BILL GOODMAN, 280 W. KAGY BLVD. SUITE D #152, BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59715
TEL. (406) 587-3131 FAX (406) 219-3415
Bill Goodman has been a collector of antique/collector firearms for well over 40 years and a full time dealer for over 30 years. Traveling around the country constantly seeking good quality collector arms at REALISTIC PRICES, Bill sells exclusively by mail order. Until recently, he has advertised in every issue of The Gun List (now Gun Digest the Magazine) since it’s first small issues in the early 1980s (as well as The Shotgun News before that). All items are photographed. To view them just click the text of the item you want to see. Be sure to scroll down as most items have more than one photo. All guns are sold as collector’s items, not shooters. If you wish to shoot an item listed here, it is strongly recommended that you have the item checked out by a competent gunsmith who specializes in antique/classic firearms. All items are sold with the usual three (3) day inspection. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, call to say you are returning the item and you will receive an immediate refund when the item is received back in the same condition it was originally shipped. This list will be constantly updated as new items become available. Use the above phone number or email to check availability and for info on any item you wish to purchase. Prices do not include shipping. All federal/state laws concerning the transfer of firearms are strictly followed. Modern firearms must be shipped to an FFL dealer (or “Curio & Relics” license holders where applicable). Pre-1899 antiques may be shipped to non-FFL holders. All Layaway sales are final. AND PLEASE, MAKE CHECKS TO WILLIAM (OR BILL) GOODMAN AND NOT GOODMANGUNS
MORE GUNS WERE POSTED 2/18/25. WATCH FOR FREQUENT POSTINGS THROUGH FEBRUARY.
NOTES FROM THE FIELD:
The other day I was at the range sighting in a Winchester Model 52 target rifle, .22 Long Rifle caliber, made in 1936. It weighs 9 ½ lbs so is a bit heavier than most .22 Sporters, but certainly not as heavy as the bull barrel target models. This one is unaltered and retains the superb factory Lyman receiver sight and globe front sight. It’s made to be typically shot in 50 foot competition, so that’s how I sighted it. Tiny, one-hole groups were the norm even with cheap bulk ammo. The rifle turned up at a local show and I didn’t pay much for it. Aside from formal competition, its a fun general purpose .22 rifle. While shooting from the bench I got to thinking what a bargain it was. After all, it’s a Model 52- Winchesters top-of-the-line rifle at the time. Since there’s not much interest these days in the type of shooting this rifle was designed for, and those who do pursue small bore bullseye now use high-tech rifles made from synthetics with fully adjustable everything, demand and prices are fairly low. Then I started to ponder what other bargains are out there… Here’s a few I came up with. In the handgun area just about any Pre-War auto pistols in .32 ACP caliber along with nearly all Colt and S&W Pre-War and early Post-War .32 and .38 revolvers. The S&W .32 Hand Ejectors come to mind as do the Colt Officers Models in .22 and .38 Special. If you are looking for a shooter, in decent condition, but not minty, prices are reasonable, the ammo is cheap or easily reloaded, and the quality is simply amazing. There are also .32-20s in double action form from both manufacturers with modest price tags. In the rifle line, The target models like the one above are certainly bargains- especially the early versions with the Winchester “barrel band” rifles, like mine, being often down right cheap. In center fire rifles, the early Remington 40X single shot target models stand out also. Walnut stocked with heavy barrels and precise iron sights, these too are a joy to shoot. I have one in .308 that didn’t cost much considering the quality and its accuracy is astounding. Of course, all of the common Trapdoor Springfield rifles in .45-70 are still bargains with their impeccable 19th century Springfield Armory workmanhip inside and out. Lastly, high quality, hand fitted double barrel Damascus and some steel barrel shotguns from the late 19th and early 20th century can be had inexpensively. I shoot mine with black powder and easily reloadable brass shells that seem to last forever (See older NOTES FROM THE FIELD for more on this as well as Great Depression Era firearms). This is just a smattering of examples, but bargains all!
COLT FIRE ARMS (click text for photo)
1) VERY EARLY NEW SERVICE TARGET .455 ELEY/.45 COLT CALIBER, #13XXX, MADE 1905. This is an interesting Colt as it is English proofed on the barrel, frame and cylinder. The barrel is marked “NEW SERVICE 455 Eley” with the cylinder obviously bored out to take the longer .45 Colt cartridge- very common with these. The serial number in the frame and yoke/crane has been “punch-dotted” out with some of the numerals visible and another number stamped above the original number (172XXX) which may be an order number or some kind of rack/badge number. Many Colt New Service standard and target models ended up in Canada. Early Royal Canadian Mounted Police New Services were in .455 with later ones being factory .45 Colts. Th is one may have been returned to Colt for the rechambering as there is a tiny “&” inside where the frame serial number is indicating it was sent back to Colt for work. The original grips have the 13XXX number clearly marked inside. Overall fine condition showing holster and handling wear with some age. The barrel has clear Colt address markings and early patent dates ending in 1900 and the frame has the early round “COLT’S NEW SERVICE” rampant colt stamping on the left side. The frame shows fine deep high polish blue with some edge wear mainly on the right side top edge. The cylinder shows fine blue mith minor wear. The barrel blue is mixing with brown and there is fine blue on the bottom of the trigger guard and butt. Checkered back strap, front strap and trigger. Good fire blue on the hammer back. Fleur-de-lis checkered walnut grips show handling and some very light/shallow dings/chips at the lower edge. Exc. bright bore, exc. screw heads, very tight action with no play in the cylinder or end shake. Good chance this one eventually went into World War I as officers were required to supply their own sidearms. Lots of history in this classy and rare 120 year old Colt! $1895.
2) SUPERB CONDITION, SCARCE 2 1/2″ BARRREL POCKET POSITIVE .32 COLT WITH FACTORY LETTER, SHIPPED 1913. This was the “pocket” version of the Police Positive square butt model and has a rounded butt shape. More scarce than the Police Positive, these were made with barrels ranging from 2″ (I’ve never seen a 2″) to 6″. The 2 1/2″ is scarce as is the 6″. This was one of Colt’s first snubbies. This example appears almmost unfired and retains all the bright high polish blue with only some dulling/brown mixing on the grip straps. Even the cylinder barely has a line- you have to examine closely to see it. All correct markings and exc. fire blue on the hammer back and trigger. There is a small chip on the very bottom of the right grip and another small chip at the bottom edge of the left grip that are very minor that from a side view you can’t see. Bright exc. bore, very tight action with about all the blue on the face of the cylinder which indicates this one was rarely if ever fired. Colt letter states caliber, barrel length etc. and shows it was shipped to Simmons Hardware Co., St Louis, MO on Nov. 25, 1913. Most of these little pocket Colts got carried a lot and finding a 112 year old example in this condition is a rarity. $895.
3) EXCELLENT .32-20 CALIBER POLICE POSITIVE SPECIAL, 5″ BARREL, #207XXX, MADE 1920. A really fine Colt that has seen little to no real use. Retains about all the original blue with only some minor thinning on the back strap and a touch at the sides of the muzzle. Exc. fire blue on the trigger and hammer back. Exc. marking with the correct last patent date of 1905 on the barrel top. Exc. grips, bright sharp bore, tight action and even the front face of the cylinder retains about all the blue indicating it was rarelyh if ever shot. Similarly, the ejector rod shaft retains about all the blue. Nice 105 year old Colt in a desirable caliber. Superb 1920s hand fitting and tuning! $795.
4) EARLY POST-WAR OFFICERS MODEL TARGET .22 LR #56XXX, MADE 1949. These wonderful adjustable sighted revolvers were hand fitted and tuned making them truly superb revolvers for field or target use. Colt used the same action as these in their later Python Model that was introduced in the 1950s. This example shows a little holster wear on the forward section of the barrel sides and some light wear to the high edges of the cylinder. The frame etc. show about all the blue. The front face of the cylinder also retains exc. blue indicating that it was shot little. Very tight action with no cylinder play or end shake. Correct “Coltwood” synthetic stocks of the period. Too expensive to produce today, these are still bargains in the revolver field. $895.
5) ONE OF THE ABSOLUTE RAREST OF THE COLT “SNAKE GUNS” IS THIS COBRA, .38 SPECIAL WITH 5″ BARREL AND VENEZUELA POLICE MARKINGS, #770XX LW, MADE 1958! The standard barrel length for the .38 Special Cobra was 2″ (the .22 LR model was standard with 3″) and anything longer than this is quite scarce. According to the excellent book SEVEN SERPENTS The History of Colt’s Snake Guns by Gurney Brown, the First Issue Cobras were offered with barrel lengths of “…2, 3, 4, or possibly 5 inch in .38 special only.” He further rates rarity of the Cobra variations 1-5 with 5 being the most rare. The 5″ barrel is listed as a “5+” rarity (the only variation to have a “+” after it). This example has checkered walnut grips without the Colt medallion and appear original as they fit perfectly and have the correct checkering pattern- perhaps this Venezuela contract revolvers had grips that didn’t have the medallions? The left side of the frame below the cylinder release has the Venezuela crest stamping. The backstrap is stamped “POLICIA DEL DISTRITO FEDERAL” and the butt has the number “189” stamped. The barrel has the standard Colt address stamping on the right side and “COBRA” over “38 SPECIAL CTG.” on the right side. The allow frame retains fine black with edgee wear and obvious light rub marks from holster carry. The barrel blue is thinned a little with some holster wear on the sides toward the muzzle. There are some tiny stampings under the barrel above the ejector rod that are indecipherable that may be some kind of import markings- only visible by opening the cylinder. Exc. cylinder blue with only some light edge wear. Tight action and exc. bright bore. Unaltered front sight. One of the rarest of the Post War Colts! The most advanced Colt collections lack a 5″ barrel Cobra! $1495
6) SCARCE, MINTY CONDITION COBRA .22 LONG RIFLE CHAMBERING, 3″ BARREL, #109XXX LW, MADE 1961. The Cobra with .22 LR came standard with a 3″ barrel and was only catalogued from 1957-1968. The relatively new book SEVEN SERPENTS The History of Colt’s Snake Guns, by Gurney Brown has the Cobra ranked from 1 – 5 in rarity with 1 the most common and 5 the most rare. He lists the .22 LR version as a “4.” Not sure how many were made, but the number was limited as they seldom show up. This one appears about unused and in about new condition. You’d have to look carefully to find a smudge of blue wear on the rear of the cylinder from the gun lying on its side in a drawer! The front of the cylinder has about all the blue indicating it was rarely if ever shot. Only possibility of a better example would be one new in the box. $1495.
