I'm not a collector, although I could be, but I have a question about a Model 1873 Winchester rifle (mfgr date = 1910 according to serial #) that I spotted in a local gun store. It was chambered in 38 WCF and has a 24" barrel (sporting rifle).
It was in fair/poor condition, no color left on receiver, some pitting, missing dust cover and a side tang screw. The receiver was scratched with someone's initials in a couple of places. The stock and forearm were in good shape, not heavily dented or worn. It only half cocked when the lever was cycled, which seems to indicate maybe broken internal toggle links? Carrier block elevator worked. Barrel and mag had good color, but didn't get a chance to inspect bore.
I am considering my options, which I would appreciate any comments on.
1) Forget it -- not worth it?
2) Buy it and resell it as is -- value?
3) Buy it and fix it (replace missing/broken parts) -- sale value? Or hang it on my wall? Shoot it?
4) Buy it and part it out? I saw a guy on eBay last night who parted out an 1873 and got over $800 just for the seven or eight parts I was watching ($158 for the small ring that holds the magazine to the barrel and $136 for a set of toggle links, $58 for a very poor stock and butt plate)
It was in fair/poor condition, no color left on receiver, some pitting, missing dust cover and a side tang screw. The receiver was scratched with someone's initials in a couple of places. The stock and forearm were in good shape, not heavily dented or worn. It only half cocked when the lever was cycled, which seems to indicate maybe broken internal toggle links? Carrier block elevator worked. Barrel and mag had good color, but didn't get a chance to inspect bore.
I am considering my options, which I would appreciate any comments on.
1) Forget it -- not worth it?
2) Buy it and resell it as is -- value?
3) Buy it and fix it (replace missing/broken parts) -- sale value? Or hang it on my wall? Shoot it?
4) Buy it and part it out? I saw a guy on eBay last night who parted out an 1873 and got over $800 just for the seven or eight parts I was watching ($158 for the small ring that holds the magazine to the barrel and $136 for a set of toggle links, $58 for a very poor stock and butt plate)
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