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Turns out that #1 is also https://www.gunbroker.com/item/770789201 and can’t possibly be worth $6K based on what y’all have said.
I found a potential sub-$2K shooter on GunsAmerica. It’s pretty rough, but it’s an antique in 45-70, so it has that going for it. I might start with something like that to scratch the itch and work on putting together a budget for a true collectible (with a credit card on standby in case something perfect for my needs pops up in the meantime ;-).
Every time I buy a fun gun it cost me money when I sell, maybe I’m a poor salesman. When I buy a honest gun, one I don’t have to explain the flaws it sells it’s self for a profit, I don’t have to be a salesman. 6k is to much, but I’ve seen some like that sell at Rock Island for a lot less. 86’s without case colors do not bring much at big auctions. Go to Rock Island’s web site, pull up some recently closed auctions, and look at 86’s like the one on Gun Broker. You might get one for $3500, dealers do it all the time. T/R
TR hit the nail right on the head. BUY GUNS THAT ARE HONEST, BECAUSE THEY SELL THEMSELVES!!! The only thing you have to watch for, is the purchase price. If you overpay, it could be a tough sell when that time comes. Don’t buy rough rust covered pieces of crap, don’t buy refinished pieces of crap and don’t buy altered pieces of crap. An honest unaltered gun with original patina, will always hold it’s value. Again, DON’T OVER PAY!!! Only you can judge what the gun you’re looking at, is worth the price you want to pay. This knowledge, doesn’t come just by visiting a few web sites or gun shows. You have to have a feeling for what you’re looking for and what you want. I’m sure you’ll hear a lot of opinions on the subject.
win4575 said
TR hit the nail right on the head. BUY GUNS THAT ARE HONEST, BECAUSE THEY SELL THEMSELVES!!! The only thing you have to watch for, is the purchase price. If you overpay, it could be a tough sell when that time comes. Don’t buy rough rust covered pieces of crap, don’t buy refinished pieces of crap and don’t buy altered pieces of crap. An honest unaltered gun with original patina, will always hold it’s value. Again, DON’T OVER PAY!!! Only you can judge what the gun you’re looking at, is worth the price you want to pay. This knowledge, doesn’t come just by visiting a few web sites or gun shows. You have to have a feeling for what you’re looking for and what you want. I’m sure you’ll hear a lot of opinions on the subject.
I agree with Rick. I just can’t understand why people continue to buy guns online. Quit making excuses and get out and look at guns before you buy. You will save a lot of money in the long run. Go to some of the major collector shows and meet people that can ultimately help you learn what to look for. Not knowing where you live ask the members where they are going and meet them at the show. I just flew to Denver and met some members that I have not met before. I did buy an 85 in 45-70 that was owned by a guy from New Zealand. Since I live on the west coast I can drive to Reno and Vegas. Cody and Denver are two day drives. Tulsa is a three day drive. I have been to some of the east coast shows but that is a little far for me. If you live anywhere near one of the major auction houses go look at their guns. You don’t have to buy but looking will teach you a lot.
Maybe Bert could help by setting up a Forum site where we can all add the major collector shows that we go to?
I recommend contacting Austin Hemmingsen “Austin Guns” and/or Russ Day as they can help you with finding just what you want in a fine 1886 without the risk associated with dealing with auction sites.
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
cwachter said
I agree with Rick. I just can’t understand why people continue to buy guns online. Quit making excuses and get out and look at guns before you buy. You will save a lot of money in the long run. Go to some of the major collector shows and meet people that can ultimately help you learn what to look for. Not knowing where you live ask the members where they are going and meet them at the show. I just flew to Denver and met some members that I have not met before. I did buy an 85 in 45-70 that was owned by a guy from New Zealand. Since I live on the west coast I can drive to Reno and Vegas. Cody and Denver are two day drives. Tulsa is a three day drive. I have been to some of the east coast shows but that is a little far for me. If you live anywhere near one of the major auction houses go look at their guns. You don’t have to buy but looking will teach you a lot.
Maybe Bert could help by setting up a Forum site where we can all add the major collector shows that we go to?
