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 1/18/25. WATCH FOR FREQUENT POSTINGS THROUGH JANUARY.
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.
MARLIN (click text for photos).
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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.
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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) VERY FINE CONDITION UNALTERED SAVAGE 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.
6) 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.
7) 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.
8) HIGH CONDITION STEVENS NEW MODEL No. 40 POCKET RIFLE, .22 LONG RIFLE, WITH MATCHING NUMBER SHOULDER STOCK WITH DESIRABLE 18″ BARREL. Only about 15,000 of these were made from 1896-1916 in barrel lengths of 10″, 12″, 15″ and 18.” This example with serial number 25XXX on both the gun and shoulder stock is in superb condition. The half-octagon barrel is correctly marked near the breech and retains about all the deep blue. It is fitted with a globe front sight with pinhead plus a small blade on top of the globe (correct) as well as an unusual small aperture rear sight mounted in the factory dovetail that gives a remarkable sight picture combined with the globe front sight! The nickel plated frame and trigger guare retains about all the nickel with only a couple of miniscule spots of freckling. The grips are excellent and the shoulder stock also retains all the bright nickel with only one thumbnail spot of peeling on the inside of the rear butt section. Still good blue on the two rear frame screws, tight action and lock up and excellent bright bore! (Bores on these are usually a bit rough) This is one of the best of these I’ve seen and especially desirable with long 18″ barrel and exc. bore! $1395.
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) REMINGTON .50-70 UNUSUAL NICKEL FINISH NEW YORK STATE ROLLING BLOCK (see below in Remington section)
11) 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.
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)
RUGER (click text for photo),
1) SCARCE EARLY 10/22 SPORTER MODEL, #61XXX MADE 1966. This is a sought after limited production rifle only made for a few years that was an upgraded standard 10/22 carbine. The Sporter has a wider forend, more pronounced pistol grip with Ruger emblem in the pistol grip cap and a slight Monte Carlo rise in the stock for better scope sighting. It also lacked the barrel band of the standard carbine. Further, it has sling swivel including the front swivel inletted. Truly a classy, walnut stocked .22 rifle from the early days of Ruger. This one is in about new condition. $795.
2) 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.
3) LIMITED PRODUCTION NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK “BUCKEYE” CONVERTIBLE .38-40/10MM, MADE 1990. This was a special run of non-standard revolvers that feature all steel construction (unlike the standard Blackhawks with alloy frames). They were made for Buckeye Sports in Ohio and each is stamped with the “buckeye” on the top strap. They were made in .32-20 with extra .32 H&R Mag. cylinder or .38-40 with extra 10mm cylinder. This one has seen very limited use and is about new in the original box with both cylinders, owners manual etc. plus the correctly marked cardboard sleeve box. These don’t come up for sale very often. $1295.
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) ABSOLUTELY STUNNING, CUSTOM SHILOH SHARPS, MADE IN BIG TIMBER, MONTANA, 1874 No.1 SPORTER, #8XXX, SHPPED 1989. This spectacular No.1 Sporter in .40 2 1/4″ caliber (.40-70 BN- easily formed from shortened .45-90 brass) features as standard a shotgun butt, cheek piece, pistol grip and double set triggers. It was custom ordered with the following additional custom options: extra fancy (about presentation grade) walnut, AA finish on the wood, French Grey Finish on the receiver, hammer, lever and checkered steel butt plate (Note: French Grey Finish is now only offered for engraved rifles making those with French Grey scarce), Polished 32″ heavy half octagon barrel with no dovetail cut for rear barrel sight, checkering, accent line on the cheek piece, pewter forend tip, fire blued screws, Long range Soule tang sight with Hadley eye disc and windage adjustable spirit level globe front sight. Weight of this rifle is approx 12 1/4 lbs. Shiloh is currently in a 2 1/2 year back order situation with fancy rifles taking longer. At current catalog price (and the French Grey would not be an option) this rifle with sights would run approx. a little over $6300. It is in about new condition. inside and out. Not many around this nice! My price $5200.