7) EXTREMELY EARLY, VERY FINE CONDITION MODEL 1902 MILITARY AUTO, .38 ACP, #14XXX, MADE 1903. This example has all the very early production features consisting of front slide checkering, “stub” or round hammer, slide marked “Brownings Patent” along with 1897 and 1902 patent dates etc. Made in the first full year of production 1903, these early slab sided big Colt autos are hard to come by especially in this condition. During this time Colt was still selling loads of Single Action Army and Bisley Models along with their earliest side-swing cylinder revolvers. Someone buying a .38 ACP auto in 1903 had to be a pretty progressive and savvy shooter! Another Browning design, this one shows deep high polish blue on the slide top with some thinning and dulling blue on the slide sides- still lots of good blue there. The receiver bottom shows fine polished blue with only the grip straps showing gray from handling- more gray/brown on the back strapk with mixing blue gray on the front strap. Exc. Colt rembossed hard rubber grips, good fire blue on the trigger sides, slide stop, and faint traces of case color on the hammer. Sights have not been altered, tight mechanically, exc. bright bore, lanyard swivel intact and matching numbers on the slide and frame, bright blue on the barrel. In all, a really nice condition super early 122 year old Colt. $2450.
8) MODEL 1908 .380 ACP POCKET HAMMERLESS AUTO PISTOL, #72164, MADE 1923. A nice Roaring Twenties vintage Colt. This one is fitted with pearl grips that show some very minor oil edge staining, but are generally excelllent. The frame and front strap show fine deep blue with some thinning/mixing gray on the backstrap safety. the slide shows deep blue with some freckling toward the front section mainly on the left side. All markings are sharp and clear, sights have not been altered, good fire blue on the trigger, tight action, safety functions correctly, bright exc. bore. The magazine is two-tone with “CAL. 380” over “COLT” marking on the bottom. An attractive 102 year old Colt .380. $1195.
MARLIN (click text for photos).
1) 1893 SADDLE RING CARBINE, .30-30 CALIBER, #A7XXX, MADE APPROX. 1910. There seems to be a lot of confusion as to when the Model 1893 became the Model ’93. Brophy’s standard reference says this happened in 1905, but I believe it was later. This one has the earlier tang marking “MODEL 1893.” All of the 1893 saddle ring carbines are pretty scarce and aren’t seen often. Later carbines without the saddle ring are more common, although still scarce items. This is a fine example that retains nearly all the barrel and magazine blue with only a few minor wear points. The receiver case colors have faded to a dark mottled gray with case color remaining in the most protected small areas- like under the lever and around the saddle ring etc. Has some blue left on the loading gate, exc. markings including the Marlin Safety stamping on the receiver top and all the barrel markings. Walnut stock and forearm are excellent with tight wood to metal fit and only the most minor handling marks. Correct carbine butt plate and ladder carbine rear sight with slide intact. Tight action, strong hammer spring with solid safety half-cock, bore appears to have a little leading in it that should brush out to exc.- fine rifling throughout. These saddle ring 1893s are getting very difficult to find. $1695.
2) VERY FINE CONDITION, SCARCE CALIBER MODEL 1893 OCTAGON RIFLE, .32-40, #272XXX, MADE 1903. Nice example with mottled/faded case color receiver that shows good color mixing with gray/brown. 26″ octagon barrel retains about all the original blue with the mag tube blue mixing a little plum from age. Barrrel has sharp markings including SPECIAL SMOKELESS STEEL stamping etc. Tang is marked 1893 and it looks like it probably had a tang sight on at one time as the two filler screws are out of the factory tang sight holes. Generally exc. wood showing only very light handling and tight wood to metal fit. Tight action with strong safety half-cock. Fitted with buckhorn rear sight with screw adjustable elevation and Lyman half-moon/ivory bead front sight. Excellent bore that at worst is slightly dark only. A fine 122 year old Marlin 1893 in a rare caliber with a great bore. $1895.
A NOTE ABOUT “MODERN MARLINS”: Marlin has closed its doors for good in North Haven, Connecticut and been bought out by the folks who own Remington. It looks like some models have been put back into production with the barrels marked “Utica, New York.” I did see one of the new ones with the old North Haven barrel address so I assume they had left over barrels they were using up. Quality in wood to metal fit was fair at best and trigger pulls were off the scale heavy! I don’t know if any of the octagon barrel “cowboy models” will be produced again, although their online catalogue does show a model 1894 cowboy-type with octagon barrel in .45 Colt. UPDATE: Remington has sold the Marlin line to Ruger. Ruger is now producing some Marlin models with more to come. In my opinion, all of this with past quality control problems will make the CT manufactured Marlins even more desirable as shooters and collectibles. I know I’ll be looking for them, especially the limited production models.
1) MODEL 1895 CB “COWBOY” .45-70, 26″ OCT. BARREL, #99119XXX, MADE 2001. This rifle appears about new and comes with the correct box (the serial number on the box is from the same 2001 year of manufacture, but the number is not matching). It is fitted with a Williams receiver sight in the factory drilled/tapped holes along with the buckhorn rear sight and blade/bead front sight. These North Haven, CT “Cowboy” models with octagon barrels are becoming hard to find with prices rapidly rising. $1595.
2) SCARCE J.M. MARKED MODEL 1894CL “CLASSIC”, .32-20 CALIBER RIFLE, #CL323XXX, ONLY MADE IN LIMITED NUMBERS 1988-1993 IN NORTH HAVEN, CT. These are really great little rifles that feature Ballard rifling and will handle both cast and jacketed bullets. 22″ tapered barrel with 2/3 mag fitted with buckhorn and blade/bead sights. Walnut stock and forrend with Marlin embossed hard rubber butt plate. This one is new inside and out with the original Marlin box that has the correct end label and numbered to this rifle. Hard to find like this. $1595.
ANTIQUE & CLASSIC RIFLES, SHOTGUNS AND PISTOLS (click text for photos)
1) EARLY WESTERN SHIPPED 1874 SHARPS SPORTER, MADE HARTFORD, CT AND SHIPPED 1875. This is an interesting attic condition rifle that I lettered myself. Accoding to Richard Labowskie who owns the original Sharps shipping records, this one with number 155XXX has never been lettered before. The Sharps historical letter indicates that this rifle was invoiced at the Hartford factory on December 6, 1875 to Carlos Gove and Son, gunsmiths and gun dealers in Denver, Colorado Territory. The letter further states, “The rifle is further described in the record as being .44 caliber, case length not specified, with a 32 inch full octagon barrel, double triggers, open sights and oil finished stocks. The weight was not listed, but the price of $44 less 25% suggests that it was a rifle of standard weight, i.e., up to 12 pounds. The Order to the Gove firm on this date consisted of 12 Model 1874 Octagon Rifles in various configurations, all apparently under 12 pounds in weight, accompanied by 12 sets of corresponding rloading implements…” This rifle appears to be a .44-90 caliber according to my measurement of the chamber. This and the .50-90 were the two big “buffalo cartridges” at the time. Interesting that it has a 32 inch standard weight barrel when 30″ was much more common. It was also common for buffalo hunters to have big, heavy hide guns that often weighed 15-16 lbs and also have a couple of standard weight “camp guns” in the same buffalo caliber as their other big rifles for use in general hunting and could be used as a back-up for buffalo if the heavy gun fouled badly or broke a firing pin etc. This rifle weighs about 10 lbs. The barrel serial number under the forend matches the receiver and the forend retains the traditional fancy pewter tip as used on these early Hartford made rifles- after 1876 the Sharps company moved to Bridgeport, CT and the pewter tip was only installed on special order with schnable tip standard. Good even barrel blue that has aged dull and dark with no evidence of cleaning. The receiver has also aged dark and the markings are all clear. The butt stock shows almost 150 years of handling and frontier grime that also has never been cleaned. The action is fine and the double set triggers work correctly and retain the adjustment screw. Has the original Lawrence ladder rear sight with slide intact and small blade front sight. The butt stock has a single very old sling swivel installed with the stock and forend having NO cracks or chips. The rear portion of the butt stock appears very dark as if this rifle may have spent a lot of time in a saddle scabbard with the rear 3/4 of the stock unprotected. The bore is particularly fine with strong rifling all the way through and any roughness being extremely minor. A great piece of Colorado Territory history. $7950
2) UNUSUAL HEAVY 30″ ROUND BARREL 1878 SHARPS BORCHARDT SPORTING RIFLE IN .45-70 CALIBER, #17XXX. This is the heaviest round barrel Borchardt I’ve seen. The rifle weighs a full 12 lbs. which is particularly heavy for this model as the action is lighter than the Model 1874 hammer receiver. Of the 1,610 1878 Sporters made, only 750 had round barrels. This one has the matching serial number on the barrel and inside the butt plate. It has been partially restored as the barrel has been blued without buffing out the barrel markings including the “Old Reliable” stamping with the Sharps marking and the caliber marking of “.45 2 1/10″ case length stamping.It has the correct Lawrence ladder rear sight with slide intact and correct Sharps front sight used on this model. The receiver shows some cleaning and is mostly silver/gray with fine markings. Wood is excellent and appears to have been gone over a little without sanding as the wood to metal fit is tight. It has a Lyman tang sight (needs a front screw) and the action is tight with the safety funtioning correctly- it engages when the lever is lifted into battery. The bore is bright and sharp with any spots or corrosion too minor to mention. As the barrel has been blued, this one would be a good candidate to have the receiver either case colored or re-blued by the experts at Wyoming Armory in Cody, WY or another shop that knows what they are doing. Or, just leave the rifle as is and enjoy it! Really a scarce rifle with the heavy round barrel. Compared to ’78 Sporters with stout round barrels, this one appears almost massive as it tapers from the receiver and still measures 1.055” at the muzzle. $3650.
