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This is a SRC I’m looking at.
1. Any concerns?
2. What’s a fair price these days?
The gun has been disassembled and then reassembled incorrectly… both barrel bands were reinstalled backards.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
You Sir, appear to be an excellent candidate to become a card-carrying member of the .32 Special fan club here. It’s a small but moderately elite club (in the eyes of the members).
And why is .32 Special knocked so hard? The only thing I see against it is that it came out October 1901 and cannot be antique.
mrcvs said
And why is .32 Special knocked so hard? The only thing I see against it is that it came out October 1901 and cannot be antique.
As we know, I am not the one to answer that question. Rick isn’t either.
I really enjoy the promotional material that Winchester brought out when they introduced the .32 Special. They compared it directly to the .30 WCF and illustrated how in power, it was between the .30 WCF and the .30-40. People often talk about the .30 WCF and the .32 Special essentially being identical in performance. I think that is more accurate to say now than it was back in the day.
It’s a paradox to me as collector’s routinely prefer rarity. In every rifle that chambered the .30 WCF and the .32 Special (e.g. the M1894, 94, 55, 64), the .32 Special is the scarcer chambering than the .30 WCF. Then factor in the .25-35 – which was also chambered in the M1894, 94, 55 and 64). It will always bring more money than the .30 WCF or the .32 Special. Why? Because it is a better performing cartridge? I don’t think so. It is because they chambered less of them than they did the .30 WCF or .32 Special.
Sooo… mrcvs, the answer to your question eludes me.
November 7, 2015
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mrcvs said
And why is .32 Special knocked so hard? The only thing I see against it is that it came out October 1901 and cannot be antique.
I don’t have an answer either, even the 32-40 is more highly regarded than the 32WS. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of both cartridges even though I avoided the 32-40 for years. I like taking the road less travelled and it doesn’t hurt that at a given price point I can buy a higher condition specimen if the barrel is marked 32 WS. In my experience the price difference isn’t as significant as the pricing guides seem to indicate, maybe I’m paying too much for my 32 WS guns. I load and cast for all but the 25-35 so ammunition availability is a moot point.
Mike
November 7, 2015
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To address the OP’s question I’d be a reluctant buyer at around $1200 on this SRC, depending on mechanical and bore condition. If I really liked the gun I’d maybe go a little higher. I suspect the wood has been refinished but it’s my opinion this is much more common than most collectors believe.
Mike
It’s interesting that you mention $1200. Because that’s what they were asking for it and I decided to pass. I’m willing to spend a little bit more for a better looking example. Although the bore was mint. The wood did show some evidence of being over coated, but not necessarily sanded.
For years I’ve been buying less than pristine examples. That needs to stop. Life’s too short to waste on mediocrity.
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Luthier said
For years I’ve been buying less than pristine examples. That needs to stop. Life’s too short to waste on mediocrity.
At 79, I say life’s too short to waste on piling up guns you’ll never do anything with, except look at, which is about all that can be done with a “pristine example.” I intend to spend the time I’ve got left, while I’m able, doing, not looking. This very clean & well cared for gun, which I’d rate above “mediocrity,” could be shot & hunted without undue fear of causing harm, assuming the user isn’t a blundering, careless, idiot.
Perhaps the wood has had linseed or lemon oil applied (a good thing), or wax, but not refinished as far as I can tell from photos.
No harm done in making a reasonable offer, like $1000 with the bills in your hand, the way the Count does when buying a car. You might also complain a little about the difficulty of finding ammo, & say “if only” it was thuty-thuty you’d gladly pay the full price.
mrcvs said
And why is .32 Special knocked so hard? The only thing I see against it is that it came out October 1901 and cannot be antique.
My first lever Winchester was a 32 special. It was made in the 60’s and I got my hands on it at 15yrs old in 1979. The 32 special is sentimental to me but my other reason for it being my fav is, I like the fact it’s a 32 cal bullet versus 30 cal bullet with the 30-30. Just a tad more hitting power. I know the twist rates are different but I believe it’s 1:16 twist rate, the same as the 32-40, noted for its historical accuracy.
I also like the fact that any time a deluxe or high grade 32 special is for sale, it’s always less money than the other 94 calibers,(everything equal) the result of being the least desirable 94 caliber. That’s absolutely fine with me. ?
Rick C
clarence said
Luthier said
For years I’ve been buying less than pristine examples. That needs to stop. Life’s too short to waste on mediocrity.
At 79, I say life’s too short to waste on piling up guns you’ll never do anything with, except look at, which is about all that can be done with a “pristine example.” I intend to spend the time I’ve got left, while I’m able, doing, not looking. This very clean & well cared for gun, which I’d rate above “mediocrity,” could be shot & hunted without undue fear of causing harm, assuming the user isn’t a blundering, careless, idiot.
Perhaps the wood has had linseed or lemon oil applied (a good thing), or wax, but not refinished as far as I can tell from photos.
No harm done in making a reasonable offer, like $1000 with the bills in your hand, the way the Count does when buying a car. You might also complain a little about the difficulty of finding ammo, & say “if only” it was thuty-thuty you’d gladly pay the full price.
That would be hard for me to do – and be able to look at myself in the mirror! The whole reason I would be buying it is because it was a .32 Special, and then to complain and angle for a discount because it wasn’t a .30….. the ethics of it!! 😉
steve004 said
That would be hard for me to do – and be able to look at myself in the mirror! The whole reason I would be buying it is because it was a .32 Special, and then to complain and angle for a discount because it wasn’t a .30….. the ethics of it!! 😉
But you’d only be serving the seller’s lack of respect for .32s as it deserves; justice, if not ethics. And then turn that discount into extra boxes of .32s.
clarence said
steve004 said
That would be hard for me to do – and be able to look at myself in the mirror! The whole reason I would be buying it is because it was a .32 Special, and then to complain and angle for a discount because it wasn’t a .30….. the ethics of it!! 😉
But you’d only be serving the seller’s lack of respect for .32s as it deserves; justice, if not ethics. And then turn that discount into extra boxes of .32s.
That would be an acceptable rationalization for me.
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