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September 11, 2018
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Hi, I’m a long time lurker and finally wanted to register and post. As I try to get my bearings on old winchesters, I’d appreciate any input on this piece:
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/784209124
My interest is an 1886 as a shooter, something that is in good serviceable condition, and not overly concerned about it being collector correct. Is this rifle a good example of an original 1886 in .45-70 that would be a good value as a shooter?
Thanks in advance.
BJ
April 15, 2005
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Bobby,
I personally believe that the new owner paid just a tad too much for it considering the added cost of FFL fees and the shipping & insurance, but only just a few hundred too much. If it had been a bona fide “Antique”, the price was would have been dead on.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 11, 2018
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Thanks Bert. Does the “antique” status add significantly to the value, and is that just due to the elimination of the FFL in the process?
Are there any significant red flags on this rifle that would be key detractors of value?
Finally, for a shooter rifle, what features or condition would one be looking for that would still result in a good value, and wouldn’t be big killers of resale?
Thanks
BJ
April 15, 2005
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BJ,
In answer to your first question, Yes, the “Antique” status does add to the value. Approximately 75% of all Model 1886s made are “Antique”, which slightly mutes the added premium for that status. There is a bigger premium for an “Antique” Model 1894 because relatively few of them were made (53,941). For the Model 1886, there were (118,846) that qualify as Antique.
There are no “Red Flags” per se, but the alteration to the butt stock is a big detractor for most collectors.
In answer to your last question, the condition of the bore is critical to a shooter grade rifle retaining its value.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 11, 2018
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Bert, thanks for the detailed feedback, very helpful.
As an expansion of this 1886 discussion, how do you determine authenticity/originality of a rifle like this one:
https://www.gunbroker.com/item/781496389
From the little I know it appears to have serial-number correct markings, the end of the barrel is in the white, etc, but it almost looks more like one of the miroku reproductions, or a completely reblued/refinished gun than an original. Are there any telltale signs that you experienced collectors cue in on immediately?
Thanks
BJ
May 2, 2009
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BJ,
The first thing I see you can spot at a gun show 2 isles away. The case color, wood grain, wood color and blue is all wrong. When you look closer you see the metal finish of the blued parts is too rough giving it a dull appearance and the wood is new and does not fit the metal. The blue and case color has no age to it. The proof mark on the receiver has been buffed down were it should be sharp and stand above the metal some. I suspect the barrel to be a new reproduction. The way to learn how to spot these redone guns is to look closely at lots real guns so you know what they are suppose to look like. You can’t learn this from pictures, you have to go to gun shows or see collections in person.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
April 15, 2005
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Bobby,
I completely agree with my colleague Bob. That is a 100% refinished rifle, and more than likely it is a replacement barrel.
Have you read this topic yet – https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-rifles/Tips+on+Buying+an+old+Winchester/
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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I think the magazine tube is a reproduction part as well.
Mike
September 11, 2018
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Thank you guys for the responses, glad that my initial instincts were verified. I’m new to lever guns, but experienced in milsurp collecting, and the same principles apply there. Bert, yes I had definitely read the buying guide you reference, and the more clear-cut items were easy to apply, but its hard to apply some of the more subtle condition-based guidelines when looking at pictures.