3) SUPERB CONDITION STEVENS No. 41 POCKERT PISTOL, .22 RIM FIRE, #10XXX, MADE 1903-1916. These derringer-type single shot .22 Rim Fire Short pistols were popular and easily concealed. Most were carried extensively. Hence, near new examples are very difficult to find. This example with 3 ½” half-octagon barrel contains all the correct Stevens markings on the top barrel flat ahead of the hammer. Additionally the barrel retains all the deep factory blue finish and displays an unaltered factory German silver blade front sight. The entire frame and grip straps also retain about all the bright factory nickel and the pistol is mounted in excellent walnut grips that show all the original finish. Only the small frame pin below the barrel release button has slipped out- this pin simply holds the ejector and ejector spring in place and both parts remain in the frame of the pistol. This should be an easy pin to replace with little difficulty. Bore shows some light corrosion. Exc. screw heads that still retain blue. $475.
4) VERY UNUSUAL ALL BRASS PERCUSSION SINGLE SHOT .62 CALIBER PISTOL. All metal handguns are scarce and this one has great visual appeal. It is unmarked and looks 1850s European, but who knows? All heavy brass except fot the hammer, trigger and trigger guard. Overall measures 8″ with a heavy 4″ round smooth bore barrel. Center hammer with very strong spring. Don’t know what else to say about this one except that the “cool factory” is off the charts! $575.
5) SAVAGE MODE 99-H SCARCE BARREL BAND CARBINE, .30-30, #365XXX, MADE 1937. Another victim of the Great Depression, this model was made in very limited numbers and don’t show up very often. Usually encountered in .303 Savage caliber, this one is in the more desirable .30-30 Win. caliber. The correct 20″ barrel shows good blue that is dulled from age somewhat, but still blue. Small blade in correct original ramp front sight with buckhorn rear with elevator bar intact. The receiver shows good blue that is also dulled from age with some light gray edge wear and some bottom wear. The lever has faded to mostly gray case color. Correct steel carbine butt stock. Fine stock and forend are both solid with only minor handling marks. Tight action with strong brass rotor magazine spring. Bore has fine rifling throughout with a little frostiness that ought to brush out somewhat. A seldom seen ’99 from the 1930s especially in a Winchester caliber and naltered. $1295.
6) VERY FINE CONDITION UNALTERED MODEL 1920 IN DESIRABLE 250-3000 SAVAGE CALIBER, #4XXX. This was America’s first modern bolt action sporter made for smokeless cartridges (I don’t consider the Model 1899 Remington Lee or Winchester Lee Straight Pull USN rifles”modern”). Svage made these in fairly limited numbers as their Model 1899 lever rifle was their mainstay. They were made in .250-3000 and .300 Savage with the former now being the most desirable. Most of these I’ve seen have been altered with recoil pads added or being drilled and tapped for scope mounting. Finding an unaltered one is difficult. This is a really fine example that has NOT been altered. It also has the correct Lyman bolt mounted peep sight along with the Savage marked buckhorn rear sight and small blade/bead front sight. The barrel and receiver show about all the original blue that is slightly dulled from age, but still fine. The only blue wear is on the forward portion of the floor plate and some dulling of the blue to the trigger guard. Stock is excellent with sharp checkering and is dark and a little grimey from never having been cleaned! Savage marked steel butt plate is original. Bore is a little dark with strong rifling and at worst shows a little minor “frostiness.” Action is very tight. This is a great example of a difficult to find hundred year old rifle. $1495.
7) VERY EARLY SAVAGE MODEL 1907 .32 ACP WITH METAL SAVAGE GRIPS, #9XXX, MADE 1909. This is a really early exmaple with rounded hammer and all metal Savage embossed grips. Fine blue overall with only normal light wear/thinning from handling or holster. This is mainly on the bottom of the front strap and edges. All sharp markings, safety works correctly, unaltered sights, exc. bright bore. This ten-shot autos display superb pre-W.W.I quality and are easily the equal of Colt. Very hard to find this early with the steel grips (later hard rubber was standard). All of these early Savage auto pistols have a great feel to them. A rare early variation seldom seen. $795.
8) SCARCE SAVAGE MODEL 1917 .380 ACP AUTO PISTOL, #225XXX, MADE 1921. Only a little over 14,000 of these in .380 ACP were made between 1920-1928. The .32 ACP 1917s far outnumbered the .380s and they are quite difficult to find now. This is an excellent example retaining about all the original blue with only some very minor surface dulling/spotting mainly on the back strap. Exc. markings, exc. grips (with one miniscule extreme edge chip on the lower right edge),, tight action, bright exc. bore. The original magazine holds 9 rounds (the .32 ACP held ten). Superb quality at least on a par with Colt and Remington pocket .380s. Their limited numbers produced for a short time make these very hard to find now. This 103 year old Savage is a nice one. $850.
9) EXCELLENT HARRINGTON AND RICHARDSON MODEL 900 .22 LR DOUBLE ACTION REVOLVER, #AD254XXX, MADE 1967. This was an interesting model made from 1962-1972. It has the “snap” cylinder in which the spring loaded cylinder pin is pulled to unlock the cylinder which is then pulled to the left side and removed for unloading. This example with six inch barrel is in near new condition with about all the blue intact. Exc. black checkered grips, tight action, exc. bore etc. If you look carefully you can detect the slightest ding on the left rear bottom edge of the grip strap. These are fine 1960s high quality revolvers. $375.
10) SPECTACULAR CASED FIALA ARMS THREE BARREL “EXPLORERS” FIREARM SET! Designed and produced by the short-lved Fiala Arms Co., New Haven, CT from 1921-1926, these rarely come up for sale. The founder of the company, Anthony Fiala, was an arctic explorer and adventurist who was also a friend of Teddy Roosevelt. Years before this pistol set was produced, He wrote about what an explorers firearm should be, and then manufactured it. That’s what is presented here. The Model 1920, .22 Long Rifle, cased set with three barrels, a ten shot magazine and a shoulder stock. The barrel lengths are 3″ (for concealed carry protection in primitive locations!), 7 1/2″ barrel for normal pistol carry for field use, and a forearm stocked 20″ rifle barrel and butt stock for foraging. Barrels are easily changed by simply turning the thumb screw on the right side of the frame and unscrewing/screwing in the barrels. This looks like a semi-auto design, yet it was single loaded for each shot. The lever on the left side is depressed which releases the slide, pushing the slide forward strips a shell from the magazine, feeds it into the chamber and cocks the gun. The serial number on this one is 2XXX, but I doubt the numbering started with “1” as these are scarce. All metal surfaces retain fine deep polish blue including the hardward on the butt stock, exc. walnut stock, grips and forend on the 20″ barrel with only a few very minor scuffs. All serial numbers match, all markings sharp and clear including the polar bear Fiala Arms Trade Mark on the side of the frame, bores are excellent and bright, mechanically excellent, original ladder rear sight intact. Remarkably, the canvas and leather case is in fine condition aside from normal scuffs on the outside and minor wear to the interior. Even the leather handle is secure and in fine condition. Brass hasps are intact. Overall, about as nice as one could hope to find for a set that was supposed to see hard handling on ships and in the field at distant and primitive locations! These have been classified as “Curios and Relics” under the Gun Control Act and are perfectly legal to own- watch local laws if attaching the stock the the two shorter barrels. Lots of interesting history with Anthony Fiala that is worth reading. $3450.
11) REMINGTON .50-70 UNUSUAL NICKEL FINISH NEW YORK STATE ROLLING BLOCK (see below in Remington section)
12) CUSTOM WINCHESTER HIGH WALL (see below in Winchester section)
MODERN AND /OR OUT OF PRODUCTION FIREARMS
1) BELGIAN BROWNING CHALLENGER .22 LR AUTO PISTOL WITH DESIRABLE 6 3/4″ BARREL, #45XXX U4, MADE 1964. These are truly beautifully made walnut and steel pistols with wrap-around checkered grips and adjustable sights. Has the correct Browning marked magazine and overall is in like new condition having seen no use. About as nice as one could hope to find in a 61 year old pistol! Amazing quality from that time period. $850.
2) GORGEOUS FULL CUSTOM LEFT HAND BOLT ACTION 7MM REM. MAG., BUILT ON A REMINGTON M-700 ACTION. A stunning rifle marked only “GUNMAKER T.S.N.” on the barrel along with the caliber marking. Not sure who this maker is, but he did a beautiful job on this one! 24″ barrel and the action if fitted with one piece Talley scope rings/bases. High grade and highly figured walnut stock with cheek piece and accent line. The checkering goes all the way around the wrist and forearm and the stock has an ebony tip. The butt is fitted with a Pachmayr “Old English” recoil pad. About like new inside and out with a crisp, light trigger pull. 13 1/4″ length of pull, weighs 8 lbs.This rifle would cost a number of thousand dollars to build today from scratch! $2650.
