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December 21, 2006
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Most Winchester Commemoratives have the most value , #1- in the original pristine box and sleeve, “unopened” , from there , #2- opened unfired pristine no marks/corrosion with a nice box and paperwork, then #3- some handling wear and a well worn box. Once they’ve been fired, other than the factory, it changes the whole ball game as far as collectability and value, (to a serious Commemorative collector). Then there are a lot of extenuating factors involved, eg; which Commemorative We are speaking of. I would be willing to bet none of the 10 only R.C.M.P. presentation guns have been fired because of the value, now $30,000-$40,000.00 or more, but all 32 of the R.C.M.P. #MPX#’rd guns have been fired and still bring a huge price. A regular R.C.M.P. , in the box, in average condition brings about $2500+/- unfired and about $1200+/-, used, a big difference. A complete pridtine , Chief Crazy Horse, with matching stamps, knife, etc. would bring a very substantial $ value, $3500 – $4000, while the one being “used is a $1200 -$1500 gun. So ‘ya , large difference. Pretty much the same can be said for the rest of the “normal” commemoratives, that is to say once they’ve been fired and the odd little mar, they go to about 1/2 the value of the unfired , unmarred gun. My thoughts and opinions only.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
January 20, 2023
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Henry, “only” your opinion on the matter of Winchester commemoratives is going to get printed out and pinned on my office wall. Anyone interested in the genre would be wise to do the same.
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
May 14, 2025
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Henry Mero said
Most Winchester Commemoratives have the most value , #1- in the original pristine box and sleeve, “unopened” , from there , #2- opened unfired pristine no marks/corrosion with a nice box and paperwork, then #3- some handling wear and a well worn box. Once they’ve been fired, other than the factory, it changes the whole ball game as far as collectability and value, (to a serious Commemorative collector). Then there are a lot of extenuating factors involved, eg; which Commemorative We are speaking of. I would be willing to bet none of the 10 only R.C.M.P. presentation guns have been fired because of the value, now $30,000-$40,000.00 or more, but all 32 of the R.C.M.P. #MPX#’rd guns have been fired and still bring a huge price. A regular R.C.M.P. , in the box, in average condition brings about $2500+/- unfired and about $1200+/-, used, a big difference. A complete pridtine , Chief Crazy Horse, with matching stamps, knife, etc. would bring a very substantial $ value, $3500 – $4000, while the one being “used is a $1200 -$1500 gun. So ‘ya , large difference. Pretty much the same can be said for the rest of the “normal” commemoratives, that is to say once they’ve been fired and the odd little mar, they go to about 1/2 the value of the unfired , unmarred gun. My thoughts and opinions only.
Zebulon said
Henry, “only” your opinion on the matter of Winchester commemoratives is going to get printed out and pinned on my office wall. Anyone interested in the genre would be wise to do the same.
Respectfully, this Commemorative collector strongly disagrees and believe the facts back me up. Every day Commemoratives sell on GB and GI within a stones throw of each other with the difference in price being the same as it is for every Winchester. The closer it is to original condition the higher the price. I have seen plenty of shooter grade Winchesters without box and papers sell for 70 to 90% of a NOS depending on its condition. I would offer a Wells Fargo Commemorative that has been fired but is in otherwise excellent condition would NEVER sell for 50% of a NOS. That is folly and again the everyday sales prove my point over and over. Is it possible some Collectors will turn their nose up at them. Certainly, but not most and the sales on GB prove my point. I am a very serious Commemorative collector and speaking for myself and every Commemorative collector I know (except Henry) we value the exact same thing every Winchester collector does and that is simply the Condition of the rifle. Excluding things like provenance, the better the condition, the higher the value – no more and no less! I adamantly contest and resent the notion Commemorative collectors are snooty and would devalue a rifle 50% simply because it has been shot. Let’s not forget, every Winchester including the Commemoratives were in fact test fired by Winchester before they were shipped. I admire Henry, his many contributions to this Forum as well as his past and present collection but respectfully, the facts lead to a different conclusion than the one he has drawn here. I offer this lovingly Bill, but you need to move that print out from your office wall to the bathroom wall 😀
May 22, 2024
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This is my one & only personal experience with a Commemorative. Prior to it my opinion of them was probably similar to most, No Thanks Ill Have Standard! But now o dont even think Commemorative, i think only Mod 64 Win 30-30! Because in configuration, Form, and Execution, thats exactly what it accomplishes!
