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winchester 06 originality question

jodividus
I have been looking at a Winchester 06 in fantastic shape. It was supposedly under a pile of clothing in a old trunk since the fifties. the bluing is like 100 percent, the only wear is a little on the slide from the forearm to the receiver, where it has been pumped. The person who owns it is about eighty, and told me he never took it out and forgot it was there until his kids came over and going thru his stuff, found it.how can i tell if this is a reblue or actually original bluing? The end of the barrel is a little different color, almost a charcoal color, not blue. If this is an old reblue, what is it worth, if original, what is it worth? thanks, davek@sisqtel.net
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  • rockford
    quote:Originally posted by jodividus
    I have been looking at a Winchester 06 in fantastic shape. It was supposedly under a pile of clothing in a old trunk since the fifties. the bluing is like 100 percent, the only wear is a little on the slide from the forearm to the receiver, where it has been pumped. The person who owns it is about eighty, and told me he never took it out and forgot it was there until his kids came over and going thru his stuff, found it.how can i tell if this is a reblue or actually original bluing? The end of the barrel is a little different color, almost a charcoal color, not blue. If this is an old reblue, what is it worth, if original, what is it worth? thanks, davek@sisqtel.net




    How nice is the bore, also, take a good look at the butt plate, should show nearly no wear. Unless someone has replaced it with a copy or "new" one. The stock on most 06 Winchesters is gum, not walnut, look closely there. When you look at the barrel and receiver, hold it at different angles, to look for any irregularities to the normal contours. Make sure the barrel has not been sleeved, with a new liner. The barrel should have a Winchester proof mark, W P near the breech just forward of the receiver. If there is only a P in a circle, that would indicate a replaced barrel.

    Hopefully someone will add to my list of things to watch for. Winchester model 06 is not often found in nice condition. I'll let someone else determine the value. Very hard to do, without an actual inspection.

    Fred
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  • ndbilly
    Once again, the depth of knowledge of the GB Experts amazes me. This is truly a remakable resource for all of us unabashed gun nuts. I don't think I've ever seen a serious question posed here that one of the members has not beeen able to answer with authority. Nice job on this one, Fred.
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  • wundudnee
    What rockford said plus check the lettering closely, because when reblued it is often over polished. Also the end of the 1906 barrels are straight cut and if original should still be in the white. (not blued) It sound like you may have a winner. There will be more "expert" opinions shortly. Could have considerable value if truely original.

    ....................
    Old? First you forget names; then you forget faces; then you forget to pull your zipper up; then you forget to pull your zipper down.
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  • Bert H.
    Hello jodividus...

    wundudnee pointed out the easiest quick check for a reblue (the muzzle should still be in the white). Beyond that, it will take an experienced eye to determine if it may have been refinished. Do you have any reason to doubt the old gentleman's word on it? Can you post a few pictures?

    If the rifle turns out to be a near mint factory original (including the bore... as rockford pointed out), it would bring at least $2500 at an auction like Little John's.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • jodividus
    thanks for the information. I have looked and don't see any swirl marks on the receiver and the WP is on both receiver and barrel, it has not been rebarreled. i can put some pics on but am not familiar how to do it. I really appreciate the help.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by jodividus
    thanks for the information. I have looked and don't see any swirl marks on the receiver and the WP is on both receiver and barrel, it has not been rebarreled. i can put some pics on but am not familiar how to do it. I really appreciate the help.




    If it is easier for you, send a few pictures to me at Win1885@msn.com

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • only winchesters
    Even though the end of the barrel,is suppose to be "in the white", by now on this firearm, it should have a little "brown patenta". Look closely at the "PW" proof mark on the barrel, these were "struck" after the gun was test fired. It breaks through the blue and leaves a little "white" and should have just enough ridge to pick up your finger nail, when you lightly drag it over it. A good gun smith will use "soap stone" on the barrel, filling in all the stamping, prior to any polishing, this leaves it sharp and clear, so look at the serial number on the bottom of the receiver, they don't always use soap stone here, the numbers should be nice and sharp, no fading on either end. If I remember right, the barrels were rust blued and the receiver hot blued like most Winchesters of this era, so they will look different, The rust blued barrel will have a softer look to it vs the receiver. Regards Dave
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  • buddyb
    I sold a well used but orginal 06 about 3 years ago for 475.Needless to say yours is worth much more. Great old guns.
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