[EddieF]

Bulletin board at the range had an item that caught my eye:

100 year anniversary model Winchester 94 trapper, .44 magnum, 16" barrel. Basically new. It's been test fired and a gunsmith installed a receiver sight. Then stored in a vault. Comes with box. $400.

It's funny how if someone asked me if I had $400 I could confidently say "no." But then I see this and I wonder. Hmm. Do I have $400? Maybe. Just maybe.

 

[deputy125]

We was talkin blackhawk before with the .357.
Now we will have to start talkin super blackhawk!
Did i mention reloading?

 

[EddieF]

I know! I have a problem.

Seriously, though, doesn't that seem like a good price? I know it's a newer one, but the 100th is kinda cool, and it's practically new. Seems like it should hold its value at least.

 

[sheepdog]

Collector's value is dropped because ANY gunsmith worked on it...if you shoot it...less still....so will you buy it for a shooter and enjoy, sleep with, and talk to it, or will you hope it gets valuable when it may not and be a disappointment someday...? I won't own a gun that I won't shoot-I'm not into investing for whoever to benefit by my purchase after I've been put to sleep...I'm into shooting...so I have a one-sided view...

 

[deputy125]

Don't know. People had been buying them up and inflating prices due to lack of production by winchester.
Does sound like a good price in condition you described.
Search
www.gunbroker.com
www.auctionarms.com

might give you a base line as to the current market.

 

[EddieF]

Sheepdog, I'm with you. I would buy it to shoot (and to have and to hold). If I wanted to invest my money you wouldn't see me at the race track as often as you could.

But my thinking was, if it's a good deal as I suspect it is, I feel like it might be worth getting now just so I don't regret not getting it later. And, down the road, if it holds its value I could always unload it for something else or sell it if I needed to in a pinch.

I emailed Winchester Bob, a Winchester specialist who did some work on my Dad's 94 and described it to him. He said that gun goes for between 450 and 600. He also said it kicks like a mule!! Is that because of the 16" barrel?

 

[sheepdog]

A short barrel tends to be a bit fiesty...nothing you can't handle...with .44 spl...a *****cat and still a good defense weapon...course like deputy125 said...reloading comes up...shells ain't cheap for the mighty .44!!! Just to throw some sand in the mix, I dare you to look up the Henry Big Boy .44 rifle---now, talk about FUN...but I know you like Winchesters...I love their 1200 and 1300 shotguns but prefer a heavier built rifle that side ejects...I'm outnumbered by how many million-if you had a dollar....I know you have the money---buy the rifle, share with us the fun you have with it, and get to lusting after your next one...

 

[EddieF]

It only seems like I have the money because every day here I can be found on any number of forums lamenting about the next gun I want to buy!! I'm still sitting on five crisp c-notes I proudly and skillfully won at the Preakness, and can't decide what to do with it! Either an SP101, a skeet gun, or something like this lever gun to add to my budding 'collection'! I know if I still have that cash by the July Chantilly gun show, it will be heavier leaving the show than it was going in! But that's a long time for me to sit on 'free' money, brother...

 

[EddieF]

Sheepdog that is a good looking rifle! Do they all have that octagonal barrel? Cool.

 

[sheepdog]

Yup...I asked that, too...but I like that rifle and it shucks smooth, too...someday, one day....I really like that tubular feed instead of a loading gate...

 

[deputy125]

Well eddie you could just.....oops! promised i'd lay off!

 

[Ron Honner]

EddieF...it's a fever...we all have it. I have a 16" .44Mag "Trapper" with a "loop" lever...it's a "Wrangler" AND it is also the anniversary edition. It is one I put away. Check Gun List...the asking price for those is a LOT more than $400.

 

[EddieF]

Ron, my understanding is that all 1994s had the '1894-1994' stamped on the receiver, but then there was also the special commemorative model. This one is not the gold commemorative edition.

If this guy was either nearby or more anxious to sell it (he's using a passive style, won't send pictures, but if I want it he'll meet me somewhere with it), I'd take a look at it. But other than the price, he's not making it easy.

 

[Snuffy]

EddieF be careful there pal

 

[L.F.Combs]

The love of a Leveraction by a man is a great thing!!!!!!!

 

[Gary_M]

I'm a proponent of Man-On-Levergun love, as well.
Just bought a Marlin 336 last week - whoopie!

That guy sounds shady. There'll always be another one or something equally attractive down the road.
-Gary