2) COLLECTION OF FOUR (4) THOMPSON-CENTER MUZZLE LOADING RIFLES: (priced individually) All of these Made in the USA rifles are now discontinued and getting difficult to find, especially in nice condition: 1) Seneca “New England Half-stock Sporter” in .45 caliber, #41XXX. This is a lightweight version of the heavier Hawken rifle. brass mounted with a 27″ octagon barrel, adjustable rear sight, double set triggers, case colored engraved lock, walnut stock. These are particularly hard to find. All in lightly used condition with excellent bore and crowned muzzle. $595. 2) Hawken rifle, .50 caliber, #387XXX, brass mounted, double set triggers, adjustable rear sight, 28″ octagon barrel, case colored engraved lock, fancier than standard walnut, very ligthly used, exc. bore, $595. 3) Hawken rifle, scarce .45 caliber, 226XXX, (round ball for target or small game and like a .45-70 or .45-90 with a conical bullet!), near new overall, $595. SOLD 4) Renegade, .54 caliber percussion, #27XXX, 26″ heavy octagon barrel, shotgun butt, double set triggers, blued steel, case colored engraved lock, adjustable rear sight, and double set triggers. A great big game hunting rifle with either round ball or conical bullet, about new inside and out. $495. SOLD
3) C. SHARPS, BIG TIMBER, MONTANA MADE, CUSTOM 1885 HIGH WALL .45-70 OCTAGON RIFLE, #85-5XX. This beautiful rifle was made on a thick side High Wall action with single set trigger with adjustment screw. It features a pistol grip stock of rich, deep brown dense walnut quite a bit fancier than standard. It also has a checkered steel shotgun butt plate, cheek piece with accent line and schnable forend tip. The barrel is a No. 4 (and so marked on the bottom flat in front of the forend as on Winchester High Walls) 30″ octagon with no rear barrel dovetail. It is polished blue with the “OLD RELIABLE” stamping on top etc. The receiver has an octagon top and is beautifully case colored. It is fitted with a mid-range Soule tang sight with eye disc adjustable for aperture size and a globe front sight with built in spirit level that will take inserts. Weighs approx. 11 3/4 lbs. Excellent inside and out. Aside from some very minor handling marks that you’d have to search carefully to find, it’s about like new. Ready to go for the target range or field. Highest quality made here in Montana! $2950.
4) PARKER-HALE 1861 ENFIELD .577 CALIBER (.58 CAL.) CARBINE, #3XXX. These are truly beautifully made rifles and carbines that are just like the originals. The barrel is marked “PARKER-HALE LTD. BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND” with British proofs at the breech end and a circle “PARKER-HALE” stamped cartouche in the stock as well as the lock plate marked “1861 ENFIELD.” The European walnut stock is excellent, brass butt plate , forend cap and trigger guard, military ladder rear sight, polished blue barrel and barrel bands, case colored hammer and lock, bayonet lug on the right side of the 24″ barrel (measured from the muzzle to the rear of the bolster where the upper tang begins. Complete with cleaning rod, tight action, exc. bore. Just a little corrosion that was cleaned off around the nipple area. These beautiful carbines are great shooters and are hard to find. (Note: what looks like a crack in the wrist of the stock is only the wood grain) $1150.
5) 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.
SMITH AND WESSON (click text for photos)
1) HIGH CONDITION NEW MODEL No. 3 .44 RUSSIAN CALIBER REVOVER, 6 1/2″ NICKEL, #22234. This was the final top break large frame from S&W and was considered their finest. Many of the best target shooters of the day chose this model S&W for competition and it set numerous records. This fine example made in the 1880s retains most of the original bright nickel finish with only some minor spotting on the cylinder and a few very small areas on the rear of the barrel that are too minor to really describe. Fine case color on the hammer and on the most protected portions of the trigger guard. Fine blue on the barrel latch, unaltered front sight, exc. grips, matching numbers on the cylinder, frame, latch and barrel, exc. bore, tight mechanically, exc. bore, sharp markings. These are getting hard to find especially in this excellent condition. $3450.
