Then once I started going to the bigger shows where you could see lots of nice guns and I learned what real finish looks like and what refinish looks like.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
1873man said
Then once I started going to the bigger shows where you could see lots of nice guns and I learned what real finish looks like and what refinish looks like.Bob
Then there are the guys, often with deep pockets, who look at, & buy, LOTS of guns, but never learn “what refinish looks like,” except for the crudest work.
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