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Here is an example of what I believe is a fine alternative to purchasing refinished/restored firearms or assembling a collection of supposedly minty firearms (many which will turn out to be faked in some way). For me, this carbine is dripping with appeal. It was a cowboy gun that spent its life on the North Dakota prairie. Although I don’t have specific provenance to that effect, the piece itself is the provenance. I think it vividly tells it’s own story. This carbine was well used but well cared for. The bore is excellent, the action is smooth and it’s not been abused. The way the stock has turned dark is further testament that this carbine did not spend its life indoors. Surely it served its owner with humble service for scores of years. I can’t imagine there is any risk that anyone is going to come along and tell me this carbine, “ain’t right.” Ok, to be picky, maybe it wasn’t shipped with the .32 special sight. The chambering on this carbine? .32 special of course 
Oh, the photo was taken in very harsh direct sunlight. I’m not as old as this carbine but I know I look much better in very low light. Very low. 😉
Except for the fact that the sight would take some getting used to, I like it just fine.
clarence said
Except for the fact that the sight would take some getting used to, I like it just fine.
The sight works ok for me but my preferred sight is a tang or receiver sight. This has been necessitated by the aging process. And for me anyway, wearing eyeglasses are a very annoying and confounding variable.
I like the wood.
Off topic question about the saddle ring leather. I may have asked this years ago, but forgot the answer.
I have a 66 SRC as the third owner. It was well used by boys before me. When I got it, it had a rough-out piece of leather and I took it off, not knowing the purpose and assuming some kid put it on there, thinking it looked cool. I probably have it stashed somewhere, not being treated like it should be if it’s original or something.
So, my question is this: Did 66 SRCs ever come from the factory with a piece of leather on the ring? And if so, is there a “type” that would help one know if it’s original or not?
Thanks.
Huck Riley said
So, my question is this: Did 66 SRCs ever come from the factory with a piece of leather on the ring? And if so, is there a “type” that would help one know if it’s original or not?
It’s NOT, if it has anything tied there. It’s the user’s practical solution to the trouble caused by this stupid idea–the ring itself. The leather, cord, etc., stops the noise of it rattling against the rcvr.
clarence said
It’s NOT, if it has anything tied there. It’s the user’s practical solution to the trouble caused by this stupid idea–the ring itself. The leather, cord, etc., stops the noise of it rattling against the rcvr.
The ratting of the ring against the receiver also nicks up the blue. Many tie a piece of leather on the ring to stop that. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Many enjoy a nice, “ring shadow.” On a minty gun, nicks in the blue is something most want to avoid.
steve004 said
The ratting of the ring against the receiver also nicks up the blue. Many tie a piece of leather on the ring to stop that. Of course beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Many enjoy a nice, “ring shadow.” On a minty gun, nicks in the blue is something most want to avoid.
I like a nice “ring mark”. Though certainly doesn’t prove the carbine finish is original it often at least points in that direction more so than not having a mark.
Winchester Model 1873 44-40 circa 1886
Leather does protect the receiver but I believe it was used to tie the rifle down when in a scabbard on a horse.
Cheers Steve! I’m definitely with you! A lot of ‘reasonably priced’ fine old guns reflecting a heritage of honorable use! I probably have more than my share and far wider than just Winchesters! I do love the beautiful, all original, pricey pieces; but to admire from afar. My interest also falls off quickly in respect of ‘restored’. Fine to ‘ogle’. But something lost in the ‘romance’ department. I have a couple of such ‘restored’ and then years neglected showing the irony of no longer with foot in either category. Such inexpensively purchased, ‘calling out as rescue pieces’.
Waxing poetic perhaps… Certain guns just speak to me and perfectly comfortable with my own tastes! Nor to ‘dis’ anyone with their fine guns. I can surely admire them. Just asking not to be ‘dissed’ for “the road not taken”. (From Robert Frost poem by that name.) Just plain old guns hopefully original, same ‘just plain old/original’ category myself, reviering & respecting ‘working guns’ of the world! 🙂
Best!
