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Dave Riffle Gun Sales?

Fairlane66
I'm a Winchester Pre-64 Model 70 fan and for years I've looked longingly at Dave Riffles listings at www.daverifflegunsales.com. He operates out of Fort Myers, FL, and always has a tremendous stable of pre-64s in stock, albeit most are quite pricey. Dave's guns generally seem to be in fine to well-above-average condition, with most listed as 99% and some as "appears to be unfired." Here are my questions. Has anyone ever done business with Mr. Riffle and, if so, are his guns what they claim to be? I've heard some speculate that many of his Pre-64s are high quality restorations. Are his guns restored or actually in the condition specified? I'm thinking of taking the plunge and buying 1 or 2 of his Model 70s to round out my collection, but I don't want to pay the premium price if I'm getting a restoration. Thoughts? I'm not looking to trash anyone's reputation here; just want an honest opinion of Mr. Riffle's merchandise. Thanks.
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Comments

9 comments

Date Votes
  • dude1951
    If I were you I would talk dirrectly with Dave himself about the guns your interested in. Ask him ...point blank...rather the guns your interested in are refurbished or original. Let him know that your a collector and will be able to easily tell if the are refurbished. And, that you won't be happy if they are. Be honest and upfront with him and tell him you expect the same.
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  • Fairlane66
    Ask him? Not a bad idea, but I generally don't get the most honest responses from folks trying to sell me high priced goods. I once bought a "pristine" 63 Corvette from a fella from my church who sang its praises for a month of Sundays, only to find out it was really a 63 rear professionally spliced to a 64 front. It was pretty to look at but had more than a few quirks that surfaced over time. Needless to say, I had a little trouble selling it a few years later and lost money on the deal. Therefore, I'd like to hear from someone who has already dipped their toe in Dave Riffle's water. If I can get opinions from a few customers, I'd feel a lot better about spending my hard earned dollars.

    Sorry, but I'm probably showing one of my character flaws....trust but verify!
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  • duckhunter
    I have done business with Dave for many years and have not had any problems with how he lists his guns. Drive down and take a look at his collection. Worth the trip.
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  • Fairlane66
    Thanks, Duckhunter. I'll actually be in the neck of the woods in late June and will do just that! Again, thanks for the feedback.
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  • Madman
    Amazing how if you set still and wait somebody will bring up your question in time, and the excellent gentlemen of knowledge around here will educate you. Fairlane66 I too am a pre-64 Model 70 collector and review Dave's site often. Have heard through the grapevine some stories about Dave, But the replies here refute any bad words convincingly.
    Now if I had the extra cash I would jump on the two missing treasures for the collection...but alas someone always has it before I do...

    Paul
    Mountain Magic Gunsmithing
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  • GuvamintCheese
    My problem with all of his guns is that the wood, specifically checkering, all looks to be perfect and clean. This is a sure way to tell its been at the very least scrubbed clean. A good old gun should have darkened checkering.

    Check out this guys restorations, he deliberatly darkens checkering to make it look right. This makes me question all of the other parts of Daves guns.

    http://www.classicgunstocks.com/Model_70_Restoration.html

    If the stocks checkering isnt dark,,,,you have to questions the rest of the gun ...IMO>>>>

    19951.jpg
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  • drl50
    quote:Originally posted by duckhunter
    I have done business with Dave for many years and have not had any problems with how he lists his guns. Drive down and take a look at his collection. Worth the trip.
    I agree. I have purchased four guns from Dave Riffle and visited him once. Totally satisfied with descriptions and condition of 3 of them (all Model 70's). Returned the fourth (a Model 12) without any questions asked only because there was a misunderstanding on barrel length and choke. He travels far and wide to buy the best collections. Indeed, visit his gun vault but make an appointment. He has a very secure and convenient inspection area, but it is not a walk-in storefront.
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  • onafile
    Recently returned 2 VERY expensive guns to Mr.Riffle that were described as 98-99% condition..".appear to be test fired only!" When guns arrived @ my dealer for inspection it was obvious that Both had been re blued...They were returned. This man WROTE A BOOK on Winchesters and to try to sell refinished guns as new ones is not excusable. His comment" iIwill have to look at the guns more closely next time"...he still has same guns and same description up on his website...NOT GOOD!!! Will never do business again!
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  • kimi
    quote:Originally posted by onafile
    Recently returned 2 VERY expensive guns to Mr.Riffle that were described as 98-99% condition..".appear to be test fired only!" When guns arrived @ my dealer for inspection it was obvious that Both had been re blued...They were returned. This man WROTE A BOOK on Winchesters and to try to sell refinished guns as new ones is not excusable. His comment" iIwill have to look at the guns more closely next time"...he still has same guns and same description up on his website...NOT GOOD!!! Will never do business again!


    Bummer. I've seen some pieces that were very hard to tell if they had been refinished. Were the two you are talking about easy to spot as being re-done?
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