REMINGTON (click text for photos)
1) VERY UNUSUAL .50-70 NEW YORK STATE CONTRACT ROLLING BLOCK MILITARY RIFLE WITH FULL NICKEL PLATE FINISH, MADE 1871. Over the decades I’ve seen a few of these. Whether they were plated experimentally or perhaps for parade use is unknown. It is known that some of these were finished “in the white” with polished barrels and receivers, some had blued barrels and polished receivers and some had case colored receivers with blued barrels. Lots of good info on these in George Layman’s book Remington Rolling Block Military Rifles of the World. This example is full nickel plated including the hammer, breech block furniture, sights and even the cleaning rod. The nickel shows age and is getting a thick/cloudy/dull look to it. There is minor freckling in areas and some edge wear, but most is intact. Solid stock and forend with rack numbers in the side and top of the stock along with a light inspector cartouche. Tight wood to metal fit, all correct, exc. mech. and fine bore with stront rifling all the way through with some light corrosion that a good oil soaking and brushing should improve considerably. Correct early Remington markings on the upper tang identify this as one of the first contracts with the state of New York in 1871. Most unusual and handsome! $1395.
2) REMINGTON MODEL 25 .25-20 CALIBER PUMP RIFLE, #31XXX, ONLY MADE 1923-1935. A fine, unaltered example that retains most of the only slightly aged blue on the receiver, barrel and magazine. All markings are sharp and clear, tight action, exc. bright bore, fitted with a D.W. King patented buckhorn rear sight with a long blade/bead front sight. These takedown rifles came standard with 23 1/2″ barrrels, pistol grips and steel crescent butt plates that are Remington UMC marked. Solid wood with only some minor “flaking” to the wood finish. Most of these fine rifles saw hard use on farms, ranches and in the small game fields. Finding one this nice is difficult. $1150.
3) 1871 ROLLING BLOCK PISTOL .50 CAL. (see below in Springfield/U.S. Military section)
4) CUSTOM 7MM REM. MAG. LEFT HAND ON M-700 ACTION (see above in Modern section)
RUGER (click text for photo),
21 RARE 10″ BULL BARREL MK II .22LR AUTO PISTOL, #210-75XXX, MADE 1984. These were made in limited numbers and don’t turn up too often. One of the more unusual variations of this fine pistol that began the Ruger Company in the Post War 1940s. Looks to be little, if at all, used and retains about all the blue. with one small rub spot at the very bottom of the back strap edge. Mecanically excellent with adjustable sights and factory grips. An interesting 40 year old .22 auto! $695.
SHILOH SHARPS, MUZZLE LOADERS AND OTHER REPRODUCTIONS. Note: I am a Shiloh Sharps dealer and can order you any Shiloh you want. Check out my other website for Shilohs: www.shiloh-ballard.com (click text for photos).
1) CASED JONATHAN BROWNING .50 PERC. MOUNTAIN RIFLE, 1878-1978 CENTENNIAL FANCY HAWKEN-STYLE RIFLE COMPLETE WITH INSCRIBED POWDER HORN. The powder horn is inscribed “JONATHAN BROWNING MOUNTAIN RIFLE 1878-1978 09XX OF 1000.” The powder horn matches the serial number of the rifle. All in new, unfired condition. The rifle has the silver oval plate in the right side of the stock marked “BROWNING 1878-1979 CENTENNIAL” and also has the bust of Browning on the lock plate. Browned steel fittings, single set trigger, 30″ heavy octagon barrel, fancy grained walnut stock. The walnut case is in excellent condition with all the leather corner protectors intact as well as the leather carry handle and a leather rectangular piece on the led marked “BROWNING.” Brass fittings and hasps on the case are excellent and even has the locking key. Powder horn is complette with the original shoulder strap. Not sure how many of these were actually made, but I strongly doubt it was 1,000. I wouldn’t be surprised to learn the serial numbers on these didn’t start at 001. A beautiful, American made complete set. These don’t turn up often. $1895.
2) VERY FANCY CUSTOM SHILOH SHARPS No. 1 SPORTER IN SCARCE .40-50 BN CALIBER, #5XXX, MADE IN FARMINGDALE, NY EARLY 1980s. A truly beautiful example with 30″ standard octagon barrel, double set triggers, pistol grip, cheek piece and shotgun butt. Custom options include: extra fancy walnut with AA finish, schnable on the pistol grip, polished barrel, fire blue screws, pewter tip, accent line on the cheek piece, no rear barrel sight dovetail- fitted with a mid range vernier tang sight adjustable for windage and elevation with spirit level fully windage adjustable globe front sight that will accept inserts. The .40-50 Bottle Neck cartridge is simply the .45-70 case shortened and necked down to take .40 cal. bullets. The rich color walnut in this rifle is beautifully figured with fiddleback in both stock and forearm. Has the early classic “OLD RELIABLE” barrel marking along with the normal Shiloh markings. Weighs just under 11 lbs. Appears about new inside and out. This stunning rifle would have a current catalog price of about $5200 with a 2+ year wait. I’ve priced it at $4200..
3) NEW IN BOX STOEGER-UBERTI ROLLING BLOCK CARBINE. IN .17 HMR CALIBER. These strong and extremely well made rifles are actually a copy of the Remington No. 2 Rolling Block as can be easily identified by the curving rear of the receiver. With brass trigger guard, lower tang snd butt plate and case colored receiver, these are some of the most attractive reproductions around. Buckhorn and blade sights, reddish-brown walnut stock, 22″ barrel, box is excellent and numbered to this rifle, complete with all the paperwork and warranty card, even comes with the original invoice to Dick’s Sporting Goods from 2013 (and they don’t even carry firearms any more!). A bargain at $595.
4) PEDERSOLI 20 GA. SIDE BY SIDE PERCUSSION SHOTGUN. These are finely crafted doubles made in Italy and feature an English style straight-gripped walnut stock with checkered wrist and single wedge-keyed forend with hooked breech barrels for easy disassembly for cleaning. The highly polished blued barrel is 27 1/2″ long and, according to their catalog, is choked cylinder and improved cylinder. The trigger guard, upper tang, lock plates and hammers are richly case colored and engraved. Smooth blued steel butt plate with brass capped wood ramrod. Hammers have a safty half-cock and full cock with double triggers. This one is about like new and appears to have seen no use. Midway U.S.A. has these in their catalog for $2054. My price on this one $1750. (PHOTOS SOON)
SMITH AND WESSON (click text for photos),
1) HIGH CONDITION NICKEL WITH MEDALLION PEARL GRIPS S&W SAFETY HAMMERLESS 2ND MODEL .32, 3″ BARREL #161XXX, MADE C.1909. The 2nd. model top break safety hammerless revolver was made from 1902-1909. Serial numbers ran from 91418 – 170000. Judging from that, I’d assume this one was probably made during the last year of the 2nd Mod. production. The Safety Hammerless was a popular design for pocket carry as it had no hammer to snag on clothing and the grip safety, “lemon squeezer,” feature made it very safe to carry without fear it might go off unintended. The only way this revolver could fire is if the revolver was firmly gripped which depressed the grip safety and then the trigger pulled. The .32 S&W cartridge wasn’t a powerhouse, but five quick shots double action could be formidable at close range. Because this revolver was easy to carry, many or even most were frequently carried in pockets or purses. Often they are now found in fairly worn condition. This example is particularly fine and comes with factory pearl grips with deep dish S&W medallions (pearl grips without medallions are almost always non-factory replacements). The full nickel finish is generally excellent with only some minor pin-prick freckling on a few very small areas of the cylinder and frame. The trigger guard and barrel catch retain fine factory blue. The grips are excellent and not chipped or cracked. The action on these is interesting as the double action pull initially revolves the cylinder and cocks the internal hammer. It then comes to a bit of a stop before a little extra pressure fires the revolver. This actually makes sighting for a deliberate shot very possible. Action is excellent and the bore shows good rifling and some scattered very surface corrosion or possibly lead that may brush out. A most handsome 113 year old Smith with all matching serial numbers and great pearls! $795.
2) NEW IN ORIGINAL BOX .32 DOUBLE ACTION 4TH MODEL, 3 1/2″ NICKEL FINISH, #263XXX, MADE 1883-1909. Serial numbers ran from 43406-282999, so I assume this one was made in the last few years of production (1906-1909). Simply minty condition inside and out. Box is excellent with good corners and no splits, correct full end label showing nickel finish, 3 1/2″ barrel etc. Bottom of the box still retains a couple of the numbers penciled in that match this revolver. Looks like someone bought this revolver nearly 120 years ago and stored it away! Truly an amazing find! $1395.
3) SECOND MODEL .44 SPECIAL HAND EJECTOR, 6 1/2″ BARREL, BLUE, #45XXX, MADE 1934. This is a particularly interesting revolver made during one of the worst years of the Great Depression. My guess is that this was a law enforcemt revolver as the swivel on the butt obliterates part of the serial number which S&W didn’t do. They offset the serial number for swivel frames. However, on the frame inside the grips is the full serial number. I believe this gun was specifically ordered with a swivel and with such limited production during the Great Depression, they took a serial numbered frame, installed a swivel and restamped the serial number under the grips. The right side (outside when in a holster) grip shows more wearthan the left grip from holster carry, but has the matching serial number stamped inside that matches the frame, cylinder and barrel. The back strap appears lightly polished and I’m thinking this was to remove police markings when the gun was sold a surplus. A factory letter from S&W would prove interesting on this one. Fine blue on the frame, cylinder and barrel with normal edge and holster wear. Unaltered front sight, good case color on the hammer and trigger, fine action (typical on these hand-fitted and tuned Great Depression guns from the 1930s) and bright exc. bore. Some blue wear on the left side of the 6 1/2″ barrel from holster wear, but the right side, top and bottom retain about all the bright blue with fine blue on the front strap and bottom of the trigger guard. These big “N” frame .44 Special Hand Ejectors from the pre-World War II era are getting hard to find. $1395.
