To preserve goodwill, having to take a gun back even for no reason, goes with the territory. Seller’s remorse or “wife found out” are facts of life and even if the buyer is a total jerk, the trader is better off in the long run. Once one came back with parts so obviously switched that even my wife noticed and that character was simply out of luck. Learned an expensive lesson on an antique ’95 SRC in high condition that had a visually unnoticeable but lengthy barrel bulge. Buyer noticed it when he cleaned the bore and I gave him a refund. He and I have swapped many times since. There’s always a risk element when buying from a stranger, so extra caution is advised. Also, there are some dealers and collectors whose offerings simply can’t be taken at face value so avoidance is best.

Matt H. said

steve004 said

Matt H. said

Thanks to all for the great replies, advice, and mindset concerning looking at a rifle to purchase at a show. Make no mistake, I am planning to attend the Cody show first and foremost to browse, drool, and learn as much as I can. I know a lot of this is old hat for most of you, but I look forward to walking the aisles, browsing the tables, and getting an education. Finding a rifle to buy is only icing on the cake if it happens.

I have been a Winchester lever action fan since I was a young boy, and only now as I approach 50 years old do I have the time and means to pursue an actual “collection.”  I kick myself for starting this late, (the same goes for old Ford highboys)….wish I woulda clued in a long time ago. Nevertheless, I find myself where I am, eager to attend next years Cody show, see the museums, meet some like minded folks, and maybe walk out of there with a piece of history. I think that as I age I’ve become very nostalgic and yearn for times gone by, not really in favor of where the world seems headed. I hope that’s not too deep for the forum, but old lever guns make me feel a connection to those better days. Kinda like wood stoves and chopping firewood.

Have a good night all : )

  

Matt – let me extend my welcome to you to our community here.  It’s exciting to have new collectors enter our field.  I too, have been a Winchester lever action fan since I was a young boy.  My Dad’s M1886 .33 WCF started it all for me.  

I’ve been reading your comments on the prospects of starting collecting now.  Like anything, it depends on what makes you happy.  I agree that these days, collecting the high-end guns that routinely run in the tens of thousands of dollars is not for us mere mortals.  However, there are a lot of quality, no-problem rifles available for realistic dollars.  Rick mentioned he often focuses on rifles in 75-80% condition.  I have many of those myself (and some with less finish than that) and I find strong satisfaction in owning them.  As much as I admire the big caliber model 1886’s, the .33 WCF’s are still the same wonderful M1886 actioned rifles.  I enjoy all of mine and they fully qualify as collector items.  It’s amusing to me as I have seen some, fancy but, “problem” M1886’s sell recently for very high dollars at the big auctions houses.  My .33’s are clean, honest rifles without problems.  

  

Steve, thanks a bunch for the sage advice on collecting, and I am right there with you, Rick, and Clarence in that I am not searching for anything over that 70-80% range as I fully intend to use and shoot whatever I have in my small collection. I did chicken out this November though when I left my favorite 1894 in the gun safe and went to Montana with a modern bolt action. As you’d expect, I tracked a nice buck in a snowstorm and bumped him out of his bed. He stopped on the opposite side of a small draw about 30 yards from me and stood broadside for 45 seconds. I am still kicking myself for leaving the lever action at home and it won’t happen again. For me, the best part of owning these old guns is to use them.

And funny you mention the 1886, as procuring one of them (likely in 33wcf) is high on my priority list. After reading through so many threads here about auction houses, Gunbroker, and other such places, I’ll admit I feel somewhat nervous about making a mistake when purchasing. At this point unless I was buying a rifle from one of you fellas I sure wouldn’t feel very good about it! I hope to make it to Cody this year, and with some counsel from you trusted sources, maybe I can keep adding to this collection! 

I do really enjoy this community, and I’ve only been a member for just under a year…looking forward to many more!

  

Matt , 

collecting is not so much an addiction as it is a challenge. You mentioned 1886’s, I would tell you it only gets worse. I now have a plethora of them and now augmenting them with 92’s and my son is bringing home 53’s to fill in the voids. Never discount the wisdom of the folks on this sight. They wont steer you wrong! never be afraid to ask them, you may not like the answer but it will be based on years of collecting …. and a few mistakes too.

s

I believe what happens, buyers and collectors end up with a gun that’s not right, not original, or has undisclosed issues at time of purchase unknown to them(auctions, internet, etc)  and if it’s caught in time a reputable seller is fine with it being returned upon proof or inspection.
Unfortunately some sellers feel the need to pass on the love and recoup their money by selling it without disclosure and the price reflecting the value and issues.