Looks like I don't kow what I am talking about, either.
I wont argue that fact.
There are so many 94 30-30s, pre 64 and otherwise, changing hands that the Winchester 94 in 30-30 is one of the easiest of used rifles to appraise.
You are correct, there are many out there, most of which have been screwed with in one way or another(or beaten beyond any worth) which has set the average price around here at the prices you mentioned. Find me a completely unmolested pre 64 model 94 for $350 in decent shape and I will likely buy it right now. That means, no refinishing on the wood, no extra holes drilled and tapped, no re bluing jobs, and no aftermarket recoil pads added, and all origional parts that it came with from the factory included.
The one in the picture will be in the $350 range. A seller might start out at $400, but in today's market, it most likely wouldn't sell for that.
You can not tell that from one poorly taken picture(sorry Infantry-Soldier). I would want to see much more detailed pictures or see it in my hands before I made that assumption.
I watch Winchester prices from around North America, not just here on CGN. For instance, the last gun show I was at, Unmolested but used and complete pre 64 94's in 30-30 were selling for $650-$800 dollars. And yes, there were people buying them. Are they worth that? Demand would answer that question, and I witnessed cash changing hands more than once.
Pre 64 Winchesters are getting harder and harder to find in unmolested condition. IMO a used pre 64 94 in original form that has been taken care of and has all its original parts is worth quite a bit more than one that has had a refinish job or has had a drill and tap taken to it. Most Winchester collectors would agree...
So why do it? In the first post it was stated that he liked finishing stocks for something to do in the winter
My response to that statement would be grab a $50 Cooey from the EE or a cheap Husky from Trade Ex and refinish the heck out of it. You will likely increase the value by doing so. But you will do nothing but decrease the value of a decent pre 64 Winchester by taking sand paper to it, unless it is beaten up beyond having any value.
Rod, being a Winchester collector himself said it best so I will quote him again:
I would suggest leaving the rifle as is. It has a well earned honest appearance and a soul that only the passing of time and useage will give. I like the look of an honest rifle that has the character of being used and cared for over many decades. Many a gun guy has attempted to duplicate this look, your rifle has, but most fail and end up with just another tacky looking refinished 94 advertised for sale, and worth a fraction of what your's is worth. Whether you realize it or not, the condition of your rifle, if it has a decent bore, is valued by Winchester collectors. They love an honest rifle with the character of honest cared for useage and wouldn't cross the street for it if you refinished and made it look all nice and pretty.
Clean it, maintain it and cherish it for what it is. You what a shiney one, lots of them for sale at a bargain.
