Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Rifles

martin rabeno on 1864 New Haven Arms Henry Rifle, Serial No. 7516 — Seeking Collector Input

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 23:02:44 +0000

Gee guys. I’m sorry to hear you had no luck with your serial number search. I guess I got real lucky on mine

Blue Ridge Parson on Seeking advice on new rifle and site options.

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:40:28 +0000

Since the Lyman #6 sight will fold flat and be out of the line of sight, there is an easy solution. Were the rifle mine, I would mount a Lyman #48 WJS receiver sight using the factory drilled and tapped holes on the left rear receiver. If you acquire one of the later 48 WJS sights, it would not require any modifications to the rifle whatsoever.

Best of luck on your upcoming safari.

BRP

TXGunNut on Seeking advice on new rifle and site options.

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 21:26:26 +0000

I like the idea of a Lyman or Redfield receiver sight as long as it won't require modification of the stock. Are you comfortable with aperture sights? Red dot sights are certainly a viable option but would look a little odd on this classic rifle, some may require removal of existing sights. Tedk's suggestion is a very good one if you can find a Stith mount. I think the best choice will be dictated by your hunting opportunity, shooting style and eyesight limitations. You're off to a great start with this rifle!

Mike

Brodg88 on 1864 New Haven Arms Henry Rifle, Serial No. 7516 — Seeking Collector Input

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:47:37 +0000

Vonnie felt like it would not be to the upmost benefit to have the records since this exact serial doesn't show up in Wiley Sword's book. Quick summary:

"Serial no. 7516 is not presently documented in Wiley Sword’s known 3rd U.S. Veteran Volunteer Infantry Henry rifle serial list, but it falls immediately among a cluster of documented 3rd VVI Henry serial numbers, including 7511 and 7520. This supports a cautious description as a late-war Henry in the 3rd VVI serial neighborhood, but not as a documented 3rd VVI-issued rifle."

Tedk on Seeking advice on new rifle and site options.

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:31:37 +0000

Nice gun…

Great decision not to drill…

Another option is a Stith mount

Buckums on Seeking advice on new rifle and site options.

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 20:17:07 +0000

Hello all. I recently acquired a pre-64 Model 70 in 375 H&H from a friend of mine.

Based on the serial number, it is a 1948 production, and to my untrained eyes appears relatively unmolested? This isn’t a collector grade rifle, but I think it is an honest shooter rifle that has been to Africa a few times and will likely be going back again with me in 2027.

The rear of the receiver has not been D&T for a scope, etc. which brings me to my conundrum. I enjoy shooting irons, but my eyesight doesn’t allow for me to do it very effectively anymore.

I have been told to potentially find a Lyman site, Skinner site, G&H side mount, red dot on the front receiver using a Weaver style base, and some say just drill and tap… which I am highly against doing.

I would much prefer just shooting the irons she came with but unfortunately I can no longer do that and feel confident while hunting. And this is a hunting rifle for me first and foremost. This is only my second pre-64, so I am by no means an expert on them, and any advice or guidance would be highly appreciated. Thank you.

Anthony on RIA Winchester first M-1873

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 15:06:44 +0000

steve004 said
In one of the letters featured above (the M1886 in .45-90) among the many special features, there is notation of, "engraved magazine." You sure don't see this every day.

Steve,

I agree with you on that, as it's a first for me, as I don't recall seeing an "engraved magazine", in a letters notation!

Brady,

That's a pretty cool and neat photograph. I like the "Sportsman's Headquarters", with the "W", underneath on the window glass. I've read that address on numerous occasions and don't recall seeing the photograph.

Thanks for sharing!

Tony

Maverick on RIA Winchester first M-1873

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:59:51 +0000

1873man said
Here is the letter Tony. The Returned Jan 6 1881 is the date it shipped back (returned) and to New York I'm thinking its a New York distributor or dealer.
Bob

Bob,

Yeah the distributor was themselves! Winchester had a New York store on 312 Broadway for many years.

The not well known Model 1879 double barrel shotgun was sold through that location.

Sincerely,

Maverick

Bill Hanzel on 1894 semi deluxe

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 22:28:24 +0000

Congrats! If you buy what you like and are happy- to me that’s what it’s all about!!

helidriver72 on 1894 semi deluxe

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 20:42:04 +0000

1894

I’m pretty tickled with this recent purchase. I know it has no condition but I really like pistol grip deluxes and the rough ones are reasonable.
Its had a bit of varnish applied at one time, its about half worn off, Is it possible to remove the remaining varnish without making it look terrible?

steve004 on 1894 Delux… I think..

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:35:58 +0000

Henry Mero said
Yes Steve and it is also a "matted" thin barrel. different gun than the trap door butt gun though

Henry -

That is one fantastic rifle! A matted thin barrel

Anthony on 1864 New Haven Arms Henry Rifle, Serial No. 7516 — Seeking Collector Input

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 16:48:07 +0000

Mike,

I'm in agreement with you on the provenance.

Ben,

As far as the "&", mark, I know that I've seen that stamp somewhere in the past, and can't not only remember, but I don't see any other similar markings as I will continue to try to find it or maybe jump out of bed one night as the total recall can surprise even myself at times! LOL!

As far as the condition and grading, it looks like the butterscotch on the Brass is untouched which is important, and the wood stock is in nice condition and even shows some slight figure to the wood, which can be uncommon. The barrel shows some nice original appeal as far as looks and patina to the original bluing. The sling being aftermarket, is what it is, and wouldn't stop an honest Henry collector from pursuing it. IMO!

A couple of the main things, is that it doesn't look to be altered and cleaned up! It looks original, to me from the pictures!

A handling of the firearm would be a must for what these command, and/or a three day return inspection as an honest must in most case. I would rate it Good to Very Good, as it surely appears to be a very honest Henry Rifle! JMO!

If you're looking for comparable pieces and value, I would think Guns International would be the place to compare.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/henry-rifles-antique.c300_p1_o6.cfm

Tony

Buckums on M70 Stock Recommendations and Opinions Needed

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:55:35 +0000

Thanks all for the replies. I will keep my eyes peeled for a replacement stock. In the meantime, I'm going to run her like she is. I cleaned up the stock with some elbow grease and renaissance wax, put on an older gloss 3x9 Leupold I had laying around. The cheek weld attained with this MC stock and the rings / Redfield base it came with is really almost ideal. Surprisingly, the MC stock on this ol gal is actually starting to grow on me.

TXGunNut on 1864 New Haven Arms Henry Rifle, Serial No. 7516 — Seeking Collector Input

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 15:40:47 +0000

Good call, seems provenance appeals to some buyers.

Mike

Brodg88 on 1864 New Haven Arms Henry Rifle, Serial No. 7516 — Seeking Collector Input

Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:16:15 +0000

Ok here's the Update,

1. Tony, I tend to agree with you, $100 seems like small potatoes for a cool history project regardless of the outcome!

2. I have inspected my stock VERY closely with a jeweler's loupe and I can't see any kind of imprint or marking.

3. Anyone else have any thoughts on the Ampersand (& symbol) on the lower tang?

4. Cleaning Rod photo attached

5. NRA view of "Condition/quality": https://www.nramuseum.org/gun-info-research/evaluating-firearms-condition.aspx Do any of you have any opinions where this might fall on this NRA scale?