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These are difficult to find – been in my safe for close to 40 years. The majority of 50 caliber 76’s had round barrels and shotgun butts. I believe the Houze book says there were only 84 in 50 caliber which had checkered stocks.
I would be interested in comments on the matted barrel 76 which Merz currently has for sale. The matted barrel is not noted in the Cody records but it sure looks right to me – I really like matted barrel guns of any model.
Burt Humphrey said
I would be interested in comments on the matted barrel 76 which Merz currently has for sale. The matted barrel is not noted in the Cody records but it sure looks right to me – I really like matted barrel guns of any model.
Can you post a direct link to it? Merz has (38) Model 1876 rifles listed for sale.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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Bert H. said
Burt Humphrey said
I would be interested in comments on the matted barrel 76 which Merz currently has for sale. The matted barrel is not noted in the Cody records but it sure looks right to me – I really like matted barrel guns of any model.
Can you post a direct link to it? Merz has (38) Model 1876 rifles listed for sale.
I think he means this one.
The front sight with the little set screw appears to be a later addition to me. The rear sight looks good. It’s a nice rifle but I would think someone wanting to pay that much would want it to letter. Your mileage may vary…
I call myself a collector as it sounds better than hoarder
Bill Hockett said
Bert H. said
Burt Humphrey said
I would be interested in comments on the matted barrel 76 which Merz currently has for sale. The matted barrel is not noted in the Cody records but it sure looks right to me – I really like matted barrel guns of any model.
Can you post a direct link to it? Merz has (38) Model 1876 rifles listed for sale.
I think he means this one.
yep – that it.
Burt. I also have 76 express. Like yours it has a checkered pistol grip, crescent butt with a full Oct barrel. But also a full length mag tube . I wonder how many were made with a full Oct and full mag like that?
November 7, 2015
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I wonder if they ran out of room on the ledger line. Nice rifle!
Mike
Burt –
First of all, that ’76 you have is some amazing eye candy. Given the barrel length, I find the octagon barrel very special.
On the Merz rifle, I think the matted barrel is quite correct. Mike’s explanation of running out of room on the ledger line might also explain why there is no mention in the letter of the half magazine 
I’m no expert on 76s, but (cal) is on the left side and 50 on right side of matting and looks good to me except the front sight, maybe just missed the matting
Bert , your gun is a gem and my favorite configuration with octagon barrel and 1/2 mag!
TXGunNut said
I wonder if they ran out of room on the ledger line. Nice rifle!
Mike
I also believe it is a ledger issue but not lack of room on this one but lack attention to detail by Winchester staff that particular day. This topic has been and will continue to be discussed as long as there are Winchester collectors. It is always nice to have every detail in the ledger notes but we all know that is not how it always turned out. My only problem with the gun is the price – the minimal amount of engraving and the matted barrel just should not push the price to $85k – but, it will sell.
Bill Hockett said
Bert H. said
Burt Humphrey said
I would be interested in comments on the matted barrel 76 which Merz currently has for sale. The matted barrel is not noted in the Cody records but it sure looks right to me – I really like matted barrel guns of any model.
Can you post a direct link to it? Merz has (38) Model 1876 rifles listed for sale.
I think he means this one.
The front sight with the little set screw appears to be a later addition to me. The rear sight looks good. It’s a nice rifle but I would think someone wanting to pay that much would want it to letter. Your mileage may vary…
Bill – interesting comment regarding the front sight screwed to the barrel. I am not knowledgeable enough to know if it is factory and I would like to hear what others think, especially Bert. I have had quite a few old Winchester levers which had the front sight screwed to the barrel and even some that lettered as “Lyman front screwed to barrel” – I have also had guns which were screwed to the barrel but no indication of it in the ledger.. Here’s one example which is also on a matted barrel gun – this one is specifically noted in the ledger.
The front sight appears to be a No. 93 (commonly used on the 2nd variation Winder Muskets) and as such it is not original to that rifle.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
martin rabeno said
Burt. I also have 76 express. Like yours it has a checkered pistol grip, crescent butt with a full Oct barrel. But also a full length mag tube . I wonder how many were made with a full Oct and full mag like that?
I suggest you acquire a copy of the Houze book – maybe someone here on the Forum already knows that statistic and will respond. It has been my experience that collectors prefer and will pay more for a full magazine with full octagon barrel (not just with the 76 but other models as well). Often, on the Merz website they will have statistical information posted with guns for sale – just remember to verify.
Thanks Burt for your reply. I do have the book and my feeble mind cant figure out all the options math put together. Between the barrel and mag tube, case colors, Checkered PG,XXX wood, Rifle butt plate. The odds are dizzying.
But I do appreciate your advice. BTW I will be at the upcoming Baltimore show with a table if anyone else will be there.
The Merz rifle is beautiful, but if you paid the extra for engraving on order, would it have had that little added, with nothing on the receiver?
Burt; I think You’re absolutely correct in You’re analasys of “factory Ledger ” entries, sometimes being not complete. I like others, have had guns I just know are correct, but don’t quite match the ledger entries, so a lot of times they get poo-pooed, several ’76’s. and ’73”s from the 1880’s. This causes Me to wonder if the personal making the ledger entries at the time, were a little lax in Their attention to detail in making the ledger entries or simply just run out of room. I know there was a limited ammount of room in the book and a high optioned gun would more than fill a line in the it, so some things would just not get entered. I have a ’76 here, and a copy of the ledger entry for it, that I don’t think You could get another period or dash mark on it, so some things were just not entered, and having the gun “in Hand” one just knows it hasn’t been messed with.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
I have an ongoing survey I am doing on the 50-95 guns. I can tell you in my survey there are 22 guns in 50-95 with 26 inch octagon barrel and full mag. there are 33 guns in 50-95 with 26 inch octagon barrel and 1/2 mags.
martin, could I please get the serial of your rifle to make sure it is in my survey please. you can send PM if you don’t want to post it here.
also a little correction if I may . in the Houze book he lists 536 guns in 50-95 with checkered stock and pistol grip. the 84 guns were strictly checkered stocks, meaning a straight grip stock. hope all this helps.
Jeremy Scott.
WACA LIFE MEMBER, CFM MEMBER, ABKA MEMBER, JSSC MEMBER, MNO HISTORIAN
Jeremy I cant seem to be able to attach and send pictures to you through the forum If you send me your emailI can send it that way to you My email is [email protected] 29753 s the serial number
Marty
martin rabeno said
Jeremy I cant seem to be able to attach and send pictures to you through the forum If you send me your emailI can send it that way to you My email is [email protected] 29753 s the serial numberMarty
Just sent you an email. Thank you
Jeremy Scott.
WACA LIFE MEMBER, CFM MEMBER, ABKA MEMBER, JSSC MEMBER, MNO HISTORIAN
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