4) SUPERB, MINTY MODEL .32 HAND EJECTOR MODEL OF 1903- 5TH CHANGE, 3 1/4″ NICKEL, WITH FACTORY LETTER, #170XXX, MADE THE YEAR THE TITANIC SANK IN 1912! The 1903- 5th Change was only made from 1910-1917 and finding examples in this condition is difficult. As small pocket or holster pistols, they tended to get carried and handled a lot which leaves surviving guns now usually in less than excellent condition. This gorgeous example retains about all the bright original nickel with only a light cylinder line and barely a touch of peel at the left muzzle. Screws are unturned, sharp markings, the hammer and trigger show fine case color, matching numbers, tight action, exc. bore, exc. grips and even the ejector rod retains its nickel. The S&W historical letter describes this one as it is, including grips, and states it was shipped August 9, 1912 to Von Lengerke & Antoine, Chicago, IL. These hand tuned and hand finished early 20th century Smiths are simply a joy. This is a great 112 year old example in a finish and condition hard to acquire today. $895.
5) VERY SCARCE COMMERCIAL MODEL 1917 .45 DA REVOLVER, #178XXX, MADE C. 1926-1927. With all the surplus U.S. Army Model 1917 .45 ACP (or .45 Auto Rim cartridge) revolvers around, it makes sense that very few commercial 1917s would have been made by S&W. In Supica and Nahas book THE STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH & WESSON, 4TH EDITION, it is only stated, “Commercial Vatiationj: Considered rare.” Easily identified from the military version by not having any military inspector marks or butt markings, diamond checkered grips instead of smooth walnut, no U.S. Property markings on the bottom of the barrel and only the commercial model has the S&W logo stamping on the lower left side of the frame. This is a fine example that shows only light handling and retains about all the blue with the exception of a smudge spot on the right side of the frame behind the recoil shield no doubt made by a holster strap. Fine blue overall with a touch of freckling on the back strap and very slight muzzle wear. Front sight has not been altered, matching numbers on the frame, cylinder and barrel, good case color on the hammer and trigger, lanyard ring intact, fine grips show light wear mainly on the right side as one would expect from a holstered gun with the right grip exposed. Very tight action and lock up with bright excellent bore. A very difficult to find early “N” frame Smith. $1495.
6) VERY FINE .38/44 OUTDOORSMAN TARGET REVOLVER, #42XXX, MADE 1933. Considered one of the finest of the Pre-War big “N” frame adjustable sight target revolvers, this .38 Special was made during the worst year of the Great Depression when only the best old world craftsmen remained on the S&W work floor turning out limited numbers of finely hand tuned and finished guns. This one retains nearly all the high polish blue with only a little muzzle wear and edge wear. Fine case colors on the hammer and trigger. Retains most of the blue on the cylinder face, indicating this one was shot very little. The hammer is the sloping spur variety with patent markings. All markings are sharp and clear. The diamond checkered stocks are excellent, and fit perfectly are but numbered in a higher serial range than the rest of the revolver. Matching numbers on the cylinder, barrel and frame. Amazing single action and double action- has to be felt to be appreciated! Superb quality inside and out. $1695.
7) BEAUTIFUL CONDITION SUPER RARE ADJUSTABLE SIGHTED TARGET .32-20 HAND EJECTOR MODEL OF 1905, 3RD CHANGE, ONLY MADE 1909-1915. All target sighted .32-20 Hand Ejectors are rare with the early models like this extremely so. All numbers on the cylinder, frame and barrel match. I removed the grips and there was no number inside- typical for early models that often had a pencil number or no number, and found neatly carved “D. B. Lyon 1916” inscribed inside. The grips have the deep dish medalions, diamond checkering, are in exc. condition and fit perfectly. Overall retains about all the bright, high polish deep S&W blue of the period with only a touch of muzzle wear and a very light cylinder line. Vivid case colors on the hammer and trigger. Even the ejector rod shaft retains all the blue. Minty inside. A superb and rare S&W that would be very hard to improve upon. 1695.
8) UNALTERED .455 HAND EJECTOR 2ND. MODEL, BRITISH PROOFED FOR WORLD WAR I, #59XXX. These were a special run of commercial 2nd. Model Hand Ejectors for the British government from 1915-1917. Most found today have been altered to fire the .45 Colt or .45 Auto Rim cartridge and are easy to spot as the rear face of the cylinder has been ground down and no longer displays the serial number. This example is still in the original .455 caliber and shows all the correct British proofs on the barrrel, frame and by each chamber of the cylinder. Also, it has the correct tiny stamping “NOT ENGLISH MAKE” on the barrel and frame. Many of these saw hard use in the trenches and are found in poor condition or refinished. This example shows fine deep original blue with wear mainly to the forward portion of the barrel sides, top strap and some light thinning on the back strap. The front sight has not been altered and it has the correct barrel markings with the last patent date of 1906. Good case color on the hammer and trigger showing a little wear. Correct diamond checkered grips with deep-dish gold S&W medallions fit perfectly and show only normal light wear. Lanyard ring in butt intact, matching numbers on the frame, barrel and cylinder. Action is extremely tight with almost no cylinder play. Bore is minty. A fine piece of World War I history! $1295.
9) EXTREMELY RARE .44 HAND EJECTOR 3RD MODEL (POSTWAR-TRANSITIONAL/1926 MODEL .44 MILITARY, #S 68534, ONLY 1473 MADE 1946-1949. This model came before the .44 Hand Ejector 4th Model military (Model of 1950 .44 Military/ Pre-model 21) of which 1200 were made between 1950-1957. All of these big “N” frame fixed sight .44 Special revolvers are extremely difficult to find and rarely come up for sale. Supica and Hahas book STANDARD CATALOG OF S&W 4TH EDITION (published 2016) states under “Value: Few sales reported; should bring a premium above .44 Hand Ejector 3rd pre-war values…” By serial number this example with 5″ barrel was made 1947-1948. Overall excellent condition with only a little blue wear on each side of the barrel from holster carry and a smudge of wear at the hump above the back strap etc. Exc. case color on the hammer and trigger, tight action, bright exc. bore, corrrect diamond grips that fit about perfectly, but are numbered in the 65XXX range- since these 1473 revolvers were numbered in the range of S 62489- S 75000 it is possible that the grips were mixed when the gun was new at a dealer who had a few and put other grips on the guns for display purposes. Seldom offered in any condition. $2950.
10) HIGH CONDITION SCARCE PRE-24 .44 SPECIAL TARGET REVOLVER, #S 141XXX, MADE 1955. These Post-War big “N” frame .44 Specials were only made from about from 1950-1957 with a little over 5,000 produced before they were stamped “Model 24.” This example has all matching numbers including inside the grips. It has a touch of muzzle wear and only very minor edge wear. Fine case colors on the hammer and trigger,. Slight wear to the bottom edg of the grips. exc. inside and outside with bright bore. $1595.
SPRINGFIELD AND U.S. MILITARY FIREARMS (click text for photos)
1) REMINGTON 1871 U.S. ARMY ROLLING BLOCK PISTOL, .50 CAL., MADE 1872-1. Approximately 5,000 of these handsome pistols were made for the U.S. Government. The big question is WHY? They are beautiful and powerful single shot pistols, but during this time there were a number of big S&W and Colt revolvers that were issued and were more effective. Regardless, they are interesting and scarce. This example shows some fine case color on the left side of the frame and on the frame around the hammer/breechblock and upper trigger guard sides with the right side more mottled and faded. The barrel blue has aged to a soft, uncleaned dull blue/brown. Unaltered front sight. The receiver has the correct P and S government inspector stamp along with the usual Remington markings. The left side of the grip has a crisp inspector stamp. Grip and forend are fine and show only normal light handling. Tight action, fairly bright bore with fine rifling and some scattered surface roughness that may scrub out. Many of these were later gunsmith altered to target pistols, this one is all original and a fine example. $2100.
2) CLASSIC INDIAN WARS 1879 SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR .45-70 RIFLE, #224XXX, MADE 1883. This is a good unaltered example that hasn’t been cleaned or messed with. The metal parts are an aged gray/brown patina with excellent lock plate markings and proofs on the barrel. “U.S. MODEL 1873” on the breech block with the usual Springfield markings and eagle on the lock plate. Correct 1879 rear sight with slide and ladder. 1884 style cleaning rod which is probably original as this is a last year production before the Model 1884 style with Buffington sight etc. Unsanded wood is excellent with only a few minor handling/storage marks. No stock cartouches visible. Three click tumbler in the lock and exc. bore with sharp rifling all the way through. Lots of history and life left in this 142 year old Springfield .45-70 U.S. issue rifle! And less expensive than an Italian replica! $1150.
