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Hey guys,
I am looking for opinions on these rifles. I have a chance to acquire them and I really do not know that much about 22’s. I am just wondering if from these POOR pictures anyone can tell me about the 1906 Expert as far as rarity and if the nickel is a factory finish. The barrel bluing and wood look almost brand new with very few nicks or scuffs. The bore is practically perfect and it all makes me think about the old saying if it is to good to be true it probably is.
The 1890 is also in exceptional condition on the outside but the bore is poor. Its barrel markings are 22WRF.
The 4 rifles in the 1st picture are just part of the collection of a gentleman that has recently passed. His son is a friend of mine who told me I could have 1st choice of what I wanted. These 4 are the only Winchesters.
The other 1906 is a standard model in fair condition with a poor bore. The “thumb trigger” Model 99 is in above average shape with a fair bore.
Thanks for your help. Information and opinions are what I am looking for.
Glenn
Hello Glenn,
Based on what I am seeing in those pictures of the rifles, they have all been refinished. None of them are “collector” grade rifles. The Model 1890 is an early 2nd Model, and it was originally case color finished. Generally speaking, when you see what appears to be a much nicer looking exterior finish with a poor bore, that is a clear clue that the gun has been refinished.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
[email protected] said
The “thumb trigger” Model 99 is in above average shape with a fair bore.
THAT is the rare one!
Those others with the badly refinished stocks…buy them cheap or not at all.
As Bert mentioned, they have all been refinished, including the Thumbtrigger (at least the stock) which hurts the collector value so take that into consideration when you decide to purchase.
Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
clarence said
THAT is the rare one!
Well, not really rare, they made much fewer 1906 Expert models than Model 99 Thumbtriggers. For that matter, they made 3 times as many Thumbtriggers as Model 75 Sporting rifles.
It is just that it is easier to find 06 Experts (and 75 Sporting rifles) in better shape than Thumbtriggers due to the original price differential. The Model 99 Thumbtrigger was probably the cheapest (cost-wise) Winchester rifle ever made and owners treated them accordingly.
Best Regards,
WACA Life Member #6284 - Specializing in Pre-64 Winchester .22 Rimfire
Thanks guys,
What you have told me is what I was thinking but I just was not sure.
I very much appreciate and value your opinions and advice and I will save my money for something later down the road.
Have a great day,
Glenn
JWA said
Well, not really rare, they made much fewer 1906 Expert models than Model 99 Thumbtriggers. For that matter, they made 3 times as many Thumbtriggers as Model 75 Sporting rifles.
Read somewhere that most of these went to South America. But even if produced in significant numbers, doesn’t their low survival rate make them comparatively rare, or scarce, now?
clarence said
JWA said
Well, not really rare, they made much fewer 1906 Expert models than Model 99 Thumbtriggers. For that matter, they made 3 times as many Thumbtriggers as Model 75 Sporting rifles.Read somewhere that most of these went to South America. But even if produced in significant numbers, doesn’t their low survival rate make them comparatively rare, or scarce, now?
You know me Clarence. I do not collect beaters, but sometime, you just have to go with the flow. I have a Thumb Trigger in about 60% condition, and that is mostly how they are found. I paid through the nose to get it as it does not have the usual cracked stock, and the bore? well, lets just say it has one. Also, it has never been refinished like most have been. Someday, I hope to upgrade, but that will not be an easy task. These little rifles are very hard to find in any condition. Big Larry
That is not mine.
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