Steve, I did get (through Amazon, apparently now the only source; Wolfe doesn't sell them directly) the 9th edition of the primer you recommend. Very informative and will eventually be useful.

Last evening I reviewed and then analyzed my Amex bill, as I always do before paying it. The sharp dose of reality convinced me I did not truly need to go adventuring in the land of the 40-65 Winchester, at least for a little while. 

I decided I needed instead a Marble Arms tang sight for my impending 250-3000 Savage - and a set of dies and a bag of brass -- all at a fraction of the cost of another rifle. For the time being.

I'll report as events warrant. 

https://www.wolfeoutdoorsports.com/black-powder-cartridge-reloading-primer-newly-revised-9th-edition/

there’s plenty of good reasons why most shooters take the 45-70 but if you’d like to be an oddball like me that’s fine, but you’re going to have to reload. 

The EG rifles are just too sleek to encumber with scopes. The R was intended for that and mine is scoped. However, I still need to shim the scope base because the range of elevation is too limited. Leupold used to make a base with a built in 7 degree tilt, just for the 99. Somewhere there was a failure to communicate....

Mike

TXGunNut said

Zebulon said
I'm considering one. 
  

I understand they're great up to the rams, may have to hold a little high to ensure they fall over. Save the light bullets for the chickens. Since I don't play that game it would need to have spectacular wood or a bargain price tag, preferably both!
 
Mike
  

I think I've talked myself out of it. 

Anthony said

steve004 said
That carbine has seen some weather!  A top, "poster child" candidate for the descriptor, "weathered appearance."  Also a poster child for, "glossy revarnish."  Were it mine (which likely wouldn't happen) I get rid of the varnish very quickly.
  

Steve,
I also noticed that shiny varnish that looks terrible on it. Like, cj57 said, the heavy cleaning that was done with the steel wool and emery paper, is obvious. How about the wood to metal fit that's pretty obvious as the sanded rounded corner on the wood, hence the heavy varnish being applied, as a cleaned up example and a poor refinish job over dirt and debris, maybe to make it possibly look older or more antique sh ! 
Tony
  

I agree Tony.  I think that what's been done to it takes it out of the realm of, "character" carbine - which is the most it could be.

steve004 said
That carbine has seen some weather!  A top, "poster child" candidate for the descriptor, "weathered appearance."  Also a poster child for, "glossy revarnish."  Were it mine (which likely wouldn't happen) I get rid of the varnish very quickly.
  

Steve,

I also noticed that shiny varnish that looks terrible on it. Like, cj57 said, the heavy cleaning that was done with the steel wool and emery paper, is obvious. How about the wood to metal fit that's pretty obvious as the sanded rounded corner on the wood, hence the heavy varnish being applied, as a cleaned up example and a poor refinish job over dirt and debris, maybe to make it possibly look older or more antique sh ! 

Tony

Zebulon said
I'm considering one. 
  

I understand they're great up to the rams, may have to hold a little high to ensure they fall over. Save the light bullets for the chickens. Since I don't play that game it would need to have spectacular wood or a bargain price tag, preferably both!

Mike

My guess is that your rifle is a Model 1877 Sporting Rifle modified by Freund.

cj57 said
The photos opened for me and you can see the caliber marking 32-40, it has no finish on metal left and cleaned heavily with steel wool and or emery paper. The wood has a very poor refinish job and the bore is not very good, but may still shoot ok. I would pass or not pay very much for it
  

Steven Gabrielli said
Agreed, pass, too rough, unless you can get it for a song.
  

Yes you are both correct and Bert has also confirmed this. Unfortunately it's not for sale cheap so will have to pass on it. 

Just a shame that someone down the line treated this rifle so roughly. 

GKADLEC194 said
Both are New Old Stock.  Never fired.  Please email me at gkadlec194@yahoo.com with questions if you are interested.  They both will sell for $2000+.  You also can Text me at 614-580-1750.
  

Don’t think I’ve seen a WDJ sell for close to 2k but being the very first Winchester commemorative helps its value amongst a certain crowd. Can you post pics so we can see it? What is the serial # and does it have the matching original box and papers? 
Look forward to seeing it, thanks