2) 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.
3) UNUSUAL SHORT BARREL .32 S&W LONG CALIBER REGULATION POLICE REVOLVER WITH 3 1/4″ BARREL, #364XXX, MADE 1922-1923. Made from 1917-1941, the Regulation Police series was different from the typical .32 Hand Ejector series in that the back strap is cut back so that oversized grips could be fitted that cover the butt of the revolver for a better grip. They were offered in 3 1/4,” 4 1/4″ and 6″ barrel lengths. Most that I have seen are in the 4 1/4″ length with less in 6″ and almost none in 3 1/4.” The reason is fairly obvious, since the short barrel version would be used for concealment use, most people who wanted this length would buy the standard .32 Hand Ejector with small rounded grips. This revolver was intended for police use as well as field use, so again, the short barrel doesn’t make much sense with large grips. All numbers match on the frame (located on the front strap on this model as the butt is covered by the grips), cylinder, barrrel and inside the grips. It retains nearly all the blue with only some slight wear/freckling on the top strap edge etc. Barely a cylinder line and the front of the cylinder still shows about all the blue. The excellent grips have sharp checkering and are crisply stamped on the bottom with the 1917 patent markings. Exc. markings and exc. case colors on the hammer and trigger. Bright bore may have some minor scattered surface corrosion that may just clean out. Overall an excellent example of that superb between-the-world-wars hand fitted craftsmanship. A seldom seen short barrel variant. $795.
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) 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.
7) SUPERB CONDITION .38 DOUBLE ACTION PERFECTED MODEL, RARE 6″ BARREL, #33XXX. This was the last of the top-break .38 S&W caliber revolvers and is unique in that it has the old style barrel latch at the rear of the top strap PLUS the modern slide thumb release (normally pushed forward to swing the cylinder out). This model takes two hands to open! Only 59,400 of these were produced between 1909-1920 in the serial range of 1-59400. This example appears to be a mid-production revolver, however , according to the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Supica & Nahas, “#42566 used by Floyd Allen in a daring getaway in a Hillsville, VA courthouse on March 14, 1912…he killed at least six people including the judge. Allen died in the VA electric chair on March 28, 1913.” I included this to show that the serial number on this example is lower than the mentioned revolver and may have been manufactured earlier than 1912. Additionally, this book states, “This model was reportedly popular in Central and South America, with many exported, making it somewhat scarce in the U.S.” Most of this model’s production was made in blue finish, this one is nickel. Barrel lengths were 3 1/4″, 4″, 5″ and 6″. Most I’ve seen were 3 1/4″ or 4″. This is the first 6″ example I’ve encountered. I hage no idea how many 6″ nickel revolvers were made, but it can’t be many. This one retains about all the original nickel with only one tiny patch of peeling just behind the front sight on the barrel rib- hardly worth mentioning. Matching numbers on the frame, barrel latch, barrel, cylinder and inside the grips. Good case color on the hammer and trigger and deep blue on the latch. Excellent mechanically, bright exc. bore. A rare model with a rare finish and a rare barrel length…all in superior condition. $1295.
8) 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.
9) 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.
10) 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.
11) 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) RARE LATE FIRST MODEL 1873 SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR RIFLE, .45-70, #83XXX, MADE 1878. This is a really interesting late First Model transition when the improvements were being made to the later 1877 Model. This one still has the early markings of the First Model on the lock plate and high arch breech block. Importantly, it also has the short comb/long wrist stock of the First Model. It also has the two click tumbler in the lock and the rear sight base is graduated to “4” on the side, yet has the 1877 ladder graduated to 1100 yards. The barrel retains fine deep blue while the lock, breech block and hammer show the corrrect black oil quenched case hardening. There is still fine blue on the trigger guard with only minor wear. The U.S. marked butt plate has a small rack number stamped behind the top screw behind the U.S. marking. Correct cleaning rod intact. Wood is generally excellent and solid with only an age crack coming foreard from the lock plate screws on the left side. Also very importantly, there is the oval “ESA” script stock cartouche without a date underneath the initials (The Model 1877 has the date, but not the earlier Model 1873). Action is crisp and the bore is generally fine+ to excellent with any roughness scattered and minor. This is a very fine,condition, unaltered early Indian Wars rifle. Very difficult to find like this. $1595.