3) REMINGTON NEW YORK STATE CONTRACT .50-70 ROLLING BLOCK RIFLE FULL NICKEL PLATE (see above in Remington section)
WINCHESTERS (click text for photos
1) FRONTIER USED 1873 .44-40 20″ OCTAGON SHORT RIFLE, #544XXX, SHIPPED 1900. This one came out of Arizona recently and looks like it went through some hard usage during the Mexican Revolution (1910 – 1920). These short rifles were very popular on both sides of the border in the Southwest. Easily identified as a true short rifle and not a cut-down by the one inch shorter length of the forend- 8 3/8″ compared to the standard 9 3/8″. The overall metal condition on this one is a dark brown patina with some patches of rust pitting. Barrrel markings are all visible. It has a carbine ladder rear sight sith slide intact and small blade/bead front sight. The muzzle end of the barrel shows heavy wear on the sharp octagon edges which are now rounded at the end of the barrel- takes a lot of in and out scabbard use to produce this! Where the serial number is located on the bottom tang there is considerable pitting with only a few numbers readily visible. A previous owner used magnification and various lighting/tilting to come up with the rest of the numbers so he could get a call in sheet from the Cody Museum which verifies the caliber, oct. barrel length and a shipping date of March 1900. The forend shows heavy handling overall and chipping along the right top portion. The butt stock may be an old replacement as the butt plate has no provision for a cleaning rod trap door- only the .32-20 had a solid butt plate. There is a “P. H.” lightly carved in the left side and a silver (nickel silver?) small inlay in the right side of the stock. The tang screw is a replacement with lower tang wood screw missing. Dust cover is intact, brass lifter is mellow and uncleaned/unpolished. Bore shows rifling all the way through but is dark and pitted. Loads of history in this ’73! $1895.
2) SPECIAL ORDER 1873 2ND. MODEL, 38-40 , EXTRA LONG 28″ OCTAGON BARREL, SET TRIGGER AND SHOTGUN BUTT, #66XXX, SHIPPED 1881. This is a really scarce rifle as according to The Winchester Handbook by George Madis, only 1201 rifles had longer than the standard 24″ barrels. The factory letter that comes with this rifle confirms the caliber, barrel length and set trigger. The receiver blue has aged and is mixing a deep brown patina, similarly, the barrel and magazine blue has aged and mixed brown. Sharp markings, original dust cover, fine wood with tight wood to metal fit showing normal handling only, smooth steel butt plate. Tight action and fine bore that is a bit dark with strong rifling and scattered light corrosion. Set trigger works correctly and has the adjustment screw intact, original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar and small Winchester blade front sight. Mellow brass lifter with .38 Cal. marking has not been cleaned or polished. Generally fine screws with onlly one in the right side plate peened. Strong safety half-cock and fully functional. This is an early special order 1873 2nd. Model with an attractive appearance. $3450.
3) CUSTOM 1885 HIGHWALL LIGHT VARMINTER, DOUBLE SET TRIGGERS, .22 C.F. ANTIQUE. This one is unmarked but the workmanship is excellent. It features a 28″ medium varmint weight round barrel that is matted the full length of the top and is fitted with scope blocks with approx. 7 1/2″ spacing and no provision/dovetails for front or rear sights (a nice touch). The overall weight is approx. 10 3/4 lbs. The caliber is based on the .30-30 case necked down and is probably a .219 Zipper or Improved Zipper, or .219 Donaldson Wasp. I assume whoever buys this one will figure it out one way or the other. Perhaps the best would be to simply re-bore it to .38-55 or .40-65 or .45-70 and end up with a fully custom rifle for a fraction of the cost of building one from scratch. Fully functional double set triggers with adjustment screw intact. Checkered pistol grip and checkered steel shotgun butt stock with nicely contoured fully checkered round forend with schnable tip all with tight wood to metal fit. The walnut has the classis redish Winchester tint and is excellent. Tight action,, exc. bore, appears to be a leaf spring action. Excellent as refinished when customized. $1895.
4) INTERESTING, ONE OF THE LAST 1886 TAKEDOWN .33 WCF, HALF MAGAZINE, SHOTGUN BUTT, #157XXX, SHIPPED AS PARTS CLEAN UP SOMETIME AFTER 1920. According to the Winchester Handbook by George Madis, “Serial number 156599 was the highest number produced in standard production. It was shipped on December 8, 1920. A fair stock of parts and assembled guns remained on hand, and in the final parts clean-up serials reached 159994, with the last guns assembled in 1932…” By the serial number, this one is listed as made in 1920 and during that year only 391 1886s were made. By 1922 serials reached 159337 with 228 made. What this means is simply that these high numbered 1886 rifles were made in very limited numbers and were finally killed off by the Great Depression and then replaced with the Model 71 in .348 WCF. This example shows use, but no abuse. The receiver has flaked to gray which is typical of guns made in the 1920s. The bolt retains fine blue and the barrel and magazine show good thinning blue. It has a D. W. King thick, full buckhorn rear sight with a blade/bead front sight. Takedown is tight and the stock and forearm show light handling only with very tight wood to metal fit. Correct and original Winchester embossed hard rubber butt plate is not chipped or cracked. Action is tight with strong safety half-cock and the bore is bright and excellent. The .33 WCF is simply the .45-70 case necked down to take standard .338″ bullets. It was considered a powerful big game cartridge and was the only purely smokeless powder cartridge offered in the 1886. A scarce late production ’86 with lots of life left in it. $2250.
5) SPECTACULAR, EARLY FULL DELUXE 1887 12 GA. LEVER SHOTGUN, #7XXX, SHIPPED 1888 WITH GREAT FACTORY INFO! Very few 1887 shotguns were made deluxe like this one. I called this serial number in to the Cody Museum and the records show: Serial number applied January 3, 1888, Shotgun, 12 Gauge, 30″ Barrel, Fancy, Checkered Stock, Rubber Butt, Fine Damascus, received in the warehouse on March 3, 1888, shipped from warehouse March 26, 1888; RETURNED BY MELBOURNE, SENT TO NEW YORK, order niumber 2871. So, this one was made in the first full year of production and was shipped to Australia! No doubt it was for the Australian Centennial. The following is a recap of this: The Centennial International Exhibition of 1888 was a large trade fair held in Melbourne, Australia from August 1, 1888 to January 31, 1889. The exhibition celebrated 100 years of European settlement in Australia and was seen as a chance for patriotic celebration and nation building. It was a turning point for Melbourne, marking its entry onto the global stage and attracting over two million visitors, more than double the city’s population at the time. Winchester was obviously showing its wares for future sales in Australia- which they accomplished. Everything mentioned in the “Call-In” sheet was an extra cost item (including the rubber butt). The walnut is XXX grade with the heavy “piano finish” and has extensive fancy checkering on the two forend panels and wrist. The receiver has a simple two-line border engraving on each side and is case colored. There is still light case color on the receiver sides- a little more on the left side and more mottling on the right- with some vivid case color on the receiver top and hammer etc. The barrel browning is uncleaned and shows some age with good damascus pattern. The magazine tube retains nice deep blue with some wear to the bottom just ahead of the receiver. Checkering is still fairly sharp on the panels and wrist. The Winchester embossed hard rubber butt plate is original and has a simple crack across the bottom retaining screw with a very small wood chip at the toe- minor. Action is tight and the bore is bright and excellent! A chance to buy a historical Winchester exhibition shotgun with worldwide history! A unique opportunity. $7950.
6) 1892 .44-40 OCTAGON RIFLE, #270XXX, MADE 1904. The receiver blue has aged and mixed heavily with brown- uncleaned and still has dried grease on it that I didn’t try to remove indicating that this rifle was probably greased and stored for decades.. Fine deep barrel and magazine blue showing some normal light age. Sharp markings, original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and small Winchester blade front sight. Screws appear unturned and full of dried grease, good blue on the loading gate. Tight action, strong safety half-cock and bright exc. bore with any scattered corrosion too minor to describe. Exc. stock and forend with tight wood to metal fit. A fine 121 year old example in a difficult caliber to find these days. $2750
7) SPECIAL ORDER 1892 SADDLE RING CARBINE, .32-20, HALF MAGAZINE AND NICKEL STEEL BARREL, #576XXX, MADE 1910. Surprisingly, .32-20 Saddle Ring Carbines are not that common. It seems most that are encountered today are in .25-20 and.38-40. This special order carbine has a half-magazine which is fairly scarce in these. The barrel is also stamped “NICKEL STEEL” below the rear sight on the left side- another unusual aspect of this carbine. That stamping is rarely seen. This one shows mainly gray/brown on the receiver with good blue on the loading gate and probably had a tang sight at one time in the factory holes. Screw heads are fine and there is still some blue around the saddle ring staple with only the ring removed- fairly common as they tended to rattle. Stock and forearm show normal handling with a few deeper dings in the stock, but not severe. One thin sliver of wood out at the juncture of the receiver/upper tang on the left side. Barrel shows good thinning blue with some gray mixing. Original carbine ladder rear sight with slide intact, tight action, strong safety half-cock. Bore is fairly bright with strong rifling and possibly a little scattered surface roughness- but it appears only in the grooves which leads me to believe it may simply be some light leading that should brush out (pitting typically covers the grooves AND the lands). In all an unusual .32-20 special order 114 year old saddle ring ’92. $1695.
8) 1894 .38-55 ROUND BARREL RIFLE, #301XXX, MADE 1906. The receiver shows an uncleaned mostly brown patina with some good aged blue toward the rear sides. Screw heads are generally excellent and the action is tight with strong safety half-cock on the hammer. Good aged blue on the barrel with a bit better blue on the mag tube- there are some areas of splotchy pitting mostly toward the muzzle end of the barrel and mag tube that looks like it may have been caused by some kind of chemical. A light polishing and touch up blue would go a long way. Fine markings, non-original buckhorn rear sight with Marble blade/bead front sight. Fine stock and forend show light handling only. Bore shows good rifling, but is somewhat frosty and I believe a good brushing out woulud help. A little T.L.C. would go a long way with this one, but not bad as is for a 118 year old .38-55. $1195.