Id long wanted a Mod 64 30-30, but had never seen or heard of one around here, exception being a good friends Mod 64a he bought new then either 72 or 73?
This 1971 NRA Centennial Model 94 30-30 which is how its stamped, is really just a Mod 64a and actually a little better, has the Blackened Chromed Steel Receiver, better wood or least mine does, its beautiful along with fit n finish! Ive carried this rifle year around often since 2019, and the receiver shows 0 wear, other than the few scratches at loading port. It as accurate as an iron sighted levergun can hoped to be! It’s by far my favorite hunting rifle, and has confirmed to me the known attributes of its design in the deer woods! It’s disproven to me the pist 64 opinions, and reconfirmed time and time again, $600 the most well spent money of my gun experience years!
January 8, 2025
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Buck94 said
Henry Mero said
Most Winchester Commemoratives have the most value , #1- in the original pristine box and sleeve, “unopened” , from there , #2- opened unfired pristine no marks/corrosion with a nice box and paperwork, then #3- some handling wear and a well worn box. Once they’ve been fired, other than the factory, it changes the whole ball game as far as collectability and value, (to a serious Commemorative collector). Then there are a lot of extenuating factors involved, eg; which Commemorative We are speaking of. I would be willing to bet none of the 10 only R.C.M.P. presentation guns have been fired because of the value, now $30,000-$40,000.00 or more, but all 32 of the R.C.M.P. #MPX#’rd guns have been fired and still bring a huge price. A regular R.C.M.P. , in the box, in average condition brings about $2500+/- unfired and about $1200+/-, used, a big difference. A complete pridtine , Chief Crazy Horse, with matching stamps, knife, etc. would bring a very substantial $ value, $3500 – $4000, while the one being “used is a $1200 -$1500 gun. So ‘ya , large difference. Pretty much the same can be said for the rest of the “normal” commemoratives, that is to say once they’ve been fired and the odd little mar, they go to about 1/2 the value of the unfired , unmarred gun. My thoughts and opinions only.
Zebulon said
Henry, “only” your opinion on the matter of Winchester commemoratives is going to get printed out and pinned on my office wall. Anyone interested in the genre would be wise to do the same.
Respectfully, this Commemorative collector strongly disagrees and believe the facts back me up. Every day Commemoratives sell on GB and GI within a stones throw of each other with the difference in price being the same as it is for every Winchester. The closer it is to original condition the higher the price. I have seen plenty of shooter grade Winchesters without box and papers sell for 70 to 90% of a NOS depending on its condition. I would offer a Wells Fargo Commemorative that has been fired but is in otherwise excellent condition would NEVER sell for 50% of a NOS. That is folly and again the everyday sales prove my point over and over. Is it possible some Collectors will turn their nose up at them. Certainly, but not most and the sales on GB prove my point. I am a very serious Commemorative collector and speaking for myself and every Commemorative collector I know (except Henry) we value the exact same thing every Winchester collector does and that is simply the Condition of the rifle. Excluding things like provenance, the better the condition, the higher the value – no more and no less! I adamantly contest and resent the notion Commemorative collectors are snooty and would devalue a rifle 50% simply because it has been shot. Let’s not forget, every Winchester including the Commemoratives were in fact test fired by Winchester before they were shipped. I admire Henry, his many contributions to this Forum as well as his past and present collection but respectfully, the facts lead to a different conclusion than the one he has drawn here. I offer this lovingly Bill, but you need to move that print out from your office wall to the bathroom wall 😀
Buck, with all due respect, you’re agreeing with Henry in this post. You’re just looking from a glass half full vs Henry’s glass half empty perspective. Just my opinion on what I’m reading. Context is always misunderstood in text. I love reading good arguments.
December 9, 2002
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With several very good comments posted, let’s not get too far away from, the OP’S question on his desire to hunt with a commemorative vs collecting them. 
Tony
April 30, 2023
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Anthony said
With several very good comments posted, let’s not get too far away from, the OP’S question on his desire to hunt with a commemorative vs collecting them.