3) SELDOM OFFERED 1899 KRAG PHILIPPINE CONSTABULARY RIFLE. These interesting carbine/rifles started out as .30-40 caliber Model 1899 Krag Carbines. They were then pulled from service and fitted into cut down 1898 rifle stocks to make them into “short rifles” for the Philippine Constabulary. The muzzles were turned down to accept bayonets and the end of the stock under the front barrel band/bayonet attachment were perfectly fitted with rectangular walnut fillers. This is a good way to tell if the rifle is a real Philippine Constabulary rifle or something made-up to look like one. When done by the arsenal the turned down muzzle and wood filler are done expertly. Also, the action needs to be dated 1899 (only used on carbines). This fine example shows fine stock and handguard with the cartouche remaining on the wrist with circle P on bottom and a rack numbet stamped in the wood under the bolt handle (K115). This area also has a faint hair-line crack coming back from the box magazine that goes nowhere and the wood is solid- looks like a scratch. Mottled receiver with fine markings and thinning blue barrel. Exc. bright bore. $2150.
4) REMINGTON NEW YORK STATE CONTRACT .50-70 ROLLING BLOCK RIFLE FULL NICKEL PLATE (see above in Remington section)
5) WINCHESTER 1895 U.S. MUSKET, MADE 1898 (see below in Winchester 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) ANTIQUE 1873 .44-40 CALAIBER MUSKET, #489XXX, MADE 1895. Many of these 1873 muskets were made after the turn of the 20th century mainly for export and are not considered “antique” Pre-1899 Winchesters. This early example still retains fine blue on the receiver that is lightly mixing plum/brown mainly on the edges. The 30″ barrel blue is aged and mixing plum/brown with original military style rear sight and excellent sharp markings. Original dust cover, tight action with strong safety half-cock on the hammer. Fine walnut butt stock and forend with only normal light handling marks and tight wood to metal fit. Correct swivels and best of all a bright, sharp excellent bore. One of the better examples from the 1890s. $3250.
3) SELDOM SEEN MODEL 1883 THIRD MODEL HOTCHKISS .45-70 MUSKET, #81XXX, MADE 1895. This was the final iteration of the bolt action repeating Winchesters. This model is rarely encountered as Winchester made 56,504 muskets (along with a few sporters and carbines) with the bulk of them being exported abroad, especially to China. Totally different in appearance than the first and second models, the Third is certainly the most handsome. This example has no foreign proofs or military markings and was no doubt sold on the U.S. market. The receiver is an attractive mottled gray/brown and shows no signs of being cleaned. The lower tang has all the correct Winchester Hotchkiss markings. the 28″ barrel with cleaning rod is an aged and uncleaned gray/brown with some scattered light freckling. Winchester address and .45-70 caliber markings are clear. Correct military style rear sight. Wood is solid and shows normal handling marks. Action functions properly and the magazine tube in the butt stock retains the correct brass follower etc. Bore is bright and excellent! Complete with military leather sling. One of the most difficult to find Winchesters in any condition. $2950.
4) 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.
