Pre 64 Winchester Model 94

hellcattx

November 05, 2002 01:27

Folks, I have been reading your advise for sometime now, and there are some very intelligent folks out there. My question is this, I was given a pre64 30-30 and I am wondering what to do with it. The stock has seen many miles, and the bluing is worn almost completly off. If I have it reblued and the stock refinished, will I lose some of the value? The gun has been in my wifes family since new. (`53 or `54)
Any help will be appreciated!

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  nmyers

  November 05, 2002 03:12

  In the condition you describe, it has no significant value. You could spend a lot of money having it lovingly restored, and it would then have, well, no significant value.
  
  If it were mine, I'd leave it alone, and continue to use it as a knock-around gun.
  
  Neal

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  manchie390

  November 09, 2002 09:45

  i think you should sell it to me
  
  rick

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  Nighthawk

  November 09, 2002 10:02

  Welcome aboard,you have a Classic Per say.Im sure every scratch has a story to tell.Its really up to your taste as to refinishing it or not.Any way you go its a fine Rifle.Im not sure the right person might be willing to pay a top price for the Rifle.
  
  
  Best!!!
  
  Rugster
  
  
  Toujours Pret

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  Skeedaddy

  November 10, 2004 16:51

  Welcome Hellcattx. Value in is not always monetary. You say this 30-30 has been in the family for 40+/- yrs? I say keep it in the family. Leave it unfinished and keep it oiled down. Shoot it, and teach your kids how to shoot with it (if you have any). I agree with rugster, every scratch tells a story. Find out as many stories as you can and pass them on with the gun.

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  duckhunter

  November 10, 2004 19:29

  leave as is. great stories with each mark.
  
  I WOULD RATHER BE DUCK HUNTING.

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  only winchesters

  November 11, 2004 04:07

  Good morning hellcattx! The one thing you don't say, is there any rust or pits? If it has rust spots and pits, it will only get worse over time. How is the bore?
  
  There is a big difference between "refinishing" and "restoring". Think of a 50 yr. old car, if you just put a new paint job on it, it's still a 50 yr. old car that looks nice. But if you do a "frame off" restoration, where you rebuild the power train, suspension, interior, body work and paint etc. You have a restored car when you are through. Will it be worth more, some "classics" are, will it be worth what you invested, most likely not. Now back to your 94.
  
  Most gunsmiths who reblue can redo the matal and wood, (refinish). There are a few gunsmiths out there who specialize in the "restoration" of Winchesters. Meaning they completely tear down the gun, inspect all the parts, repair or replace worn parts, remove the barrel from the receiver. Hand polish parts and the receiver instead of using a buffing wheel. Hot blue the parts, and receiver, rust blue the barrel. Reblueing to factory specifications, (same method as Winchester). Strip and refinsh the stocks. etc.
  
  The difference, about $200-$350 to have it "refinished" completely, and about $500-$600 to have it "restored". So you have to ask yourself, do you want an old classic with a new paint job, or a restored classic that's vertually a new gun? If you want more info. just click on onlywinchesters to the left and email me. Hope this helps you. Regards Dave

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