My first glance at Don’s pictures made it appear to be an honest gun, but when you guys started pointing out the flaws, I went back and studied them more closely, as well as looking at Don’t second group of pictures, and I can see what you mean.  That’s why I’m happy to be a member here. I have learned so much from the experts.

One other comment concerning the gun. In Don’s first group of pictures, the nicks on the right side of the magazine tube towards the muzzle appear to have bluing in them. 

Al

Wow, this thread went south in a hurry. Some very valid observations noted by several of you. It’s interesting how we look at pictures differently when the intent is to just take a quick look and be happy for the individual sharing a new rifle vs. really digging deep as if we were looking to buy it, two completely different perspectives, and rightly so. In this case, it was certainly in the best interest of the buyer to hear all of the feedback, even if negative. I admit, I really don’t look that close unless the post is actually soliciting evaluation. As others have noted, some great discussion and education can be gained from some of these threads, although painful sometimes. Best of luck Don, and I hope it all works out for you. 

pdog72 said
Wow, this thread went south in a hurry. Some very valid observations noted by several of you. It’s interesting how we look at pictures differently when the intent is to just take a quick look and be happy for the individual sharing a new rifle vs. really digging deep as if we were looking to buy it, two completely different perspectives, and rightly so. In this case, it was certainly in the best interest of the buyer to hear all of the feedback, even if negative. I admit, I really don’t look that close unless the post is actually soliciting evaluation. As others have noted, some great discussion and education can be gained from some of these threads, although painful sometimes. Best of luck Don, and I hope it all works out for you. 

  

Well said.  Here you have an experienced collector and I was happy for his find.  Glanced at the photographs quickly and it looked good.  Many of my posts can be negative.  And so I tried to be positive for once.

The sharp eye of others revealed the red flags that were hidden in plain sight.

A great thread!

deerhunter said
The 1886 went back to where it came from today.  All is good!  Just keep a watchful eye for it.  It’s bound to reappear….

Thanks again everyone for saving my a$$ on this one!

Don

  

At least you ended up with that super-nice M1894 – that is a prize

deerhunter said
Seller had it sold to someone else, but that buyer backed out at the last minute.  So it came home with me yesterday!

Don

  

I suspect we now know whey the fellow he had it sold previously backed out.  I suspect the person who bought this at Wards, and then tried to sell it again – must have believed it was original given he paid about $10k for it.

Chuck said

steve004 said

The current Wards February auction has started and will end on the 24th.

  

Yes, this .45-90 is scheduled to end on the 24th.  Yet, it is listed as ended – 12 bidders – with a final price of $9500.  It states is ended on 2/24.

There may have been a problem with their website.  A couple days ago I tried to look at the guns. There were no guns listed when I tried to look.  I got a message that the 611 guns would be posted on a specific date that I have forgotten by now. 

Is the gun still there?

Hi Guys,

What would a rifle like that refinished be worth?  If the rifle was advertised as “refinished” as opposed to original would the starting price at Wards be warranted? I assume in refinished the rifle would be a shooter’s grade? 

Thanks,

Rob