5) SPECIAL ORDER 1886 .40-82 CALIBER WITH EXTRA LENGTH 28″ OCTAGON BARREL, #61XXX, SHIPPED 1891. This one comes with a Cody Museum Call-In sheet verifying the barrel length etc. Interestingly, this one was received in the warehouse October 7, 1891 but not shipped until August 18, 1892. I assume this was a cancelled order that sat for ten months until the next order for one was received. This rifle is in true “attic condition” having excellent screw heads and shows no cleaning, steel wooling etc. The receiver is an untouched mottled gray/brown. The barrel and magazine show a soft aged and thinning blue mixing heavily with brown with a little more brown on the mag tube. Excellent markings on barrel and upper tang. Wood shows normal light handling marks with tight wood to metal fit. Barrel is fitted with a buckhorn rear sight with small blade front sight. Tight action with strong safety half-cock. Bore shows strong rifling with light scatterred corrosion. According to The Winchester Handbook by Madis, only 478 1886 rifles were made with barrel longer than the standard 26″. The .40-82 cartridge was the .45-90 case necked to take .40 caliber bullets and was considered a very powerful round. A scarce almost 134 year old Winchester with attractive appearance. $2950
6) 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.
7) 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.
8) 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.
9) ONE OF THE VERY LAST OF THE GREAT 1892 RIFLES, .38-40 ROUND BARREL, #995XXX, MADE 1930. This was the beginning of the Great Depression a year after the 1929 Stock Market Crash. In 1930 Winchester made a total of 491 Model 1892 rifles and carbines combined. For comparison, in 1926 18,898 were produced. After 1930 until the production ceased for World War II in 1941 production for this model never went much higher than 600-800 per year with some years not even reaching 200! Probably more carbines were made during these years making the rifles very scarce and seldom encountered. This one retains most of the deep blue on the barrrel and magazine. The receiver has flaked to gray which is typical of receivers produced during this time. The bolt retains exc. bright blue. Screw heads are excellent, action is tight with strong safety half-cock. Exc. wood with tight wood to metal fit. Original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and Winchester blade front sight. Bright excellent bore. These Great Depression Era 1892s rarely show up. $2150.
10) SPECIAL ORDER 1894 .38-55 SADDLE RING CARBINE WITH SHOTGUN BUTT, #310XXX, MADE 1906. Very fine example that retains fine receiver blue on both sides with some light freckling and some edge wear. Good blue on the bolt shows some wear, exc. screw heads, saddle ring intact. Fine deep barrel and mag blue with just a little thinning on the barrel top. Exc. markings, correct carbine ladder sight with slide intact. Fine stock and forend with tight wood to metal fit. The toe of the Winchester embossed hard rubber shotgun butt plate is chipped for about 1/4″. Tight action, solid safety half-cock on the hammer and excellent sharp bore. A hard to find caliber in this nice condition special order 118 year old ’94. $2650.
11) 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.
12) CLASSIC 1894 SADDLE RING CARBINE, .30WCF, #908XXX, MADE 1920. After almost 105 years, a good serviceable ’94 SRC, this one has a typically gray receiver where the blue has flaked (this era ’94 had receivers that were case hardened and finished in a way in which the blue finish did not hold well and most are now found with little or no blue). The barrel shows good lightly aged and thinning blue with exc. markings, correct carbine ladder rear sight with slide intact and “double blade” front sight- I’ve seen this on a number of ’94s of this vintage and can’t quite understand the advantage over the standard smaller blade front sight. Mag tube mostly brown, solid stock and forend have been lightly sanded, good blue on the loading gate, tight action, solid safety half-cock, bore is a little dark with strong rifling. $1150.
13) VERY EARLY PRODUCTION 1894 TAKEDOWN, .38-55 ROUND BARREL FULL MAG RIFLE WITH SLING EYES, BRITISH PROOFED, #90XX, MADE 1895. This is an interesting rifle as it was fitted with fancier than standard walnut which was fairly typical of special order rifles like takedowns etc. The sling eyes appear to be factory original as the front swivel is correctly in the forene cap and the rear one is positioned correctly. The right side of the barrel has a line of British proofs and markings with one small proof mark on the forward portion of the receiver. The receiver is mostly gray with some light blue on the loading gate and generally fine screw heads. Barrel and mag tube are an aged and uncleaned gray/brown with buckhorn rear sight and small blade front sight. Wood has a smooth feel to it so I assume it was lightly gone over, but not sanded (probably steel wooled lightly). Wood to metal fit is good. Action is tight as is the takedown, half-cock holds securely and the bore is surprisingly fine+ with sharp rifling and only some very minor scattered spots of pitting- usually these early rifles have typically corroded black powder bores. Lots of history in this one. No telling were it may have been- India or Africa probably. Hard to find an earlier takedown 1894. $2650.
