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November 18, 2013
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There’s been lots of discussion regarding the Ray Bentley collection that recently sold at James Julia auction. I spent three full days at the auction house previewing each Winchester in the auction. Some outstanding guns and some with problems such as refinished parts among other things. I’m sharing two of the outstanding guns I was able to pick out of the bunch that are absolutely correct in every manner. 
My point is I don’t understand how anyone can spend there hard earned money on guns they have not personally handed and determined to be correct.
November 19, 2006
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Beautiful – and heartening to hear they are all correct. Did you end up with them?
November 18, 2013
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Steve, sure did. They are now officially part of my collection.
November 19, 2006
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That is very cool – congratulations!
November 7, 2015
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Congrats on two very nice acquisitions! I agree about handling guns before shucking out the greenbacks but I guess that leaves more treasures for the sharp-eyed buyers willing to take a risk.
Mike
June 11, 2014
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What a pleasure to admire!! 1886 SRC’s are hard enough to find in any condition, but those two are a real find. Gorgeous!!
November 18, 2013
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Thank you. I’m really happy to have the chance to own them.
April 1, 2005
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Gary – very nice carbines. I am especially attracted to the one with the case hardened frame – it may be the best I have ever seen – what caliber is it? Ray Bentley had several 86’s in the Winchester Book but not these. One was a rare early carbine with the longer fore end and a case hardened receiver. When you look at guns pictured in the Winchester Book it is amazing how many of the owners of the guns at the time of publication are now gone! Like they say, we are only temporary custodians. As always, thanks for sharing. Burt
November 7, 2015
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Several weeks ago I was wondering who Ray Bentley was and the answer was in front of me (in my Madis book) all the time. Thanks, Burt. I was thinking the name sounded familiar but I think that quite often so I didn’t pursue it.
Mike
November 19, 2006
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He’d been collecting a very long time 
Sad that he is gone.
November 18, 2013
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Burt,
My case colored 86 carbine is 40-65 WCF. I looked at the Ray Bentley 86 case colored long forearm carbine at the Tulsa show. It will be selling at a future Morphy auction. Another great gun that is correct in every way.
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