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May 5, 2021
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I have a 38-55, according to the serial number, it was made in 1902. The barrel has a 1920s era roll mark. Is it safe to say that the barrel was swapped out at Winchester due to the fact that the barrel and receiver have the WP proof mark?
Thanks in Advance.
April 15, 2005
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No, it is not safe to say that it was swapped out by Winchester. Fake Winchester Proof stamp dies are abundant in the hands of those who illicitly create faked Winchesters.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 31, 2009
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Someone could have swapped out the barrel.
April 15, 2005
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Chuck said
Someone could have swapped out the barrel.
Not “could have”… somebody did swap the barrel. The question is “who”.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
May 5, 2021
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Bert H. said
Chuck said
Someone could have swapped out the barrel.
Not “could have”… somebody did swap the barrel. The question is “who”.
Bert
Any way to tell for sure one way or another? It has been in my family since around 1946. My Great Uncle bought it when he got out of the Navy. The barrel was changed prior to that.
April 15, 2005
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Agent1911 said
Bert H. said
Chuck said
Someone could have swapped out the barrel.
Not “could have”… somebody did swap the barrel. The question is “who”.
Bert
Any way to tell for sure one way or another? It has been in my family since around 1946. My Great Uncle bought it when he got out of the Navy. The barrel was changed prior to that.
No, there is not a way to positively determine who swapped the barrel.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
May 5, 2021
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Bert H. said
Agent1911 said
Bert H. said
Chuck said
Someone could have swapped out the barrel.
Not “could have”… somebody did swap the barrel. The question is “who”.
Bert
Any way to tell for sure one way or another? It has been in my family since around 1946. My Great Uncle bought it when he got out of the Navy. The barrel was changed prior to that.
No, there is not a way to positively determine who swapped the barrel.
Thanks Burt! I presume you mean “No Way.”
August 14, 2021
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Check the Cody Museum, wouldn’t hurt to see if the rifle can be lettered, might not tell you much more, but if it’s a family heirloom might be a nice thing to have. Since you did not provide the sn, IDK if it’s letterable.
November 7, 2015
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To the astute collector it makes little difference who swapped out the barrel unless Cody records indicate it was done at the factory. Even then, many collectors will feel it decreases the value. A rifle that must be explained is hard to sell. OTOH it’s part of your family’s history and that could outweigh any collector value.
Mike
November 1, 2013
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TXGunNut said
To the astute collector it makes little difference who swapped out the barrel unless Cody records indicate it was done at the factory. Even then, many collectors will feel it decreases the value.
Unfortunately true, the dogmatic & close-minded “many,” who outnumber those capable of appreciating a gun’s history.