I wish I had the luxury to travel to shows, but between job, kids, and some health issues it’s not gonna happen anytime soon. Not excuses, just the way life is. The only gun show I know that comes around here (SF Bay Area) is Crossroads of the West which is apparently awful… beef jerky and cheap “Indian” jewelry.
KeltonCA said
I wish I had the luxury to travel to shows, but between job, kids, and some health issues it’s not gonna happen anytime soon. Not excuses, just the way life is. The only gun show I know that comes around here (SF Bay Area) is Crossroads of the West which is apparently awful… beef jerky and cheap “Indian” jewelry.
I agree about the Crossroads shows. Crossroads isn’t a collector show. If you live in the SF area go to The Big Reno Shows put on by Lou Fascio. Next show is August 24, 25, 26. Best one is in November when more of WACA members will be there. Less than 4 hr. drive from you. Russ Day and his 2 brothers are always at this show. He specializes in 86’s but has other Winchesters too. Like Leroy, expect sticker shock on the rare ones.
One trip like this could save you thousands in the long run, unless your wife likes to gamble. Wives and kids are welcome.
November 7, 2015
Offline
At the moment I don’t have an 1886 but would like to have one in my collection again soon. From what I’ve seen there are some pretty rough guns out there disguised as high condition guns. Because of the price range of typical 1886’s the possibility of buying one that isn’t what it appears to be would be an expensive mistake. OTOH I’ve seen some nice, honest guns for reasonable prices. My plan for buying an 1886 is to take the time to find a rifle I like and buy the best I can afford. At this time I simply can’t justify buying the 86 I want so I’ll have to content myself with reading threads like this one while trying to educate myself about what to look for.
Good luck in your quest but take your time and be careful. It isn’t every day we buy an 1886, wait for the right one and be sure it’s what you want.
Mike
Mike, At the April Tulsa Show, Larry Orr from Sioux Falls had a decent 86 Dlx for about 10k. It’s a 1/2 OFMCB pistol grip dlx, honest, 40% gun, in 45/90. Antique, large wood and receiver, worth the money. I considered buying it but bought a single action he had instead. Maybe he still has it, give him a call if it sounds interesting. I’ve dealt with Larry for years, he’s honest, plays his cards face up. T/R
Online
Chayn’s presently has a pretty good looking ’86 up for auction. Looks collector condition to me.
steve004 said
Chayn’s presently has a pretty good looking ’86 up for auction. Looks collector condition to me.
I’ve been drooling on this gun for a couple days!
Joel Goodrich said
I’ve been drooling on this gun for a couple days!
Well yeah. Me too of course. And I’m the guy who even likes .33’s! However, I wouldn’t turn my nose up at it were it a .45-70 
. Or, .45-90
steve004 said
Chayn’s presently has a pretty good looking ’86 up for auction. Looks collector condition to me.
Looks good to me but I have learned to be careful buying something I haven’t picked up. He says the gun was made in 1908 but the Cody sheet says 1911. No big deal though.
cwachter said
Looks good to me but I have learned to be careful buying something I haven’t picked up. He says the gun was made in 1908 but the Cody sheet says 1911. No big deal though.
I think he got the Cody sheet after he listed the auction – and added it recently. If you run the serial number through our site here, it comes up with 1908 as the manufacture date.
steve004 said
I think he got the Cody sheet after he listed the auction – and added it recently. If you run the serial number through our site here, it comes up with 1908 as the manufacture date.
Please keep in mind that the dates used by the WACA website tool are based on Polishing Room record dates… not the warehouse ledger dates used by the CFM records office to create the factory letters & worksheets. To give you a verified example of how inaccurate the warehouse ledger dates are, Model 1886 serial number 145578 (the preceding gun to the one being discussed) was received in the warehouse on 7/7/1909 (more than two full years before serial number 145579). To give you another example, Model 1886 serial number 145019 letters as being received in the warehouse on 9/4/1908.
Very simply, you cannot use the received in warehouse date as the DOM if you want accurate information.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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