question for Cooey experts

[TargetAcquired]

I just picked up a pair of Cooey .22s that I believe may have never been fired. A 60 and a 39. Metal is perfect, I can shave in the reflection from the bore(s), and the actions are greased. The stocks show that they have been shuffled around once or twice, but it's not carry or use wear.

Is there any way to validate this? I certainly don't think it makes them more valuable or desireable, and I'm going to shoot them regardless, but if they do still have their virginity, it would be neat to know.

They also both have serial # decals on the barrel - a leftover from the dark LGR days. But these wouldn't have been applied by Cooey, right? Does the appearance of the sticker mean that is was sold to a customer at one point? The decals are in mint, original condition. Normally these at best are ruined, mainly they are just glue residue and for the most part people either didn't apply them, or rubbed them off during cleaning.

 

[Grouse Man]

Those serial number stickers are remnants from the gun registry - remove and discard them. They were applied by the registered owner, not Cooey.

An unfired Cooey? They are CERTAINLY more valuable to a collector. Before you fire them, just ask around here, you'll see.

 

[TargetAcquired]

As I figured (on the stickers). Before I remove them, I'll see what I can do to suss out the rest of the info on the rifles - I'll leave it all as is for now.

Again, I'm not all that concerned on how them being unfired affects the value, positive or negative. I own them now, so they ain't going anywhere. They look amazing, and I've never seen grease like this on a Cooey action, so it got me wondering.

 

[gunsaholic]

Is there any evidence of powder residue around the throat of the chamber where the shell goes in or marks where the extractor might have pulled shells out? I have I think 5 unfired Cooeys but they all have their boxes. And yes, even in the box, over time scuff marks to the stock can and do happen.

 

[TargetAcquired]

Well, you trumped me with having boxes - I don't know if I remember ever even seeing a Cooey box - care to share an image?

On powder residue - not a spec. Anywhere. On the metal/action, I see no evidence of firing. The sharp, conical chambering port on these is usually a good indication, as there is a resivoir there that collects residue and other junk, but it is clean (save the grease). Again, the moving parts are greased, and I have not cleaned it, so under the grease I am assuming it is pristine. On the mod. 60, when I take the mag tube out (brass tube also lightly greased), the spring feels a little weak. Not garbage, but I have a favoured 60 (Ranger) that I shoot a lot and it has a stronger spring. I want to load it up and just cycle the rounds through it without firing to see if it works them all. But then I imagine that marks might start to appear on the extractor.