Tony
Careful Tony, or you’ll end up with a forum moderator’s position! 
May 14, 2025
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MidwestCrisis said
Buck94 said
Henry Mero said
Most Winchester Commemoratives have the most value , #1- in the original pristine box and sleeve, “unopened” , from there , #2- opened unfired pristine no marks/corrosion with a nice box and paperwork, then #3- some handling wear and a well worn box. Once they’ve been fired, other than the factory, it changes the whole ball game as far as collectability and value, (to a serious Commemorative collector). Then there are a lot of extenuating factors involved, eg; which Commemorative We are speaking of. I would be willing to bet none of the 10 only R.C.M.P. presentation guns have been fired because of the value, now $30,000-$40,000.00 or more, but all 32 of the R.C.M.P. #MPX#’rd guns have been fired and still bring a huge price. A regular R.C.M.P. , in the box, in average condition brings about $2500+/- unfired and about $1200+/-, used, a big difference. A complete pridtine , Chief Crazy Horse, with matching stamps, knife, etc. would bring a very substantial $ value, $3500 – $4000, while the one being “used is a $1200 -$1500 gun. So ‘ya , large difference. Pretty much the same can be said for the rest of the “normal” commemoratives, that is to say once they’ve been fired and the odd little mar, they go to about 1/2 the value of the unfired , unmarred gun. My thoughts and opinions only.
Zebulon said
Henry, “only” your opinion on the matter of Winchester commemoratives is going to get printed out and pinned on my office wall. Anyone interested in the genre would be wise to do the same.
Respectfully, this Commemorative collector strongly disagrees and believe the facts back me up. Every day Commemoratives sell on GB and GI within a stones throw of each other with the difference in price being the same as it is for every Winchester. The closer it is to original condition the higher the price. I have seen plenty of shooter grade Winchesters without box and papers sell for 70 to 90% of a NOS depending on its condition. I would offer a Wells Fargo Commemorative that has been fired but is in otherwise excellent condition would NEVER sell for 50% of a NOS. That is folly and again the everyday sales prove my point over and over. Is it possible some Collectors will turn their nose up at them. Certainly, but not most and the sales on GB prove my point. I am a very serious Commemorative collector and speaking for myself and every Commemorative collector I know (except Henry) we value the exact same thing every Winchester collector does and that is simply the Condition of the rifle. Excluding things like provenance, the better the condition, the higher the value – no more and no less! I adamantly contest and resent the notion Commemorative collectors are snooty and would devalue a rifle 50% simply because it has been shot. Let’s not forget, every Winchester including the Commemoratives were in fact test fired by Winchester before they were shipped. I admire Henry, his many contributions to this Forum as well as his past and present collection but respectfully, the facts lead to a different conclusion than the one he has drawn here. I offer this lovingly Bill, but you need to move that print out from your office wall to the bathroom wall 😀
Buck, with all due respect, you’re agreeing with Henry in this post. You’re just looking from a glass half full vs Henry’s glass half empty perspective. Just my opinion on what I’m reading. Context is always misunderstood in text. I love reading good arguments.
You got me and I appreciate your analogy! I realize you are correct, we are in agreement all Winchesters lose value based upon condition. The disagreement is to what extent and I stand firm it ain’t 50% just because one is fired.
December 9, 2002
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Jeremy P said
Anthony said
With several very good comments posted, let’s not get too far away from, the OP’S question on his desire to hunt with a commemorative vs collecting them.
Tony
Careful Tony, or you’ll end up with a forum moderator’s position!
HAHA!
I’m no moderator! We are lucky with the good ones we have! Just a friendly member enjoying the comments!
Tony
December 21, 2006
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Hey, no argument here. Like I said just My own “thoughts and opinions”, and they still are.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
November 7, 2015
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Another thing to consider is that you’ll have more prospective buyers for a NIB commemorative. Quite honestly I think the gently used guns make great shooters, sometimes a better deal than standard rifles.
Mike
January 20, 2023
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Mike makes a good point. I’ve seen used, unboxed, run-of-the-mine but 98% commemoratives offered for sale for less than new Standard grade 94 carbines. The long, octagonal barreled guns seem to command the best prices.
