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BILL GOODMAN, 280 W. KAGY BLVD. SUITE D #152, BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59715

TEL. (406) 587-3131 FAX (406) 219-3415

EMAIL: montanaraven@hotmail.com

 

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 7/26/24. WATCH FOR FREQUENT POSTINGS  THROUGH  JULY.

 

 

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 19^th and early 20^th 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) FINE CONDITION BISLEY IN SCARCE .41 COLT CALIBER WITH 4 3/4″ BARREL, #219XXX, MADE 1901. Of the 44,350 Bisley Models made, only 3,159 were in .41 Colt making it the most rare of the standard calibers for the Single Action/Bisley Models (.32-20, 38-40, 41 Colt, .44-40 and .45 Colt). This is a particularly nice example that shows fine deep barrel blue with the usual gray on the left side from holster carry. Similarly, the ejector housing also shows fine blue on the top and bottom section with gray on the outer edge. The cylinder shows deep blue in the flutes with the balance good thinning blue. There is also good blue on the sides and front of the trigger guard, on the butt and protected areas of the grip straps. Screws are excellent and still retain good fire blue. The frame retains light and cloudy case colors on the left side with the right side a cloudy mottled gray. Grips fit perfectly and only show wear to the lower edge on the right side. Tight action, four clicks to the hammer and bright exc. bore. Matching numbers and excellent markings including the correct two line barrel address. Front sight has not been altered. A most attractive and scarce 123 year old Bisley that recently came out of Arizona. $2950.

2) COLT’S FIRST MEDIUM FRAME SIDE-SWING CYLINDER TARGET MODEL IS THIS OFFICERS MODEL WITH LEFT TURNING CYLINDER BUILT ON THE OLD NEW ARMY & NAVY .38 DA MILITARY MODEL, .38 SPECIAL, #290XXX, MADE 1907. These distinctive revolvers are easy to spot as they have the double row of locking notches on the outside of the cylinder enabling the cylinder to turn in a counter clockwise direction (often alled “left wheelers). Correct checkered walnut grips without the Colt medallions, checkered back strap and trigger, flat top frame with target sights. These earliest target models have the last patent date on the barrel of 1901 and on the left side of the barrel have “OFFICERS MODEL COLT D.A. 38”. Excellent overall condition with just the lightest of carry/handling wear- a spot of gray at the muzzle, light edge wear on the cylinder and a little thinning of the blue on the right side of the frame between the trigger and hammer. Interestingly, this one has the name “COX” lightly scratched into the butt between two tiny holes in which I assume a very small identification plate was once affixed. Inside each grip panel, aside from the matching assembly number, is “L-H COX, WATERLOO, GA. in pencil. The previous owner thought Cox had something to do with Georgia railroads. Overall, an interesting, high condition 117 year old Colt Target model whose history is worth investigating. A Colt letter might prove valuable on this one. (4 photos) $795

3)  NEW SERVICE “SHOOTING MASTER” .38 SPECIAL TARGET REVOLVER, #337XXX, MADE IN THE MOST DIFFICULT YEAR OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION- 1933. This was the culmination of the target New Service line and differs from the earlier models as this is a totally redesigned revolver that is more than the earlier flat top variation. The Shooting Master has a rounded grip frame and a barrel length of 6.” The standard caliber was .38 Special which was the most popular for bullseye matches at the time. During the 1930s Colt had to let go of many of its workers and kept only the most skilled gunsmiths and craftsmen. Since production was so small, a great deal of time could be spent on each revolver, with the target versions being meticulously fit, tuned and finished. The action and trigger on these has to be felt to be fully appreciated. This example is in excellent+ condition inside and out. It features factory checkered back strap, front strap and trigger. It retains nearly all the original deep blue with only a touch of wear at the muzzle and just a touch of wear at the forward portion of the trigger guard bottom. It also retains all the glare cutting stipled/matte blue on the top strap, around the hanmer and the hammer top. The grips are excellent with sharp checkering and one “impressed” area below the Colt medallion on the left side- still has good checkering in this spot. Small two-line scratch in the bottom of the right grip at the butt, meaning unknown (initial?) and minor. Even the front of the cylinder face retains about all the blue indicating that this revolver was rarely if ever shot. Mirror bright bore and super tight action with light jtrigger pull. Colt’s finest revolver then and now! $3250.

