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Since joining WACA a short time ago, I continue to accumulate information and a few rifles based on input from WACA members. I have acquired The Winchester Handbook by Madis and it is an exceptional reference for researching the various models. However, when it comes to purchasing, I have no idea how to assess the described quality (on line sites) or what a reasonable price might be for the stated quality. And so, here are a couple of questions:
1.) Are there WACA definitions for the condition, i.e. the quality of the metal, the bluing, the bore, the wood?
2.) If a firearm has been refinished/refurbished or repaired should a collector shy away from making a purchase?
3.) Is there a standard dependable reference that collectors use to determine a reasonable estimate of value/price of an advertised firearm?
Thanks for any guidance you might provide. Otherwise I’m “flying blind!”
John
[email protected] said
Since joining WACA a short time ago, I continue to accumulate information and a few rifles based on input from WACA members. I have acquired The Winchester Handbook by Madis and it is an exceptional reference for researching the various models. However, when it comes to purchasing, I have no idea how to assess the described quality (on line sites) or what a reasonable price might be for the stated quality. And so, here are a couple of questions:1.) Are there WACA definitions for the condition, i.e. the quality of the metal, the bluing, the bore, the wood?
2.) If a firearm has been refinished/refurbished or repaired should a collector shy away from making a purchase?
3.) Is there a standard dependable reference that collectors use to determine a reasonable estimate of value/price of an advertised firearm?
Thanks for any guidance you might provide. Otherwise I’m “flying blind!”
John
John,
1) There are no WACA definitions of condition except “Baba worked on it”. NRA has a set definitions of condition you can use.
2) Any time the gun has been redone or modified from original it is not in a collectors best interest to own except if you want a shooter or your happy with its current condition.
3) I would suggest the Red Book which for sale on this site in the Store at the top of the page. It will have an explanation of conditions and values.
Bob
WACA Life Member--- NRA Life Member---- Cody Firearms member since 1991 Researching the Winchester 1873's
Email: [email protected]
Placing a value on a firearm today is next to impossible. The internet is always showing current sale prices for just about any gun out there. I list 8 or more guns a week for my local shop. I make an educated guess of the value based on recent sales and the desirability of a gun. It is a rare occurrence that I miss my guess. We start all the guns at 1 penny and let them seek their own level. Collectors come in all different flavors. Some will only buy a factory original very high condition gun. Some want a nice gun and will restore a decent gun just make it look new. Brown and grey guns are looked down on by many but there is a very good market for them in the proper price range. Not everyone can afford a museum quality gun. Refinished guns come in different flavors as well. Some are well done and others are essentially ruined in the process. Some restoration costs far exceed the value of the gun.
Read all you can on a gun you are interested in. Search online sources for recent comparable sales. Ask questions if you are unsure. This is a field where experience is the best teacher. You have to learn for yourself what is original finish and patina versus outright fake and artificially aged metal and wood. Only examination of known good guns can get you this knowledge. Like all of us you will make some mistakes. Consider them learning experiences. And most important of, have fun along the way!
THIS ALL STARTED WITH JUST ONE GUN!
My thanks to Bob and “Old Guns” for their guidance. I have ordered the Red Book and will spend the extra time needed to do the necessary comparisons when evaluating a rifle of interest. So much to learn, so little time!
John
November 7, 2015
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Good advice above. All I’ll add is that some of my reference books have been very good investments and all have been worth the money. For example you may be able to identify a desirable variation that makes a piece much more valuable or you may be able to spot a non-original part on a rifle represented as original. Either scenario is easily worth the price of a reference book.
Mike
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