John
November 7, 2015
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Couldn’t agree with you more, John. Some guns certainly do call out to us, I have a few in my collection for no other reason. And yes, Steve, the 32 Special is well represented in my little collection. I’m at a loss to explain my attraction to that cartridge. At the moment I’m not able to buy the guns I “should” be buying so I’ll enjoy the ones I have. OTOH I’m warming up to restored guns as in many cases I feel they honor the craftsmanship of a century or more ago. We’ll never know what the subject rifle looked like before restoration; could have been a 70% gun or a pile of parts. All I know is that when they’re done right I feel I’m looking at what generations past may have seen.
Mike
Chuck said
Leather does protect the receiver but I believe it was used to tie the rifle down when in a scabbard on a horse.
I agree with Chuck.
The purpose of the saddle ring was for attachment – either to yourself, the scabbard or anything else.
Tip a canoe, and your gun’s at the bottom of the river.
These guns were working tools and generally not babied – And, they were always relatively expensive in relation to everything else.
There were times that you might not survive without your rifle. That could still happen today.
David McNab said
Chuck said
Leather does protect the receiver but I believe it was used to tie the rifle down when in a scabbard on a horse.I agree with Chuck.
The purpose of the saddle ring was for attachment – either to yourself, the scabbard or anything else.
Tip a canoe, and your gun’s at the bottom of the river.
These guns were working tools and generally not babied – And, they were always relatively expensive in relation to everything else.
There were times that you might not survive without your rifle. That could still happen today.
Good point David. They were probably one of the most expensive tools the owner could have had back in the day. Worth protecting.
Al
iskra said
Cheers Steve! I’m definitely with you! A lot of ‘reasonably priced’ fine old guns reflecting a heritage of honorable use! I probably have more than my share and far wider than just Winchesters! I do love the beautiful, all original, pricey pieces; but to admire from afar. My interest also falls off quickly in respect of ‘restored’. Fine to ‘ogle’. But something lost in the ‘romance’ department. I have a couple of such ‘restored’ and then years neglected showing the irony of no longer with foot in either category. Such inexpensively purchased, ‘calling out as rescue pieces’.
Waxing poetic perhaps… Certain guns just speak to me and perfectly comfortable with my own tastes! Nor to ‘dis’ anyone with their fine guns. I can surely admire them. Just asking not to be ‘dissed’ for “the road not taken”. (From Robert Frost poem by that name.) Just plain old guns hopefully original, same ‘just plain old/original’ category myself, reviering & respecting ‘working guns’ of the world! 🙂
Best!
John
John –
When I post topics here, I enjoy seeing a diversity of thought, opinion, perspective, knowledge, experience and so on. Having said that, let me say that it is also a treat to happen on to a like-minded collector. I’m sure we each own rifles that we would enjoy showing each other. I suspect we would each see the same thing in those rifles! 
TXGunNut said
Couldn’t agree with you more, John. Some guns certainly do call out to us, I have a few in my collection for no other reason. And yes, Steve, the 32 Special is well represented in my little collection. I’m at a loss to explain my attraction to that cartridge. At the moment I’m not able to buy the guns I “should” be buying so I’ll enjoy the ones I have. OTOH I’m warming up to restored guns as in many cases I feel they honor the craftsmanship of a century or more ago. We’ll never know what the subject rifle looked like before restoration; could have been a 70% gun or a pile of parts. All I know is that when they’re done right I feel I’m looking at what generations past may have seen.
Mike
Mike – I think we should consider that there is no need for explanation when it comes to the desire to own .32 specials. I know the .32 special is often shunned or shamed. Again, it’s nice to find another like-minded individual. When I look at a Winchester 1894, 94, 64 or a 55, I have am always disappointed when I find out it is a .30-30. But a .32 special, that’s a different story. Of course, this doesn’t mean I turn up my nose at the .25-35, .32-40 or .38-55 😉
Steve, in my case I don’t shun the 32 WS cartridge. I just don’t buy modern guns. I do own a few post 1898 guns though.
tionesta1 said
Nothing wrong with the .32 Special. I like them.
Beautiful! I would be a whole lot less excited about this piece if it were a .30WCF. So, what do you suppose the repair and return was for?
That is indeed a very handsome looking rifle, and with some special order features. It is in the exact condition that I really like… used, but not abused, and 100% factory original.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
steve004 said
Beautiful! I would be a whole lot less excited about this piece if it were a .30WCF. So, what do you suppose the repair and return was for?
It has a 24″ barrel. I suppose that was what it was returned for.
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