Winchester Collector - Forum: General Discussions & Questions

Zebulon on Inflated prices?

Mon, 18 May 2026 14:29:49 +0000

I can't remember when, if ever, the Model 61 tang was factory drilled and tapped for a tang sight. Maybe initially but I don't think so post WWII.

I have a Lyman 66 NIB for the 61 but it would require tapping the left receiver wall and the first 61 I owned had already been tapped for top mount Weaver bases, as many have been. A collector's nightmare, I put a 2X Leupold Compact in really low rings on it. That rifle became an unholy terror to squirrels messing with timer wires on our lease game feeders.

I remember one November afternoon, sitting under a big Liveoak that faced a feeder 40 yards away. Inside an hour, a big red squirrel ran up the feeder legs, ate the corn lying on the spinner platen, and then sat up like he was going to make a speech. Missed his head by an inch but the HV hollowpoint struck the steel leg bracket right behind him and the lead fragments instantly put his lights out.

Not ten minutes later, a second squirrel, larger than the first one, ran up a feeder leg, checked the platen for corn, and then sat up. I paid more attention to the trigger and did not miss.

You may not believe this, but within another half-hour, a third squirrel ran over the bodies of his two defunct pals, up the feeder leg and assumed the position. Bang. Fried squirrel for supper and no more chewed wires for that season.

When I found a later, grooved receiver Model 61, I sold the other one but discovered the little 2X would not position in the grooves for good eye relief. Too short in the body. A 4X compact did the trick but would not set quite as low.

The Model 61 is too accurate for its factory iron sights and really wants a telescopic sight. As fond as I am of receiver sights, this particular little Winchester is best fitted with compact glass for hunting, which is its true purpose. Not a kid's rifle.

Rick C on Inflated prices?

Mon, 18 May 2026 12:40:36 +0000

$400 + tax for an empty box and $1300 for a sight. The sight has been on there for a couple years. Probably worth half?

James W on Consecutive serial numbers.

Mon, 18 May 2026 11:53:51 +0000

Wow!! That would really be something to have. I wonder how much they sold for.

Bert H. on Members online?

Fri, 15 May 2026 02:20:07 +0000

TXGunNut said
I'd like to know how we got 21294 members online at one time. I'm absolutely certain it wasn't one of my posts!

Mike

Chinese BOTs. Fortunately, we have some built in screening programs that prevent them from posting anything.

TXGunNut on Members online?

Fri, 15 May 2026 01:59:31 +0000

I'd like to know how we got 21294 members online at one time. I'm absolutely certain it wasn't one of my posts!

Mike

Tedk on Members online?

Thu, 14 May 2026 21:55:03 +0000

Got it
TY

Jeremy P on Members online?

Thu, 14 May 2026 21:53:09 +0000

I still have those metrics at the bottom of the page.

Tedk on Members online?

Thu, 14 May 2026 21:43:11 +0000

Don’t see who’s online anymore

Just on my end?

Bert H. on Consecutive serial numbers.

Wed, 13 May 2026 15:53:02 +0000

Generally speaking, consecutively serial numbered Winchesters are of no real consequence. I have documented more than 1,000 sets of them in my many surveys. With very rare exception the two consecutive serial number guns are unrelated to one another, and very seldom were they assembled and sold as a pair. When one studies the factory ledger records, it becomes readily apparent that consecutive numbers have very little if any significance.

Now having stated that, there are a few exceptions to the rule. This set pictured below is definitely one of them, as they were ordered as a pair, and just happen to be the final two "pre-1964' Winchester Model 94s manufactured.

This pair of Fancy Carbines were formerly in longtime WACA member Bill Bean's collection. Unfortunately, Bill passed away last year and I believe were sold by RIA.

Bert

Jeremy P on Consecutive serial numbers.

Wed, 13 May 2026 15:06:10 +0000

TXGunNut said

Bo Rich said
JWA, You have great wisdom! You reach the top when your realized that making you happy is the most important thing.

Exactly! Playing with the toys I have is more fun than chasing those I don't.

Mike

Can confirm, Mike plays with toys.

TXGunNut on Consecutive serial numbers.

Wed, 13 May 2026 13:53:09 +0000

Bo Rich said
JWA, You have great wisdom! You reach the top when your realized that making you happy is the most important thing.

Exactly! Playing with the toys I have is more fun than chasing those I don't.

Mike

Bo Rich on Consecutive serial numbers.

Wed, 13 May 2026 13:12:16 +0000

JWA, You have great wisdom! You reach the top when your realized that making you happy is the most important thing.

Scubamomofthree on Inherited Collection Advice

Wed, 13 May 2026 04:07:06 +0000

Hello,

Thank you for all the feedback. I'm working through the responses and greatly appreciate the input.

I just took a ton of photos of each gun and the links are listed below.

Super Grade

Winchester Model 70 30.06 Super Grade

Standard

Winchester Model 70 30.06 Standard

Chuck on Consecutive serial numbers.

Wed, 13 May 2026 02:37:37 +0000

I know a Colt collector who wanted any Colt model with serial numbers 1 to 100. It took him years to do it but he did succeed.

JWA on Consecutive serial numbers.

Wed, 13 May 2026 02:22:55 +0000

I have quite a few consecutive number guns but did not pay extra for them in general. But I am a sucker for interesting serial numbers and will pay a little more for them such as "100000" , "777", "1894" on an 1894 rifle, etc. I know that is an irrational collecting point but they make me smile and, in the end, that is all that matters.

Best Regards,