4) ARMY SPECIAL .32-20 CALIBER WITH DESIRABLE 6″ BARREL, #589XXX, MADE 1927. Fine example with perfect bore and exceptionally tight action with no movement to the cylinder upon lock-up. Fine blue with just normal thinning on grip straps and toward the muzzle on the barrel. Cylinder shows some light thinning on the outside edge. Nice fire blue on the hammer back and trigger. Exc. markings, grips appear to be a correct replacement that fit fairly well with some slight overhang at the butt that could easily be polished down- minor. Unaltered front sight. Made the year Charles Lindbergh flew solo across the Atlantic for the first time in his single engine plane THE SPIRIT OF ST. LOUIS. ! Most of these revolvers that were chambered in .32-20 instead of the standard .38 Special were used by outdoorsmen who paired them with .32-20 rifles/carbines. Hence, it is not uncommon to find .32-20 revolvers in much used and often abused condition.  This is a nice one. $695.

5) HIGH CONDITION LATE GREAT DEPRESSION ERA OFFICERS MODEL HEAVY BARREL .38 SPECIAL TARGET REVOLVER, #630XXX, MADE 1939. As I always say, the Depression era Colts and S&Ws were some of the highest quality handguns every built as each was meticulously hand fitted and tuned- especially the high end target models. Checkered back strap and trigger. This one has seen very little use and shows about all the blue on the face of the cylinder, which is a good indication that it was shot very little if at all. Retains nearly all the blue and you’d have to look closely to find any little scratches in the frame (photo light picked up these, as well as some oil on the front of the frame, otherwise hard to see) , or front strap or a small dulling spot on the barrel top. Super nice for an 85 year old Colt made to be shot frequrntly in the bullseye matches of the time. Sharply checkered walnut grips, “bank vault” tight action, bright bore etc. These are still a bargain for now, but interest in these Pre-War and early Post-War revolvers is seriously picking up- I think people are finally getting bored with polymer 9mm semi-autos. This kind of quality will probably never be made again. $1295.

6) EXTREMELY RARE VARIATION OFFICERS MODEL HEAVY BARREL IN LIMITED PRODUCTION .32 NEW POLICE CALIBER (SAME AS .32 S&W LONG), #646XXX, MADE 1940. Almost all of production of this model from the early 1900s through the 1960s was in .22 Long Rifle or .38 Special. A run of a few hundred in .32 caliber was produced just before World War II and then all production halted for the war effort. The .32 was never put back in production after the war. This example appears unfired. It retains about all the blue including on the front face of the cylinder. The cylinder does not even have a drag line. This revolver shows typical Pre-War, late Depression Era quality with checkered back strap and trigger, hand tuned action etc. Only one miniscule corner chip to the right front grip at the extreme bottom forward corner- almost too minor to mention and you’d have to look for it to find it. About as nice as one could hope to find and these don’t turn up often! $1950.

7) 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! $1895

 

MARLIN (click text for photos).