Tom Henshaw told me the 1966 Centennials were a huge success and caused the gunmaking operation to make a profit that year – the only year it ever did from 1932 through 1980. So you can’t blame Winchester for leaning heavily on commemoratives. Remember what else was going on in 1966. If you can’t, just study a 1966 Model 70 specimen and all will become clear. (Don’t do this on a a full stomach.)
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
December 21, 2006
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Again Mike , some of them were just plain “junk” and some were very well manufactured . You couldn’t sell Me on a Canadian Centennial as a shooter, but a Crazy Horse or any of the 9422,s are great guns.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
December 9, 2002
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TXGunNut said
Another thing to consider is that you’ll have more prospective buyers for a NIB commemorative. Quite honestly I think the gently used guns make great shooters, sometimes a better deal than standard rifles.
Mike
I’m in agreement with you Mike!
Tony
November 7, 2015
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Henry Mero said
Again Mike , some of them were just plain “junk” and some were very well manufactured . You couldn’t sell Me on a Canadian Centennial as a shooter, but a Crazy Horse or any of the 9422,s are great guns.
I don’t have the experience you do, Harry. Most I’ve seen have better than average wood and the fit and finish is also above average. Those characteristics always catch my eye. The receiver finish on my Legendary Frontiersman stained when I shot it with BP. Rather ironic but the guy I sold it to didn’t mind.
Mike
October 4, 2011
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I would say to try several loadings, be it factory or handloads. All are not created equal. This particular load was with the Barnes .377 SP, I forget the powder. Above all else, PRACTICE! The best load in the world does no good if aiming at the heart and hitting in the a$$. No animal deserves that.
January 20, 2023
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Preaching to the choir, Steve. Sighting in any rifle on sandbags is no substitute for offhand practice at whatever you consider your maximum field range.
And here is where you need a fine, accurate 22 rimfire of the same action type and sights as your deer rifle. If you ate going to hunt with an open sighted Model 94 .30 Winchester, you need a 9422, a Marlin 39A, or a Henry.
If nothing else, the sub-rifle will convince you to equip both rifles with aperture sights!
Sadly, some city dwellers have only ranges that forbid offhand or position rifle shooting. In those cases, an air rifle in your back yard can help more than you might think.
But practice, practice, practice. Many short sessions are better than one or two long ones. It is actually fun.
- Bill
WACA # 65205; life member, NRA; member, TGCA; member, TSRA; amateur preservationist
"I have seen wicked men and fools, a great many of both, and I believe they both get paid in the end, but the fools first." -- David Balfour, narrator and protagonist of the novel, Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson.
July 7, 2026
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Hi guys,
Thanks for the comments. I hope I did not start a flame war on the commemoratives.
@Zeb
I have found a dealer that has new Winchester M1892 Short Rifle in both .357 Magnum and .44 Magnum. And M1886 Short Rifle in 45-70
I might go there to have a look. But I need to check out the calibers, since we also have restrictions in bullet weight and impact energy at 100 meters.
This is what we call Class 1 game:
Moose, bear, red deer, mouflon sheep, musk ox, wisent & wild boar, and there you have 3 different requirements:
Minimum 139gr and 2700J or 155gr and 2000J or if the bullet is a lead free copper bullet, 119gr and 2000J
Class 2 game is roe deer, lynx, wolverine, beaver and seal.
The minimum requirement is 50gr and 800J
I know that 45-70 fulfill the class 1 requirements, but I am not sure of the other.
@Anthony
Sweden like Abba, not Switzerland like chocolate
@Midwest
The 25-35 sounds like a cool cartridge, but I am not sure if it is available over here. And how it would be classified according to type of game. Both guns look good. You can clearly see that the 25-35 has been used a lot, and that is what it is made for.
@King Medallion
That is a really nice one
Take care guys and stay safe
/Georg
December 9, 2002
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George,
Like Abba, “Take a Chance”! I apologize for the mix up on the Country, but I was enjoying some chocolate while typing!
No flame wars here, as the members stepped up and brought several very good perspectives to light, from a few different angles. IMO!
It’s nice to hear that many comments and members helping out.
Tony
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