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Mike, I agree. Hanging around an infamous gun restorer for many years he had a group of buyers that liked the restored look and didn’t care about originality. A couple of them you can find on TV or in the movies. It’s the guns that get sold as original that bothers me.
TXGunNut said
John D. said
I think it is interesting that, even with full disclosure, it is still sold for about $2,000.
I think some of us need to wake up and smell the coffee. (No, John, not picking on you. You are spot on.) There ARE serious collectors these days that value appearance over originality. All collectors can’t be purists who insist on original, unmolested examples. Only a few lucky collectors and museums can afford this luxury. Like many of you, I have been blessed to score some sweet examples. The collector who values “improved” is no less a collector than the purist, he just enjoys the guns that are readily available and attractive to him. He supports the gunsmiths who do things the “old school” way. He also keeps our hobby alive and we should welcome him because he loves the same guns we do. He is our only hope for keeping this hobby alive because the number of original and unmolested examples is getting smaller every day, just like the number of purist collectors.
Don’t get me wrong, I love my 80-90% guns and know they are my best investment. I also enjoy displaying guns that many traditional collectors would never give a second look. They look good to me and my guests. I also want to shoot every classic Winchester I buy because I feel like I’m shaking hands with history when I do.
We all have to start somewhere. Lower grade guns gave many of us a chance to learn about classic Winchesters, some of us will keep them around for our heirs (or creditors) to deal with. I don’t care, in the years I have left I’m going to have fun and that includes encouraging new collectors to enjoy the guns we love.
Stepping off my soapbox…..before I fall off!
Mike
I agree with you Mike. I was able to assemble the majority of my collection years ago, and I’m glad I’m not doing it now. If I were, I’m sure I would have to, “settle.” This carbine looks nice and fooled many collectors – it looks nearly identical to one that would be 100% legit. My only real beef is my speculation that it will be passed off as original in future sales and someone will spend that $4,000 plus price tag thinking it is a legit carbine.
I also very much enjoy my 85-90% pieces (and many are certainly less than that). They bring me much joy and satisfaction. A, “just right” character gun also has appeal to me 
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