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September 22, 2011
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Let’s start with this is a rifle that, as someone else once said in another thread, “those that can afford it won’t want it, those that want it can’t afford it”—meaning that this rifle, while nicer, lacks the condition those collecting this stuff and with the means to afford it, will bypass it, because it lacks the desired condition.
This is the segment of the market that has really faltered, and, unfortunately, will likely continue to do dis.
What it has going for it: .38-55, 1/2 octagon barrel, button magazine, takedown, tang sight and globe front sight, possible 1x wood, and some condition.
What it lacks: Condition those collecting this desire, not antique (1900), no factory letter (but thus could be easily rectified—just order it).
Given the dichotomy in today’s market, this being not at either end of the spectrum, what would you value it in today’s market?
December 9, 2002
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Ian,
With the fine points that you brought up on this, as you said lower condition, yet harder to find configuration rifle. I would venture to say that on the Gun Broker auction site where it could possibly command the most $$$, it could fetch up near the $5-6,000.00 range, as it looks like it has a lot of good honest things going for it. IMO!
On let’s say Guns International, maybe not so much, as the auction frenzy of Gun Broker seems to be self implied on many occasions!
Ten people, and ten different thoughts and opinions!
Thanks for sharing!
Tony
July 9, 2026
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I think your assessment of today’s market is fair. The very top-end collectors are chasing exceptional originality and condition, while budget buyers are simply looking for an affordable shooter. This rifle falls somewhere in between.
That said, I wouldn’t discount its desirability. A .38-55 with a half-octagon barrel, takedown, button magazine, tang sight, globe front sight, and possible 1X wood is a very appealing configuration. Those features aren’t common together.
While the condition keeps it from being a premier collector piece, the configuration adds value that shouldn’t be overlooked. A Cody letter could also strengthen its appeal if it confirms those features.
If I were pricing it in today’s market, I’d expect it to bring around $4,500 to $5,500, with the higher end depending on originality, bore condition, and whether the wood and finish prove to be factory original. I think the rifle will appeal more to someone who appreciates uncommon configurations than to a condition-driven collector
September 22, 2011
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Barryf448 said
I think your assessment of today’s market is fair. The very top-end collectors are chasing exceptional originality and condition, while budget buyers are simply looking for an affordable shooter. This rifle falls somewhere in between.
That said, I wouldn’t discount its desirability. A .38-55 with a half-octagon barrel, takedown, button magazine, tang sight, globe front sight, and possible 1X wood is a very appealing configuration. Those features aren’t common together.
While the condition keeps it from being a premier collector piece, the configuration adds value that shouldn’t be overlooked. A Cody letter could also strengthen its appeal if it confirms those features.
If I were pricing it in today’s market, I’d expect it to bring around $4,500 to $5,500, with the higher end depending on originality, bore condition, and whether the wood and finish prove to be factory original. I think the rifle will appeal more to someone who appreciates uncommon configurations than to a condition-driven collector
I think the wood may have been refinished, maybe awhile ago. Maybe not…
Bluing is original.
December 9, 2002
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mrcvs said
Barryf448 said
I think your assessment of today’s market is fair. The very top-end collectors are chasing exceptional originality and condition, while budget buyers are simply looking for an affordable shooter. This rifle falls somewhere in between.
That said, I wouldn’t discount its desirability. A .38-55 with a half-octagon barrel, takedown, button magazine, tang sight, globe front sight, and possible 1X wood is a very appealing configuration. Those features aren’t common together.
While the condition keeps it from being a premier collector piece, the configuration adds value that shouldn’t be overlooked. A Cody letter could also strengthen its appeal if it confirms those features.
If I were pricing it in today’s market, I’d expect it to bring around $4,500 to $5,500, with the higher end depending on originality, bore condition, and whether the wood and finish prove to be factory original. I think the rifle will appeal more to someone who appreciates uncommon configurations than to a condition-driven collector
I think the wood may have been refinished, maybe awhile ago. Maybe not…
Bluing is original.
Ian,
I’m in agreement with you on the wood, but like Barry said in that configuration and a nice representation, his numbers are right there in the approximate ballpark also. I would still classify it as a good honest gun.
Tony
June 12, 2013
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It is obviously on somebody’s table at a gun show so just tell us their price on the tag.
September 22, 2011
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antler1 said
It is obviously on somebody’s table at a gun show so just tell us their price on the tag.
$5250.
In today’s market I value it at $3750 +/-, possibly 4k.
March 14, 2022
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Ian, I’m looking at the receiver end of the barrel, and for the barrel ring to be free of any of what’s going on where it meets the receiver, I find a bit suspicious. The bluing in that area is also not uniform with where it meets as well. It’s possible being a takedown, the Cody information could be a surprise but otherwise, I like it. It be nice to know if it’s original configuration. Jmo
Rick C
March 20, 2010
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The pricing on a lot of these guns in the last couple years has gone out of sight whether middle of the road or high condition. Ive lost interest being priced out of what I think is reasonable. Now a days it has to be something I really selectively want to consider buying.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
September 22, 2011
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1892takedown said
The pricing on a lot of these guns in the last couple years has gone out of sight whether middle of the road or high condition. Ive lost interest being priced out of what I think is reasonable. Now a days it has to be something I really selectively want to consider buying.
I’m with you on that!
November 7, 2015
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1892takedown said
The pricing on a lot of these guns in the last couple years has gone out of sight whether middle of the road or high condition. Ive lost interest being priced out of what I think is reasonable. Now a days it has to be something I really selectively want to consider buying.
Agreed, it’s worth more than I’m willing to pay for it.
Mike
December 9, 2002
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As I read over these posts again, I have to agree with these comments and join in on the fact that it’s more than I’d be willing to spend on it, and yes it seems these mid level Winchesters are getting pricier!
Tony
March 14, 2022
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Tony, what do you think about the original subject rifles condition and configuration. Original?
Rick C
December 9, 2002
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Rick C said
Tony, what do you think about the original subject rifles condition and configuration. Original?
Rick,
I would have to handle it and give it my once over to be honest. I had one with many of these same characteristics years ago, but in the Deluxe configuration and the same caliber, but the condition was better. I am in contact with the owner.
Tony
March 14, 2022
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Fair enough. Was just wondering if anyone else saw what I was referring to. I’ve had them where the takedown ring at the end of the barrel had less blue and not the receiver, I guess from handling when taking it down the barrel end seemed to get the most wear. This one is probably as you state, needs to be handled in person. I know of a couple over the years that got swapped out because they didn’t letter and the buyer never knew the difference. Not my game but wouldn’t be the first time somebody pulled that one. I guess a data search would confirm but, I’m not in the running so I think I’ll hold onto my last couple searches. 😊
Rick C
March 20, 2010
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Its a neat enough rifle, the gun show lighting and excess oil on it likely arent doing it justice. If you can get past the “What if” questions and “I wish” comments you always hear, youve got to judge it for what its is now. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and how that beauty translates into “C” notes is subjective.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
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