13) MODEL 1895 RARITY! U.S. GOVERNMENT MARKED/INSPECTED MUSKET, .30-40 CAL., #17XXX, MADE 1898. The U.S. Government ordered 10,000 of these for the Spanish American War in 1898. Except for 100 that went to the Philippines, they were never issued and in 1906 got sold as surplus to a major dealer of the time who sold them to Cuba. Soon after, many found their way to Mexico. Bruce Canfields book THE WINCHESTER IN THE SERVICE has good information on these and he states: “The U.S. surcharged M1895 muskets and carbines are rarely seen today. Almost without exception, the few guns that do appear on the market from time to time are in well worn condition. It has been reported that many of these guns which had been sent to Cuba in 1906 eventually found their way to Mexico where they were subjected to a great deal of use and apparent abuse…” Understandable, as the Mexican Revolution ran from 1910 to 1920. This is a fine example that has the correct large “U.S.” stamping on the receiver ring as well as the “K.S.M.” inspector stamping on the hammer, lever etc. The barrel shows good aged blue mixing brown with original sights, bayonet lug front barrel band etc. Finematching handguard, forearm and stock with good wood to metal fit and correct swivels etc. The receiver has fine markings and is a similar aged blue mixing brown patina with better blue in the morre protected areas and on the magazine sides and bolt. Tight action with excellent sharp bore that is only a little dark and NOT pitted. The half-cock safety is a little weak, but holds unless the trigger is pulled hard. Not many of these are in collections and this is a very decent antique example. $3850.
114) VERY FINE CONDITIION 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.
15) 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.
16) 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.
17) 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.
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) SCARCE MODEL 57 .22 LR BOLT RIFLE WITH LYMAN 42W RECEIVER SIGHT, #23XXX, MADE 1931. This was a lighter weight target model that was introduced in 1926 and discontinued in 1936. Only 19,281 were made and unaltered, fine condition examples are hard to find. This one has the correct Lyman receiver sight, folding leaf rear sight and blade front sight. The barrel band has the correct patent marking and all barrel markings are sharp. It has not been drilled/tapped for scope or altered in any way. The stock is generally excellent and shows only light handling. It retains most of the original finish and is fitted with the correct checkered steel butt plate. The barrel shows some scattered brown/flaking mainly ahead of the receiver, but has not been steel-wooled or cleaned. Action is tight. Complete with Winchester marked 5-round magazine. Trigger guard/bottom metal blue aged/mixing heavily brown-gray. Bore is bright and excellent. A very difficult to find 94 year old Winchester .22 LR repeater. These often found with the Lyman sight missing. This is one of the better ones I’ve seen. $950.
20) VERY HIGH CONDITION MODEL 63 .22 LONG RIFLE AUTO LOADING RIFLE, #77XXX, MADE 1948. Unquestionably the classiest .22 LR auto loader ever manufactured by Winchester (or perhaps anyone), the Model 63 has an appeal that is hard to explain- has to be seen and held to be apprreciated. This fairly early Post-War example retains about all the blue with excellent wood etc. You’d have to look carefully to find any tiny blemish. Even the checkered steel butt plate retains about all the blue with only a touch of edge wear. Original sights, near new inside and out. Pretty amazing for a 76 year old .22 that usually saw a lot of use and shooting. These seem to be rapdily going up in value and desirability in all states of condition. This is a beauty. $1295.
21) 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]