9) SPECIAL ORDER 1894 SADDLE RING CARBINE, .32 WS CALIBER, HALF MAGAZINE, #390XXX, MADE 1908. This unusual carbine shows fine blue on the receiver sides and bolt with some thinning and edge wear, exc. screw heads, good blue on the loading gate and exc. markings. The barrel retains nearly all the deep blue and is fitted with the correct carbine ladder rear sight with slide intact. Stock and forend show normal light handling with tight wood to metal fit. Tight action with strong hammer spring and secure safety half-cock. Bright excellent, sharp bore. All non-standard carbines are scarce. A nice condition 117 year old saddle ring carbine with half magazine. $1650.
10) 1894 OCTAGON RIFLE, .32 WS CALIBER, #565XXX, MADE 1912. The barrel shows fine lightly thinned blue with minor edge wear while the mag tube shows about all the deep blue. The receiver is mostly gray with exc. screw heads and some good blue on the loading gate. The action is tight with a strong hammer spring and solid safety half-cock. The stock and forearm have been lightly sanded and oil finished which brought out a better than standard grain pattern in the butt stock. Fitted with a flat top buchorn rear sight with elevator bar and Winchester blade front sight that has been slightly “notched” on the face for a better sight picture. All fine markings. Bore is a bit dark with strong rifling all the way through. Manufactured the year the Titanic sank! $1195.
11) SPECIAL ORDER 1894 TAKEDOWN RIFLE, 1/2 OCTAGON, 1/2 MAGAZINE, SHOTGUN BUTT, #223XXX MADE 1904. This .30 WCF caliber rifle has certainly prooved itself in the field as it has about a dozen small, very old and worn-in kill notches on the upper edge of the forend on each side just ahead of the receiver. No doubt a serious hunter used this one with great success! The receiver shows good aged blue mixing brown on each side ( a little more blue on the right side) with good blue on the loading gate. Screws look unturned, tight action and strong safety half-cock. The barrel and short magazine show most of the original blue with only minor dulling from age and a few small scuffs by the muzzle. Has a two-leaf folding rear barrel sight with a Marble No.3 blade/bead front sight. Stock and forearm are excellent with tight wood to metal fit and the shotgun butt has the corrrect Winchester embossed hard rubber butt plate. Tight takedown, exc. bore that is only a bit dark with fine rifling all the way through. Lots of adventure associated with this special order 121 year old 1894! $1950.
12) VERY FINE CONDITION 1895 .30-40 KRAG CALIBER RIFLE, #41XXX, MADE 1903. This exceptional 1895 retains most of the blue on the receiver with only normal edge wear and some blue thinning to the bottom of the magazine. Even the upper tang shows some good blue. Similarly, the 28″ barr el retains most of the deep original blue with standard Winchester buckhorn and blade sights. Exc. markings. Exc. stock and forend with tight wood to metal fit. The forend has the correct ebony wedge inlay in the tip. Fitted with sling-eye swivels with the front swivel correctly mounted on the barrel with a dovetail base. Sling with sling-eye hook swivels looks like it has always been with this rifle. Exc. markings, tight action with strong safety half-cock on the hammer. Exc. bore is just a little dark with sharp rifling. A truly fine 121 year old 1895. Getting hard to find this nice. $2650.
13) THREE HEAVY STEEL WINCHESTER MARKED TOOL ROOM “DIES” FOR THE MODEL 1895 MUSKET! Really interesting and unusual Winchester items that somehow survived to the present. Given their weight, it is surprising they weren’t sold for scrap at some point when 1895 Muskets were no longer produced and these tools became obsolete. First is is an oblong eight sided piece marked “95 MUSKET” and “FRONT BAND” with a small etched measurement (?). With this is a corresponding “plunger” with stem/handle that fits perfectly in the milled center. It is marked along the stem in two lines on two sides, “MOD 95 MUSKET FRONT BAND” and “TEMPLET FOR MASTER GAGE” (yes gauge is misspelled). The polished flat bottom portion that fits into the milled section of the heavy gauge is stamped “MOD”. Next is a rectangular piece marked “MOD. 95 MUSKET” over “FRONT BAND” over “1.875 = MOD” over some kind of very small circular etching. It comes with a perfectly machined unmarked “plug” that fits in the milled out section. Last is what I believe to be a butt plate die. It is a little difficult to read the stamping as there is some corrosion on this portion, but it can all be made read, “1895 BUTT PLATE MUSKET” over “B U S H ..225 = MOD.” then there is a circle with a “J” and a small number within it and a small “s s”. These are really great items for the specific 1895 collector or general Winchester enthusiast. The machining on these is amazing. The “plugs” or templets only go into the heavy gauges about 7/8 of the way before stopping and cannot be pushed all the way through. Perhaps a “go/no-go gauge arrangement. One-of-a-kind little collection that should remain together. For all three plus the two inserts/templets, $895.
14) 1895 .30-06 RIFLE, #416XXX, MADE 1922. Retains about all the original blue on the correct 24″ barrel with sharp markings, original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and small blade/bead front sight in correct base. The receiver is mostly flaked to gray with some blue in the most protected small areas- typical of 1920s vintage Winchester lever rifles as this is when they changed the case hardening/blueing process for receivers which didn’t hold blue well. Fine+ stock and forend showing light handling only and tight wood to metal fit. Forend tip has the correct original ebony wedge inlay in the schnable, no extra holes in the stock or receiver, tight action with weak safety half-cock, bore a little dark with fine deep rifling throughout. $1495.
15) FULL DELUXE, HIGH CONDITION 1903 .22 AUTO RIFLE, #59XXX, MADE 1910. Retains about all the blue with only the butt plate and cocking rod round tip blue dulling and mixing with some brown and some very light edge wear on the high edge of the receiver behind the trigger guard. The two screws in the forend cap are a bit buggered, but aside from that it has the correct sights, very sharp markings on the barrel and sharp proof marks on the receiver top and rear of the barrel. Wood has the extra fancy burl grain with heavy “piano finish” used on these fancy stocks. Pistol grip has the correct Winchester embossed hard rubber grip cap with engraved screw. Sharp checkering, Marble tang sight, exc. bright bore. I have a feeling this one might have been returned to Winchester for refurbishing as the barrel has the later “Model 03” marking that according to Madis’s books didn’t start until serial number approx. 73000 in 1912. Either way, a beautiful, full deluxe Winchester over 110 years old. $1695.
16) FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION SEMI-DELUXE MODEL 1907 .351 SELF-LOADING RIFLE, #7XXX, MADE 1907. Fine blue on the barrel and receiver with only light edge wear and some bottom wear ahead of the magazine. Tang sight with small ivory bead front sight and blank filler in the rear dovetail. Worn checkering with excellent stock and forearm that may have been lightly gone over, yet still has tight wood to metal fit. Correct sling-eye studs and fine blue on the forend cap. Serated steel butt plate may be a replacement as it seems most of these I’ve seen have hard rubber butt plates. Matching numbers and exc. markings. Correctly marked magazine. Exc. mech. and bore. Scarce 107 year old auto. $1295.
17) ALMOST NEVER SEEN MODEL 25 12 GA., 20″ CYLINDER BORE RIOT GUN, #73XXX. These pump shotguns look about like the classic Model 12 except solid frame and were only mde from 1950-1954. The Riot version with “CYL” marked barrel is really rare and was only catalogued in 1954. No doubt most of these went to law envorcement or prison guards. Fine condition with bright bore and tight action. Just some scuffing and light edge wear on the receiver, barrel and mag show most of the blue with similar scuffing. Exc. flat bottom forend (typical of 1950s Winchester pumps) and fine stock showing light handling and some nice fiddle back grain. Hard rubber butt plate with dog’s head motif- fits perfectly and appears original, but not sure what is correct for this model. Fitted with one sling swivel on the left side forward portion of the magazine. Barrel is marked “MODEL 25-12 GA.-2 3/4 CHAMBER” with CYL choke marking etc. $950.
18) FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION MODEL 55 TAKEDOWN IN .30WCF, #2XX, MADE 1924. This is a more scarce model than most people realize. It was a lightened sporter version of the Model 1894 introduced in 1924 and discontinued in 1935 with a parts cleanup through 1936- another victim of the harsh economic conditions of the Great Depression. Only a little over 20,000 of these were made and most saw pretty heavy use. This example is in uncleaned “attic” condition showing most of the original barrel and magazine blue that is aged and dulled somewhat, but still fine. Buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact with Lyman small blade/bead front sight. Similarly, the receiver blue is intact and aged instead of flaked to silver as is the norm for 1920s vintage Winchester lever guns. The stock and forearm are dark and somewhat grimey from use and handling, but shows tight wood to metal fit and again are uncleaned. Tight takedown, tight action and strong safety half-cock on the hammer with excellent bore. This one has a lot of character and an attractive appearance. One of the earliest I’ve seen. Only 836 made the first year. $1495.
