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December 17, 2020
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Hello Gentleman,
Looking for some input on what you think the valuation of such a gun is worth. It is a first year production 1886 (I have the letter it was originally a 45/90) that was at some point changed to a 33 WCF. Gun is a shooter, good shape and seems all original besides the barrel of course.
I understand the unoriginal configuration makes it considered a non collector, but it is still an interesting firearm due to its manufacture year. I just got another nice 33 WCF from 1903 now so figured I would release the first year from my collection.
Any ideas on how much the barrel change damages the value? It shoots well enough that at a certain price point I would just keep it for that reason alone.
Thanks,
Robert Dean
Robert Dean 406-459-9948 [email protected]
Robert – I saw your post here but this question is best answered by Bert or some of the other more experienced collectors regarding a value. I think the barrel change if not done & documented by Winchester will impact the value significantly.
RickC
December 17, 2020
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Thanks Rick. I have no idea who Bert or the other experienced collectors on TBH are. I’m brand new to this thing and am having a hard time even returning messages. If you could plug me in to those guys I would greatly appreciate it. As for the 33, I realize it’s gonna give a first year production a massive hit, just wondering if I were to sell what price I should put on it. I’ve actually got several “bastard” Winchesters I wouldn’t mind getting an opinion on.
Thanks,
Robert Dean
406-459-9948
Robert Dean 406-459-9948 [email protected]
Welcome to WACA Robert. If Winchesters are your thing, you’ve joined the right place. I’m sure Bert & others will reply at some point.
Cheers
RickC
April 15, 2005
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Hello Robert,
Does the factory letter indicate a “R&R” after 1902 ? Was the original 45-90 barrel octagon ? Can you provide pictures of the rifle ?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 17, 2020
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Sure, I’ll DM you the letter. Give me a minute to take pics. Appreciate all the help!
Robert Dean 406-459-9948 [email protected]
November 19, 2006
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I have a fondness for .33’s so it would be fun to see some photos. With the possible exception of factory work, any way you slice it, the rebarreling turns this rifle into shooter status vs. collector status. However, as far as value, condition comes into play. A large amount of original finish vs. a hot tank reblue, for example, impact desirability by a large measure. I’m also wondering if it is just a .33 barrel that was added or the .33 front end was added.
April 15, 2005
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steve004 said
I have a fondness for .33’s so it would be fun to see some photos. With the possible exception of factory work, any way you slice it, the rebarreling turns this rifle into shooter status vs. collector status. However, as far as value, condition comes into play. A large amount of original finish vs. a hot tank reblue, for example, impact desirability by a large measure. I’m also wondering if it is just a .33 barrel that was added or the .33 front end was added.
Steve,
It was the entire front end… originally it was a 45-90 WCF with a 26-inch octagon barrel, full mag. Everything forward of the receiver had to be replaced to make it a functional 33 WCF rifle. The condition of the rifle today relegates it purely as a “shooter”.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 19, 2006
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It’s probably a fine hunter and shooter but nothing here for a collector. The only value is as a shooter. The buttstock has been sanded and likely other problems. The receiver has some roughness and the stock screws are quite the sight. None of which would interfere with it as a solid using rifle. In my opinion, the first year production serial number adds no value.
A project gun. Needs a donor rifle with a 45-90 oct barrel, mag tube, & forestock.
RickC
November 19, 2006
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Bert H. said
Steve,
It was the entire front end… originally it was a 45-90 WCF with a 26-inch octagon barrel, full mag. Everything forward of the receiver had to be replaced to make it a functional 33 WCF rifle. The condition of the rifle today relegates it purely as a “shooter”.
Bert
Bert –
I had not read your post before I made mine. Obviously, great minds think alike.
The .33 WCF can be an amusing topic. There are some who would suggest that an original .33 rifle with no modifications has no collector value. I think they are just showing their age as they can remember when they could purchase one new on the shelf 
I had two 33’s with full mags. Sold one & kept one. The one I sold was a bit better condition but the one I kept was a first year production 1902. Awesome guns. I like the 33 over any other 86… & I’ve had every caliber. Just my preference.
RickC
November 19, 2006
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RickC said
I had two 33’s with full mags. Sold one & kept one. The one I sold was a bit better condition but the one I kept was a first year production 1902. Awesome guns. I like the 33 over any other 86… & I’ve had every caliber. Just my preference.RickC
Rick – you’re preaching to the choir here (at least a one-person Choir). I like .33’s so much, I even have two Marlin M1895’s in .33. (Don’t tell anyone I mentioned, “Marlin” on the Winchester forum). 
Haha Steve, I think Henry Mero will be ok with that.
RickC
November 19, 2006
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RickC said
Haha Steve, I think Henry Mero will be ok with that.RickC
Rick – remember, I’m not only the guy who like’s .33’s but likes .32 specials as well. And yes, so much so that I have Marlin .32 specials here as well. But, more Winchester .32 Specials than Marlin .32 Specials.
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