I Totally agree, I have passed on some really nice scarce rifles based on money restrictions. Could I have stretched and gone for it, sure- but that doesn’t make it the right decision. If I see something that I really like and the price is fair, I will sometimes get it and satisfy that ‘need’, only to know that if something nicer might  come along that I can improve upon- doesn’t matter when, but just having one and knowing that I might be able to do better at some point seems to work for me. I usually buy what I like and find myself not regretting any purchases, problem is what I like always seems to be pricey.

I started collecting modern pre64 Winchester shotguns and rifles. Models 12, 21, 42, 64, 70, & 71. Then I began selling and buying older levers eventually all antique. It was easier to do national shows and I enjoyed the history of some of these guns. The history led me to include US issue SAA Colts and early long wrist trapdoor carbines. I love to own original guns with a known documented history regardless of condition and will sell condition guns to get it. If I had more money I won’t have sold any of my guns.

 When someone asks me what I’m looking for, I tell them I’ll know when I see it. To me this hobby is about impulse buys. T/R

Well, after 50 years of collecting high condition Winchesters – first all large caliber levers and then Model 1894s, and then just 1894 carbines.  I gave them up about 6 years ago and now collect high condition U.S. Martially Marked rifles and pistols – 1795 through 1945.  Lots of wonderful references, good supply of weapons and wonderful history.  Three of my rifles have National Archive references and I even know to whom a couple of them were issued to along with enlistment papers and pay records.

But Bert!  The other wall has a gorgeous Model 1917 Enfield Winchester rifle on it………………..

Bert:  You know that I don’t and if I did, I wouldn’t sell it to you like the last Model 1911 that I had!

Here was a really nice model 1917 that sold as soon as it was listed.  Not sure what kind of money these go for, but it must have been a pretty good deal.

https://simpsonltd.com/winchester-1917-c31235/

Don

Chuck said
Don, I have seen real nice ones go for more. But here is the thing.  Most of the ones for sale have been messed with and have a lot of Remington/Eddystone parts.  Others made replacement barrels.  You need to look at this gun before buying.  Besides import marks there are lend/lease guns. These do not fill a spot for me.  I really wouldn’t want one with British proofs and a big red spot on the wood.   Obviously this is not a lend/lease gun.

This gun looks good on the internet.  

That’s exactly why I’ve avoided military rifles in my collection.  It’s just too risky for me with all the rebuilds and mismatched parts.  The only “military” rifle I have is an 1894 WWI spruce gun.  Even with those you have to sort through all the fakes to find a real one.

I have posted this many times.  Don’t buy guns that you haven’t actually picked up and looked at.  All models have and are being faked or messed with.  If you continue to do this you will get burned.