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 I have a chance to pick up a Model 64 on a trade. Beautiful rifle but it has a few issues to say the least. First and foremost, someone drilled and tapped 3 holes inline and ahead of the 2 peep sight holes. 2nd, the barrel has been replaced. The serial # is 1401xxx, somewhere around 1946 or 1947. The barrel on it is carbine I assume, 20″. Instead of 30-30 WCF it is marked 30-30 Win. It is marked Model 64.There is a proof mark ahead of the WP stamp on barrel. P inside an oval. The barrel replacement i could live with but I was wondering if anyone knew the type mount that was used. The trade value would be $700, the rifle is in 90% condition and is an excellent shooter. Bore is perfect. I have no idea what this rifle is worth in present condition. I could use some help in determining value. I know pictures are worth 1000 words, but I cant figure out how to post them.Thank you in advance.Â
April 15, 2005
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Don,
It is impossible for it to be “in 90% condition”. The three extra holes in the receiver were likely put there for a Williams side mount. I personally would not pay more than $400 for it.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
 I know the 3 plugged holes reduce value Bert. I was told by 50%.I was referring to over all condition.It does have the carbine barrel,which seem to sell for 100% more than the 24″s. Albeit replacement barrel. Did the Williams mount with a 3 hole configuration? I guess the guy drilled the receiver for a scope or peep. Maybe he was too dumb to realize there are 2 holes already drilled for a peep. Made me sick when I saw it, but it is an excellent shooter. Know a guy who says he can fill the holes and guarantee they wont be seen, but then we are talking a reblue. I dont see the point reducing value further. The guy wont come down on his price. He says even with the 50% reduction in value the rifle is still worth $900. I think I best pass on this one. Thank you.
April 15, 2005
Online
Don,
The three extra holes in the receiver frame coupled with the replacement barrel, very significantly reduce the value… much more than just 50%. Frankly, it has no remaining collector value, and it is now simply a “shooter” grade rifle.
Yes, Williams manufactured a scope mount that used three holes.
The guy who owns it and thinks it is worth $900 will undoubtedly own it a lot longer than he realizes.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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It’s worth whatever a shooter is worth to you. I have a few “shooters” but I’m finally realizing collectable rifles often make pretty good shooters so I try to avoid buying shooters.
Â
Mike
December 31, 2012
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Way too many shooters out there. Best to buy a nice one and shoot it. Then you don’t have to worry about a swiss cheesed rifle, or a re barrel. I waited a long time to buy a M64. It had to be nice and a pre war too. Production after the war was really not up to par. Too many shortcuts to cheapen their rifles. That’s my opinion and I am sticking to it. Here is # 1117360, PR date, 11-02-1936. Just a plain Jane, but a good 98% rifle. Big Larry
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Hello Big Larry. Nice looking 64! If I may, is it a carbine, caliber and what it may have set you back?
Any idea regarding sources where one might possibly find an original sling that was offered with the 64?
Thank-you.
I picked it up for $550 in trade. Well worth it to me. 2018 blue book has the carbine at $2000 at 80%. Says deduct 50% for tapped and drilled holes on receiver or barrel. Big Larry, thats why I bought it, to shoot, not let it gather dust and hope value continues upward. Fine shooter. Barrel and bore are excellent.Have not seen any Model 64 shooters. I would absolutely love to find a few more bubbas for $400 if anyone has any for sale. Bert, thank you, I will research Williams and see if I can find that 3 hole mount. I appreciate the help.
December 31, 2012
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Rick said
Hello Big Larry. Nice looking 64! If I may, is it a carbine, caliber and what it may have set you back?Any idea regarding sources where one might possibly find an original sling that was offered with the 64?
Thank-you. Â
Not a carbine. Just a very standard 98% .30 WCF rifle. I paid $1,697 shipped 3 years ago. I guess Ebay, if you know what you are looking for. Big Larry
December 31, 2012
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Don said
I picked it up for $550 in trade. Well worth it to me. 2018 blue book has the carbine at $2000 at 80%. Says deduct 50% for tapped and drilled holes on receiver or barrel. Big Larry, thats why I bought it, to shoot, not let it gather dust and hope value continues upward. Fine shooter. Barrel and bore are excellent.Have not seen any Model 64 shooters. I would absolutely love to find a few more bubbas for $400 if anyone has any for sale. Bert, thank you, I will research Williams and see if I can find that 3 hole mount. I appreciate the help. Â
I have about 15 or more M1894’s and M94’s, most of which are collecting dust in my safe, but I do keep a 1950 vintage M94 handy for informal shooting, and I look at it this way. You’ve shot one 30-30, you have shot them all. BTW, the applied Ren Wax to my guns, keeps the dust from sticking to them. Big Larry (Collector).
Ok guys. I know an excellent gun smith who says he can tig weld, and a process that does not over heat the receiver, kind lost here,the 3 holes shut, reblue, and guarantees,after he reblues, the holes will not be seen. The price is VERY fair. I dont plan on selling the rifle, or misrepresenting what it is, I just dont like looking at them ugly plugs. Yay, or nay? Big Larry, I have shot more than a few 30-30s, Winchester and Marlin, all post,and this old girl is the smoothest I ever shot. You are supporting gun abuse. Send them my way. I will blow the dust off them babies, and give them a good work out. :). Â
April 15, 2005
Online
Don,
Many will claim that they can weld the holes shut, and then reblue the receiver frame with no visual traces of the repair… but I have yet to see such an example. I personally would not spend the extra $$$ to have it repaired. as it is very unlikely you could ever recover that cost.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
I agree Bert. It is what it is. An excellent,classic deer rifle. I appreciate all the knowledge. I better pass on the Winchester green laminate. head buster semi auto also. 🙂
Well Bert. Decided to let my gunsmith tig the holes and reblue. His family has over 130 years in gun smith work. Self taught Appalachian .If this man says he can do it. i dont doubt him one bit. Midways Potterfield has nothing on this family. When I get it back in around a month, I will send you a few before and after pictures. Thanks again.
April 15, 2005
Online
Don,
I would very much appreciate seeing the before & after pictures. Best of luck with the repair project.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
March 23, 2007
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I have seen in hand a couple Winchesters up here that had had extra receiver holes tig welded. I could not find the holes, but was told it was done, so it can be done. Probably like most things, needs to be done by the right person. I have been told though that with a certain type of light – and I cannot recall which light it is – they can be seen. Should suite you fine for your purposes.
Matt
Bert. One last question. What is the break down on production of the 64s? Calibers, types, and 24″ barrel and carbines? I appreciate your expertise. Thank you in advance.
April 15, 2005
Online
Don said
Bert. One last question. What is the break down on production of the 64s? Calibers, types, and 24″ barrel and carbines? I appreciate your expertise. Thank you in advance. Â
Don,
I included all of the information in the article I wrote several years ago, published in the Winter 2013 edition of The Winchester Collector magazine – https://winchestercollector.org/magazine/
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
