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Will there be a fifth edition of this published?
I believe the 4th is the most recent?
Just curious.
Thanks
-Mike
April 15, 2005
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[email protected] said
Will there be a fifth edition of this published?I believe the 4th is the most recent?
Just curious.
Thanks
-Mike
For many years, my friend Larry Shennum and I worked together on the research for the first four editions, with Larry tracking nearly all of the value numbers, while I formatted the book (chapters & tables) and wrote the informational sections for nearly all of the models listed in the book. Larry (due to failing health) is unable to continue this endeavor, which leaves the entire task of updating the book in my hands.
My plan is to revamp and update the 4th edition and publish it as a 5th (and final) edition. I intend to move away from listing specific values for each model and condition level, and focus more on the historical information about each model and include a statistical analysis for all of the models that have been actively surveyed. Currently, I am still working for a living, but if all goes well, my plan is to retire (for the second time), and spend much of my free time actively working on several of my book writing projects and travelling to more of the large gun shows. In the meantime, I am still writing articles for the WACA Collector magazine (a new article will be in the next issue).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thank you Bert.
I am going to purchase the 4th and 5th addition when it is available.
Without having seen the 4th edition, do you feel the gun values are still fairly represented in this 4th edition ?
Good luck with the new edition.
Mike
April 15, 2005
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Mike.
Some of the value numbers in the 4th edition are still relatively accurate, but conversely, a fair number of them are not. The values listed in the 4th edition were derived from sales figures collected from 2013 through early 2015. The value numbers for the more common models and lower graded condition have since come down 20-30%. The high-end variations and condition levels have gone up in value.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
April 15, 2005
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[email protected] said
What would you consider to be some of the more common models?Mike
Models 1890/90, 1892/92, 1894/94, 1897/97, 1906/06, 1912/12, and 70.
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thank you Sir. As always I appreciate and enjoy what you have to share.
I look forward to reading the 4th edition.
Mike
July 19, 2013
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Mike,
I have been selling the inventory of Red Books for the author, Larry Shennum on eBay and Amazon. It’s taken over the last few years to do so. Last month, I sold the last one. I did sell a bulk order to WACA a few years ago and I see they are selling for $30 ( half off ) on this website. I suggest you get one real fast, because that’s the last of them.
Bill
Thanks for that update.
I did indeed order one already this evening from the WACA store. The order went thru so hopefully I’m ok.
$30 seemed pretty good for the resource even if some of the info is a little out of date.
I will enjoy reviewing it.
Mike
November 23, 2023
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Good day, will there be another 5th anytime soon?
April 15, 2005
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Docvett said
Good day, will there be another 5th anytime soon?
I have not yet started to rewrite it. I simply had way too many other Winchester research and writing projects in the cue that needed to be finished. I hope to begin working on the 5th (and final) edition mid-year 2026, but I will make no promises.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
September 22, 2011
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I’m going to make a very big generalization of valuations since the last edition, but here is where we are at:
The crème de la crème, the very best stuff, with condition, and dripping with features, add a third or more. The rich are rich, they can afford the very best, they demand the very best, money is no object, why settle for less.
Sadly, the stuff us middle class range collectors collect, many of us on the forum, 75 to 95% stuff with no features, stuff with rare and unusual features in the 50% to 85% range, as painful as it is to write this, this stuff has taken a sharp downturn, about a third since the Election of 2024. Why? Several factors: Demographics, fewer interested in this stuff, even lesser with money to burn. Also, no real threat and push to buy with Trump in the White House. A Democrat president could change all that overnight.
The stuff with problems, no finish, patina, wear, etc, of minimal value, this is flat, maybe up a little bit. There are always those with few funds who want to own a Winchester.
Oddly, reblued stuff that is done nicely, stuff of Turnbull quality or close to it, although technically 0% original condition has seen a moderate increase in valuation due to increased interest in this stuff (but not amongst serious collectors).
November 7, 2015
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I agree, Ian. I would rather see Bert work on other projects as the fourth edition tells us what we need to know and current prices at this point are a waste of ink. Sometimes I see the logic of the current market conditions, sometimes I just scratch my head. In today’s market an educated buying decision is paramount, the 4th edition, with adjustments, is still a valid tool.
Mike
May 14, 2025
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TXGunNut said
I agree, Ian. I would rather see Bert work on other projects as the fourth edition tells us what we need to know and current prices at this point are a waste of ink. Sometimes I see the logic of the current market conditions, sometimes I just scratch my head. In today’s market an educated buying decision is paramount, the 4th edition, with adjustments, is still a valid tool.
Mike
It is only a challenge for those of us without a copy as they don’t seem to be available for sale anywhere 🙁 I’ll keep looking though! Merry Christmas
December 9, 2002
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TXGunNut said
I agree, Ian. I would rather see Bert work on other projects as the fourth edition tells us what we need to know and current prices at this point are a waste of ink. Sometimes I see the logic of the current market conditions, sometimes I just scratch my head. In today’s market an educated buying decision is paramount, the 4th edition, with adjustments, is still a valid tool.
Mike
Mike,
I couldn’t have said it any better, and won’t try to. A great resource, and very informational!
Anthony