 

1) EXTREMELY RARE AND UNUSUAL SPECIAL ORDER MODEL 1889 WITH  32 INCH OCTAGON  BARREL IN SCARCE .32-20 CALIBER, #34XXX, MADE 1890. The Model 1889 was made in .32-20; .38-40 and .44-40 calibers. Of these the .32-20 was the least produced with only 15,441 made. Standard barrel length was 24″ and only 99 were made (in all calibers) with a 32″ barrel. With this, one can conclude that there can’t be more than a handful ever made in .32-20 with 32″ oct. barrel; and of these there can’t be many that exist today. This example shows good lightly aged blue on the barrel. with some minor light freckling. The magazine, which is 28″  was the longest length offered, so all 30″ and 32″  barrel rifles have this shorter magazine, shows very aged blue to brown. Similarly, the receiver is an aged and uncleaned blue/plum. Markings are sharp, buckhorn and blade sights. Fine+ wood with tight wood to metal fit, tight action, strong safety half-cock, dark bore with a ring in the barrel about 2 1/2 inches from the muzzle. A super rare Marlin. $2950.

2) 1893 TAKEDOWN OCTAGON RIFLE IN  .30-30, #318XXX, MADE 1905. A fine example showing deep even blue on the barrel and magazine with only normal light age. The receiver is a mottled gray/brown with excellent screw heads and some good blue on the loading gate. Original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and small blade front sight. Exc. markings, tight action and takedown, strong safety half-cock on the hammer, and excllent bore. Stock and forend are excellent with tight wood to metal fit showing only very light handling. A nice 119 year old Takedown 1893, $1795.

3) UNUSUAL, SPECIAL ORDER MODEL 1893 .30-30 SHORT RIFLE. One of the more interesting and strange 1893s I’ve had in a while. It is a late Model 1893 (Marked 1893 on the upper tang and NOT ’93) that has the letter prefix serial number (C9XXX). Normally, this era rifle would have the carbine shaped steel “S” butt plate, but this one has the earlier style crescent rifle butt plate that is numbered on the inside and matches the receiver. So, this was special ordered. It also has a 24″ round barrel with half magazine. Again, special ordered as standard length was 26″ with a full magazine, and the muzzle has the correct factory crown. It is also fitted with a Lyman 21 long receiver sight and blade/bead front sight. There is a blank filler in the rear sight dovetail. Wood is generally excellent showing only light handling. The barrel retains most of the original blue and shows excellent markings. Good blue on the mag. tube with some thinning on the bottom portion. The receiver shows vivid case color around and under the Lyman receiver sight on the left side with the balance on that side still good with light fading only. Fine case color on the MARLIN SAFETY marked receiver top. The right side shows good fading/cloudy colors. Fine blue on the loading gate. Tight action, strong safety half-cock and exc. bore. An unusual 1893 probably made around 1910 or before, in particularly fine conditiion. $2250.

4) HIGH CONDITION MODEL 27S .25-20 PUMP ACTION OCTAGON RIFLE. This is an interesting model that was first introduced as the Model 27 in 1909 and changed around 1913 to the Model 27S. It was ofered in .25 Rim Fire, .25-20 and .32-20 calibers. The improvement came in the form of a sliding button on the right side of the frame that facilitated unloading live rounds from the magazine. With a fully loaded rifle, the button was pushed forward while also pushing forward on the firing pin while the hammer was cocked. The forend or pump would then unlock and move rearward for ejecting live shells. All Model 27/27S rifles were made as takedowns. The Model 27S was made from about 1913-1932- another casualty of the Great Depression. Ths example with 24″ octagon barrel is in excellenbt overall condition and retains nearly all the receiver, barrel and magazine blue with only some very light thinning on the bolt and some equally light edge wear. All markings are sharp and the stock and forend are excellent. Original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and ivory bead/blade front sight. Exc. bright bore. Tight action. Note: the two holes in the left side of the receiver are factory and hold internal parts, they are NOT gunsmith drilled sidemount holes. The upper tang is also drilled and tapped for a tang sight and retains the correct original filler screws. “SPECIAL SMOELESS STEEL” marked on the side of the barrel.  Exc. stock and forend. This model has no visible serial numbers. A particularly fine example. $1395.

