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March 14, 2022
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Just wondering what opinions are on how much sling swivel studs de-value a collector grade rifle that aren’t in the original build and don’t letter.
Rick C
June 26, 2013
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Are they the correct style for the time period and are they located in the correct locations? If so, the added sling swivels don’t bother me so much–maybe a 10 to 20% deduction for me. However, if they are an incorrect/modern style and/or mounted in the wrong location it bothers the heck out of me and likely not interested. Just my own thoughts and opinion.
Don
November 1, 2013
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deerhunter said
Are they the correct style for the time period and are they located in the correct locations? If so, the added sling swivels don’t bother me so much–maybe a 10 to 20% deduction for me.
0% deduction for me. Downgrade a gun because previous owner knew that any hunting rifle should have a carry strap?
November 7, 2015
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Rick-
It’s a sliding scale for me; more impact with a higher grade specimen and lesser with a 60-70% gun. I generally avoid them as it does tend to limit the number of folks who may be interested in buying it someday, and most of us can’t keep them all!
Mike
April 15, 2005
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I have the same opinion as Don… if an older Winchester has period correct Sling Eyes (with the correct J-hook sling attachments), and they are correctly positioned & installed, I have very little objection to them not being original per a CFM letter. However, when I see a set of Uncle Mike’s (or similar) sling studs on any pre-64 Winchester, I am not interested in it, and I devalue the gun accordingly. I am of the opinion that the vast majority of Winchester collectors share this same thought process.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 22, 2011
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What about an otherwise nice rifle with a filler where the sling swivel stud used to be? I passed up a nice 1894 rifle with several features just because of that once.
November 1, 2013
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mrcvs said
What about an otherwise nice rifle with a filler where the sling swivel stud used to be? I passed up a nice 1894 rifle with several features just because of that once.
There would have been a hole in the fore-arm cap, too, unless it was replaced. And why remove the stud, anyway, if it was original?
March 14, 2022
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I personally stayed away from guns in the past with non lettered sling eyes but might give it more thought now if they’re period correct and positioned properly as Bert stated. I often wondered why more vintage Winchesters didn’t have them. I know I would’ve wanted them on mine back in the day while hunting. While on the topic can someone advise what the correct measurement is for the rear stud in the buttstock.
Rick C
July 8, 2012
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I agree with Bert and Don about the sling swivels. I believe the Factory installed sling eyes on the butt stock is 4″ from the toe.
November 19, 2006
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TXGunNut said
Rick-It’s a sliding scale for me; more impact with a higher grade specimen and lesser with a 60-70% gun. I generally avoid them as it does tend to limit the number of folks who may be interested in buying it someday, and most of us can’t keep them all!
Mike
This is about where I’m at. It does sort of depend on who you are buying the rifle for? The guy who plans to be buried with his rifles is someone who is truly buying it for himself. But most of us have one eye cocked toward who will be the next owner.
November 1, 2013
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steve004 said But most of us have one eye cocked toward who will be the next owner.
Lord, but I’d hate to have lived my life with that attitude—trying to guess what someone I’ve never met will think of choices I’m making today.
December 21, 2006
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I guess for My 2 cents , I’d have to say each gun is different. If the gun all letters, except for the sling studs, and has not been messed with otherwise, the studs may have been added or may be original to the gun but not entered in the ledger. This would not bother Me in the least. If the gun has had a little (work) done on it and the studs don’t letter then that’s a different story and open to one’s own opinion , factory , yes , no or maybe, and thereby affecting the(value) to that individual.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
November 19, 2006
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clarence said
steve004 said But most of us have one eye cocked toward who will be the next owner.
Lord, but I’d hate to have lived my life with that attitude—trying to guess what someone I’ve never met will think of choices I’m making today.
Usually it’s not very hard to guess what another fussy collector will think.
February 17, 2022
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Here’s mt 1/2 cent. I love to see them on a gun, really like it when the gun letters with them. As far as actually being useful I hate them. One more noisy piece of some thing hanging up in the brush and making noise.
November 1, 2013
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oldcrankyyankee said
Here’s mt 1/2 cent. I love to see them on a gun, really like it when the gun letters with them. As far as actually being useful I hate them. One more noisy piece of some thing hanging up in the brush and making noise.
Possibly hunting mountain country would change your mind, unless you’re a lot more sure-footed than I am. I’m always grabbing branches or saplings or rocks for support, much easier with both hands free. Talking about still-hunting, moving at the speed of a slug; having a gun continually in my hands all that time would be extremely tiring. If you have to drag a deer out single handed, do you want to do that holding your gun in one hand? Don’t know what kind of slings you’ve used, but mine are noiseless. I’d say there’s a very good reason slings have been standard eqpt on military rifles since flintlock days.
February 17, 2022
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Can’t disagree with you Clarence, But as I said my 1/2 cents of opinion. But I have hunted steep country and not just for 4 legged fur bearers, and again I find slings an utter annoyance. I want that rifle in my hands pointing where ever my eyes are looking. Quite a few new england white tails would have made their way to safety had my gun been slung on my shoulder. I respect your opinion but Mine is mine.
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