Collecting Winchester Rifles --?

[southsaskscotty]

Good day all,

This is not my forte, but my father has taken an increased interest in collecting Winchester rifles and I was wondering what, if any tips that you fellows might have for someone starting down what I assume is a slippery slope.

Also, what would be some good reference sources (net, books, etc.)?
Your help is much appreciated.

Regards!

 

[mpjustin]

the book of winchesters

 

[Fassteel]

For the most part, what you want to do is find guns that are in good to very condition and are original. That is to say that the stock hasn't been refinished, all the screws are original. Sights haven't been altered. These types of guns hold their " Collector " value much better, IMHO. FS

 

[#1bcshooter]

Going to need a large bank account !!!

 

[sgt.rock]

look for unfired guns as these hold the most value. Of course, there are dozens of "centenial" and special run models with varying numbers of guns made per series. Some are far more desireable to collect than others.
The best way to see what is more collectable these days, I would keep a search on buy and sells/exchanges to see the actual selling prices. I hear lots of people say "my ### rifle is worth 1000 bucks." Then you see one exactly the same or better on an exchange sit for months unsold for 600. The values are what people will pay for them in todays market. I think those "blue books" of value are more of a ballpark guideline, as a rifle is worth what you or I would buy it for.