5) SCARCE MODEL 336A 24″ RIFLE IN DESIRABLE .35 REM. CALIBER, #G59XXX, MADE 1950. This is a really fine example, now 74 years old! Excellent Unaltered stock and forearm with Marlin embossed butt plate.  Buckhorn rear sight with ramped blade/bead front sight. Overall retains about all the blue even on the forend cap and lever etc. Wavy-line receiver top has not been drilled. These are hard to find in either .30-30 or .35 Rem. with the latter difficult to locate. About as nice as one could hope to find and priced about what a new Ruger made 336 in .30-30 would cost (Ruger doesn’t offer a .35 Rem.). $1395.

 

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) THE RAREST AND HARDEST TO FIND OF THE JM MARKED LIMITED PRODUCTION NORTH HAVEN, CT MADE RIFLES IS THIS 1894CB “COWBOY LIMITED” 20″ OCTAGON RIFLE IN .32 H&R MAGNUM CHAMBERING, #95203XXX, MADE 2005. I’m not sure how many of these were made, but couldn’t be many as they almost never show up anyplace. They are unique in the 1894 line as they don’t have a loading gate and instead load through the magazine tube like the Model 39 .22 rifles and carbines. This example appears about like new having seen little to no use. $2150.

2) EARLY JM MARKED MODEL 1894 .44 MAG. #71-157XXX, MADE 1971. This 53 year old Marlin has the gold/bronze trigger and matching saddle ring. At this time there were no safeties built in aside from the half-cock on the hammer. Factory drilled and tapped (with filler screws) on the receiver top as well as on the receiver side for a side-mounted receiver sight. 20″ barrel is fitted with elevation bar adjustable buckhorn rear sight and hooded front sight. No warning markings on the barrrel. Has a quick detachable swivel stud in the stock and a matching magazine band stud with locking swivels and Butler Creek sling with cartridge slide. Excellent inside and out showing only the lightest of handling marks. A classic especially with the saddle ring. $995.

 

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. $9850

2) 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. $550.

3) GORGEOUS, CUSTOM STOCKED/RESTORED STEVENS .22 LR MODEL 44, #55618. The work on this one was done so well, it’s hard to tell what is original finish and what has been redone. The receiver case , lever and butt plate colors are slightly faded and appear to be original  (but may be re-applied) as does deep blue on the medium weight half-octagon barrel. The barrel measures 23 1/2″ so it is possible that it was cut back 1/2″ and recrowned. The bore is perfect and does not appear relined, unless it was done so well as to be invisible. The action is extremely tight and snaps into place when the lever is lifted. It is also fitted with a Lyman style tang sight and a globe front sight that will accept inserts. The rear sight dovetail is empty. Matching numbers on the receiver and barrel. The best part is the wood which is exceptionally fancy walnut with AAA finish that has half-moon panels on the stock and forend. The forend also has a nicely shaped schnable tip. Screws are excellent and all markings are sharp and clear. A truly spectacular Stevens .22 LR sporter. The wood alone would cost a fortune to purchase, fit and finish. $2150.

4) REMINGTON .50-70 UNUSUAL NICKEL FINISH NEW YORK STATE ROLLING BLOCK (see below in Remington section)

 

MODERN AND /OR OUT OF PRODUCTION FIREARMS 

1) ONE OF THE MOST RARE AND UNUSUAL AMERICAN MADE AUTO PISTOL: J. KIMBALL ARMS CO. .30 CARBINE CAL. AUTO PISTOL, ONLY 250-300 WERE MADE IN 1955. This Detroit, Michigan company attempted to produce a pistol for the popular .30 M1 Carbine round. During this time surplus ammo was cheap and readily available. However, there were problems with the basic design of this pistol and the company went out of business soon after production began. This example with adjustable target rear sight and serial number 1X IS BRAND NEW IN THE ORIGINAL BOX WITH OWNERS MANUAL! The box is in excellent condition with only some normal scuffs and handling. All end and top markings are sharp and clear. The owners manual is also fine. Even the most advanced auto pistol collections probably lack one of these. Of those that still exist, this may be the best. $3850.

