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A friend brought me short rifle 1886 in 33 wcf. However the serial number dates it to 1895. Since the 33 wcf wasn’t introduced until 1902, it has clearly been re-barreled. The rifle is nice, but he wants to sell it. How bad a hit, value wise will the re-barrel make? Most likely the black powder rounds fired before the re-barrel, toasted the bore. Just curious. Thanks, Jim
As much as I like .33’s, from a collector point of view, they are really at the low end of the totem pole. So, you would be taking a very big hit just from the fact that it’s a .33. On top of that, the rebarrel destroys all remaining collector value. This rifle should only be evaluated as a shooter/hunter. Which, in itself, has value to some. Just not collectors. If you want to shoot or hunt with a .33, it might be just the ticket. There are other factors that will impact value – refinishing, signs of abuse, etc.
By the way, you mentioned it was a short rifle. Is the barrel shorter than 24 inches?
It’s probably worth checking with Cody on the serial number. It might have been sent back and redone which would help its value quite a bit.
Thanks guys. The barrel is 24″ actually. The rifle is at my shop and I’ll try to get some photos later. I did have the same thought about getting a letter. I’ll get some photos later on. Had snow here so the roads are an ice rink.
Jim Rogers said
Thanks guys. The barrel is 24″ actually. The rifle is at my shop and I’ll try to get some photos later. I did have the same thought about getting a letter. I’ll get some photos later on. Had snow here so the roads are an ice rink.
We know now that it is not a short rifle.
It would probably make a fine shooter/hunter. Given the lack of finish, wood dings, etc., were it completely original, it would be a very low dollar ’86. The fact that it has been rebarreled lowers the value even more.
Given my fondness for .33’s, it feels odd for me to make negative comments about this one. I’d be happy to have others disagree with me. I’m being critical as this is not your rifle but rather it is being offered to you and you are considering it. I will say that not many active buyers are looking for a rifle like this. Yes, it would sell, but would need to be very bargained price for someone to buy it.
The wood has been sanded….a lot. This rifle would make a good hunting rifle, or a shooter. Maybe Cowboy action shooting. Not much collector value imo.
Shoot low boys. They're riding Shetland Ponies.
Old Logger said
The wood has been sanded….a lot. This rifle would make a good hunting rifle, or a shooter. Maybe Cowboy action shooting. Not much collector value imo.
Old Logger – had you been using this rifle (with its full magazine) when you shot that big bear – you wouldn’t have had to have reloaded! That would have reduced the excitement however 😉
I suppose it might happen but I’ve never heard of a .33 being used in Cowboy Action Shooting – have others?
steve004 said
Old Logger – had you been using this rifle (with its full magazine) when you shot that big bear – you wouldn’t have had to have reloaded! That would have reduced the excitement however 😉
I suppose it might happen but I’ve never heard of a .33 being used in Cowboy Action Shooting – have others?
I don’t know that the .33 would have hammered the bear any harder than my handloads in the .348. Fun times anyway.
Shoot low boys. They're riding Shetland Ponies.
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