Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Swap Meet

sb on Pics added pre-64 M70 358 Win Fwt barrel

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 01:43:48 +0000

Interesting topic. I have seen many mail order P proofed barrels with a Winchester definitive proof marks. How did that work?

Zebulon on Pics added pre-64 M70 358 Win Fwt barrel

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:59:55 +0000

I confess ignorance of the actual process but I had thought the barrels weren't shot for proof and then marked, until after the barrel was fitted to a receiver and the barreled action made up with a stock into a completed rifle.

I think I recall seeing a Winchester publicity photograph showing an employee firing a rack of Garand M1 rifles for proof. Perhaps that was a function check and not for proof.

However, firing blue pills in a complete rifle to see if the barrel will rupture doesn't sound like a desirable job or sound procedure.

I would be happy to learn the truth from anyone with actual knowledge.

Zebulon on Winchester 52 Sporter 1936

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:42:25 +0000

Parson, That looks like a Weaver Pivot Mount. I had one that came from Southgate as factory equipment on a 300 FN Weatherby. An awful lot of hardware crammed onto a pretty small receiver.

And a long slide WJS that reminds me of a Great Dane servicing a Chihuahua. But I digress...

I'm getting to the point of discrediting any auction in which the description uses the word "collectible" as an adjective.

mrcvs on Want to sell. Winchester model 1892. Made in 1910. 90% original bluing. Great stock and forearm

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:32:51 +0000

Hands down, you are better off with a pristine piece, 98 to 100%, except when you have doubters who believe that it might be refinished. 85 to 97% used to be a good place to be, but not anymore. I think there’s a stronger demand, and possible valuation on a refinished piece than something in the 75 to 95 or 97% range, as long as well done and in the lower percentages of this range.

Blue Ridge Parson on Winchester 52 Sporter 1936

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 23:25:15 +0000

While I like that 52, as Zeb points out it has four non-factory holes for scope mounting. Furthermore, it has the wrong Lyman 48 sight. It has a 48 WJS (intended for a Model 70) and from a much later time frame. The full block 48F that ought to be on that rifle would look like this:

View post on imgur.com

Any 52 Sporting rifle will certainly be in demand, but only those that have no alterations bring the highest prices.

BRP

Bo Rich on Pics added pre-64 M70 358 Win Fwt barrel

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:56:30 +0000

I have seen two Model 70s, and one Model 43 that I thought were original. But, they lacked proof marks. I would think that if Winchester made a barrel that was not fitted on a rifle it would the have the mail order proof mark, along with the regular proof mark. At least this is what I have seen in the past.

Tedk on Pics added pre-64 M70 358 Win Fwt barrel

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:28:03 +0000

Pics and thoughts

Zebulon on Winchester 52 Sporter 1936

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:11:19 +0000

But it's been drilled and tapped. I thought that was the kiss of death. Granted, they all should have been from the outset.

Stoneke on Winchester 52 Sporter 1936

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 18:03:03 +0000

New Price without the book $3350.

twobit on Want to sell. Winchester model 1892. Made in 1910. 90% original bluing. Great stock and forearm

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 12:08:59 +0000

steve004 said

I think one of the most valuable traits in life is the ability to recognize one's limitations. We can't all know everything and be great at everything. I've seen many who refuse to accept this. I suppose this is where the phrase, "blinded by ego" comes in.

That is SOOOO correct!! And to have the humility to recognize it.

Michael

steve004 on Want to sell. Winchester model 1892. Made in 1910. 90% original bluing. Great stock and forearm

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 11:55:14 +0000

MidwestCrisis said

mrcvs said
Maybe selling at RIAis the OPs best option. They seem to get top dollar even for problematic firearms.

A couple people with more money than brain will fight over it on the regular monthly sale. It would probably be listed as professionally refinished and nothing else. It’s a shame. That was a great riffle for someone starting out buying original Winchesters. I like RIA. Their staff are great people.

This has been an interesting discussion - many valid perspectives.

I agree with the above statement and have countless times observed where an altered piece will sell for a dramatically larger amount than I would have thought In some of these instances you can see two bidders slugging it out and the driving force appears to be an ego-driven need to win.

More money than knowledge is a common theme as well. Add in too much ego and it can be quite the win for a seller. I think one of the most valuable traits in life is the ability to recognize one's limitations. We can't all know everything and be great at everything. I've seen many who refuse to accept this. I suppose this is where the phrase, "blinded by ego" comes in.

Hotchkiss10 on 358 Winchester dies and brass

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 18:14:00 +0000

Brand new set of Lee 358 Winchester dies. Also have 20 rounds of brass. 60 bucks shipped

Jeremy P on Want to sell. Winchester model 1892. Made in 1910. 90% original bluing. Great stock and forearm

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 15:42:42 +0000

There's a YouTube channel where they do "restorations" on guns and they often look staged at best. They recently did a Winchester rifle (it was in bad shape) and the outcome was horrible. I wrote to them and asked them to please not do that to any more Winchesters. I'm sure they told me to get bent.

Yes, in this case, I'm with you all, I liked the original. Crazy how advantageous it is to have folks like TwoBit and all others who keep meticulous records...

TXGunNut on Want to sell. Winchester model 1892. Made in 1910. 90% original bluing. Great stock and forearm

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 14:04:18 +0000

I'm not opposed to restoration or aggressive maintenance in some limited cases and like BRP I know there is a market for these pieces. My issue is the work was poorly done, IMHO. Just my opinion; not my money, not my gun, not my call. Besides, I liked what I saw in the "before" pictures. I know a lower condition gun is hard to sell in today's market but I don't think the work done will help sell the gun. Sad situation.

Mike

Anthony on Want to sell. Winchester model 1892. Made in 1910. 90% original bluing. Great stock and forearm

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 13:18:43 +0000

Well said, once again, Michael!

Tony