19) VERY FINE CONDITION EARLY PRE-WAR MODEL 64, .32 WS CALIBER, #1114XXX, MADE 1936. The Model 64 was introduced during one of the worst economic years of the Great Depression, 1933. Because of this, sales through the 1930s were fairly limited and production was relatively small compared to the years before the Depression and when production resumed after World War II. This example retains nearly all the blue on the barrel and short magazine. The receiver also retains exc. blue with only some light edge wear. Even the lever shows good blue. The forend cap is showing some blue, but mostly gray. The upper tang shows fine blue. Exc. markings and fitted with an all steel Redfield receiver sight in the correct factory holes in the left side of the receiver. Blank filler in the rear sight dovetail and small blade/bead front sightd in the correct ramp. Exc. screw heads, exc. stock and forend showing the lightest of handling, correct original checkered steel butt plate and screws look unturned. Tight action with strong safety half-cock. Bright excellent bore. The .30 WCF (.30-30) was considered standard for this model with less made in .32 Winchester Special caliber. A fine 89 year old Model 64 from the tough years of the 1930s. $1395. (PHOTOS SOON)
20) NEAR THE END OF PRODUCTION MODEL 71 .348 WCF STANDARD RIFLE, #459XX, MADE 1957. This one retains about all the blue on the barrel and mag tube with only the most minor scuffing/wear. Buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact with ramped front sight. Similarly, the receiver retains all the blue with minor thinning on the lever edges and at the bottom of the receiver by the serial number- even the upper tang retains all the blue as well as the forend cap. Exc. stock and forend show very light handling. Sling swivel in the butt and correct style in the end of the magazine tip. Tight action and strong safety half-cock. Exc. bright and sharp bore. Original checkered steel butt plate, tight wood to metal fit. One of the last of the big .348 lever Winchesters. $1950.
BILL GOODMAN, 280 W. KAGY BLVD. SUITE D #152, BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59715 TEL. (406) 587-3131 FAX (406) 219-3415 [email protected]
THESE WERE SUCH GOOD NOTES FROM THE FIELD I’M KEEPING THEM HERE.
FINALLY, MY SECOND NOVEL IS OUT! First, I’d like to thank everyone who read my first novel, DESERT SUNDAYS, and kept after me to get the second one done and published! So, after the usual delays and hitches, here it is. This one is called AN OBVIOUS SLAM DUNK and if you like courtroom scenes and a story that not only makes you think, but surprises you…well, this is a page turner I know you’ll like. And before anyone asks, yes, the third novel is almost done and I hope to get that one out before too long. All three form a trilogy, but each stands alone, so it doesn’t matter which you read first. Both are available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble (Kindle downloads too). If you want to save some money and have a signed copy, I have books here that I can sell cheaper than online at $13 each including shipping. Click here to see both books front and back with a synopsis of each. Don’t bother to call to reserve a copy, just toss a check in the mail with shipping instructions. MY THIRD NOVEL IS AT THE PUBLISHER NOW AND SHOULD BE OUT THIS SUMMER!! Thanks, Bill Goodman
CRACKED STOCKS! Seems like an odd thing to write about, but this is something I’ve not seen in print before. I’ve observed a lot of rifles with cracks coming straight back toward the butt plate from the upper and lower tangs. Sometimes the cracks are severe enough to warrant repairs (like cross bolts etc. through the wrist or extensive gluing) and other times the stock remains pretty solid as is. So what caused this condition in the first place? I’ve hunted with all kinds of rifles in all kinds of weather and terrain and never had a gun get damaged like all these I’ve seen. And I’ve taken some pretty bad falls too. Once, on ice I couldn’t see beneath a couple inches of fresh snow, my feet went out from under me and my rifle landed a number of yards away! Still, no cracks like these. So I’ve been puzzled by this for some time. Then it hit me, since these guns all seemed like Western big game rifles- large lever actions like 1876 and 1886 Winchesters or Marlin 1881 and 1895s as well as all over while the rifles were in saddle scabbards- fairly common in icy winter conditions, especially in the mountains. Also, sometimes horses will walk so close to trees that they rub against them. If a rifle is in a butt-forward position scabbard, the rifle can go on one side of the tree and the horse the other causing a stress cracked stock. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t think so. The wrists are fairly strong on most rifles and it takes a lot to crack one. If anyone else has a different theory about this condition, I’d like to hear it!
“GUNS OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION YEARS” When the Great Depression began with the Stock Market Crash of 1929 America was taken by surprise. Prior to this pivotal event, in the gun industry production was high and sales were brisk. Almost overnight sales fell off hugely. The Winchester Handbook by George Madis shows production numbers by years of some of the major models. This is pretty illuminating. Here are some examples: Model 1890 .22RF had 12,367 produced in 1928 and 696 made in 1932; Model 1892 saw 64,833 produced in 1910 and 491 in 1930; Model 53 had 2,861 produced in 1925 and 30 made in 1937; Model 1894 had 29,967 made in 1927 and only1,192 made in 1934; Model 55 had 3,064 made in 1927 and 42 made in 1936. Colt, Marlin, Savage, Remington and Smith & Wesson etc. all felt the same pressure. With production down to a fraction of what it was, the big manufacturers had no choice but to fire employees. Those lucky enough to be retained were the most highly skilled and experienced craftsmen. They also had time to put extra fine fitting and finishing into each firearm. Generally, the quality of these guns is truly exceptionally. With production numbers of these late pre-war arms relatively small and quality without peer, their value should be assured. Some of the scarce large frame Colt and S&W handguns- especially the target sighted versions- are almost breathtaking in their fit an d finish. This has been an under-appreciated niche in arms collecting/investing. It is my belief Great Depression era arms are often “sleepers” on the antique market today and are bound to increase in value at a rapid pace making them excellent long term investments.
I have found a new shooting activity that I’m sure a number of folks who check out my website will either want to try themselves or will at least find interesting reading. I’ve discovered the fun of BLACK POWDER shotshells. And no, I’m not new to black powder. I’ve been shooting muzzle loaders since I was a kid (I was too young to buy ammo, but a can of black powder and a single shot muzzle loading pistol kept me shooting!) I’ve shot black powder cartridge rifles and some handguns since the 1970s. I’ve also tried a few muzzle loading shotguns, but a while back I noticed Midway was offering reloadable brass shotshells made by Magtech in Brazil. They cost about a buck a piece and come in a box of 25. So I thought this looked interesting and bought a box. They prime with a large pistol primer (I use CCI Large Pistol Mag. Primers) and require no special tools to load. I did buy a “cowboy 12 ga. shell holder” by RCBS which makes priming easier, but one can prime using a dowel, hammer and a flat surface to seat the primer. Anyway, I loaded with various loads of black powder as well as Alliant Black MZ black powder substitute. 27.3 grains equals one dram, so a typical heavy field load of 3 1/2 drams equals about 95 grains (by volume) of black powder or substitute. I load that through a drop tube to better settle the powder, using a wood dowel I seat an over powder card wad, then a cushion wad, pour in 1 1/8 oz. of shot from an antique shot dipper I picked up somewhere along the line, top with another over powder wad and then put about three small drops of CLEAR NON-FOAMING Gorilla glue on this top wad at the edge. Last, using a Q-tip sweep it around the wad edge. It dries making a nice seal with the inside of the brass case and holds everything together (note: this is the best glue I’ve tried, but do NOT use the brown foaming Gorilla glue as it pushes the wad up when dry and is awful to correct!). Firing removes any glue residue from the case. I picked up a particularly nice Remington 1889 double barrel with exposed hammers (damascus with exc. bores) and tried out my loads on some thrown clays. I’m not a good shot with a scattergun, but when I felt I was on, the clay targets broke as nicely as if I’d been using a modern smokeless shotgun. I used this double on a pheasant hunt last fall and did just fine with it. Truthfully, it made the hunt so much more fun I don’t know if I’d go again with one of my modern guns! Recently I tried the same shells in a Winchester 1887 Lever Action 12 ga. that was made in 1888. It fed beautifully and was a blast to shoot (no pun intended). The brass cases de-prime with a simple Lee type punch and clean up with hot soapy water. No resizing is required for the next loading. Pretty simple. The 12 ga. cases are 2 1/2″ long, which is exactly what a modern 2 3/4″ case measures LOADED AND UNFIRED. Remember, many of the older guns, like the Winchester 1887, have 2 5/8″ chambers. You don’t want to shoot a 2 3/4″ shell in them as they won’t be able to open up all the way causing pressures to jump etc. I don’t think Magtech offers brass cases in 10 ga. but they do in the smaller gauges. There are a lot of older shotguns out there that can often be purchased inexpensively and make wonderful shooters. Be sure to have any gun checked out by a gunsmith if you have doubts about it. With these brass cases and ease of loading, it’s worth trying. Buffalo Arms in Idaho sells the correct size wads for these brass cases- they actually take 11 ga. wads. If you give this a try, I think you’ll be glad you did- Bill Goodman
An interesting thing happened a few weeks ago that got me thinking… Here in Montana we had an early snow storm while most of the trees still had their leaves. As usually happens with these storms, lots of aspen and other tree branches broke under the weight of the snow. My brother called to have me come over to his place and help him cut up some branches. I arrived ready for action with my Home Depot purchased aluminum branch clippers. He met me at his garage holding MY FATHER’S OLD BRANCH CLIPPERS. So what’s the big deal? Well, I remember those clippers as a kid in the 1960s and I’m sure he owned them long before that. This tool was made of solid steel and had (wait for it…) riveted wood slab handles. This thing really had some weight to it! It also had a kind of double hinge for extra leverage cutting of larger diameter branches. It sure put my flimsy aluminum clipper to shame! I bet this solid steel beauty was made in the 1940s or maybe even before W.W.II. For all I know, it might have belonged to my grandfather! The point of all this is that it reminded me of why we all like antique/classic firearms. They too were made of steel and wood- no synthetics or alloys. They were made to last, and they have. My modern clippers are getting loose and worn. I was thinking of replacing it for another. Not my Dad’s clipper! It is generational. Same goes for the guns of that period and earlier. Not that I’m knocking modern firearms, but there’s something hard to describe about holding a Colt New Service or S&W .44 Hand Ejector revolver or shouldering a Winchester Model 71 .348 caliber… I know you get it or you wouldn’t be on this website.
William T. Goodman, 280 W. Kagy Blvd., Suite D #152, Bozeman, MT 59715 (406) 587-3131 fax (406) 219-3415 [email protected]