2) BROWNING BELGIAN MADE “NOMAD” .22LR AUTO PISTOL, DESIRABLE 6 3/4″ BARREL, #16XXXP69, MADE 1969. Retains about all the original blue with perhaps a touch of edge wear you’d have to look carefully to find. Adjustable sights, Browning grips and Browning marked magazine. Exc. inside and out. These superb quality all steel pistols are a joy to shoot! Made 1962-1974. Compared to what’s being made today it is a bargain at $695.

 

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! $1495.

2) REMINGTON HEPBURN OCTAGON SPORTING RIFLE IN SCARCE .32-40 CALIBER, #7XXX, MADE C.1890. This is a transition rifle that has the ebony inlay in the forend tip instead of the earlier steel tip. Interestingly, the butt plate serial number and the receiver number are exactly one number away from the number on the barrel and forend. No doubt a factory mix-up. This one has a 30″ medium weight octagon barrel with correct Remington crown at the muzzle ( Remington bevelled the octagon sharp edge at the muzzle- a good way to tell if a Remington barrel has been cut). Fine lightly aged deep barrel blue and excellent Remington markings on the barrel top with “32 . 40″ on the bottom flat just ahead of the forend tip. The receiver shows just a little case color by the lever, the left side of the receiver is a cloudy gray with a hint of color. Very tight action, correct Remington patent dates on the lower left side of the receiver. There is a filler in the rear sight dovetail and it is fitted with a globe with pinhead front sight and a later Marble tang sight. Appears to be one tiny hole just in front of the upper tang screw with filler screw in it- barely visible. Wood is fine with one very thin crack coming forward from the center of the butt plate for about 2 1/2” on each side, but goes no further. When I removed the butt plate to check the serial number I saw where a hole had been drilled where this crack is and the hole was filled with glue to stabalize the crack (which is fairly minor anyway). Sharp checkering on the pistol grip, very tight action, EXCELLENBT SHARP BORE. This is a seldom seen, desirable caliber in the Hepburn model. $2750.

3) 1871 ROLLING BLOCK PISTOL .50 CAL. (see below in Springfield/U.S. Military section)

 

RUGER (click text for photo),

1) OLD MODEL SINGLE SIX .22LR/.22 MAG CONVERTIBLE, 5 1/2″ BARREL, #436XXX, MADE 1960s. Fine condition Three-screw revolver that has NOT been converted to new model. Retains almost all the blue with just some muzzle wear on the left side and a smudge at the bottom of the back strap edge. It is fitted with high grade walnut oversize grips. On the inside is printed “A GENUINE HERRETT’S MODEL RX.”  Grips show only light wear. Tight action, excellent bright bore, extra .22 mag cylinder is also excellent and shows about all the blue. Classic early Ruger Single Six in very fine condition. $695.

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.

 

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) HARRINGTON AND RICHARDSON .45-70 OFFICERS MODEL TRAPDOOR SPRINGFIELD. I am always on the lookout for these fine rifles that were made in the U.S.A. in the late 1970s. They are beautifully made faithful replicas of the Springfield Officers Models made in the 1870s as personal hunting rifles for officers stationed in the west. This is a particularly attractive example with rich brown oil finished walnut stock that is checkered at the wrist and forearm. The case colored butt plate, trigger guard, hammer, breech block, lock plate, receiver ring, hammer, and barrel band are nicely engraved, as were the originals. The barrel is richly blued with “U.S. SPRINGFIELD MODEL 1873″ on one side with the H&R U.S.A. address on the other. Pewter tip is also engraved and the original wiping rod is intact uner the 26” barrel. Sporting tang sight (like the originals) with blade/bead front sight. This one with serial number 5XXX is in about new condition inside and out. As I always say, compmared to other rifles of this type for sale, these are one of the best bargains on the black powder/replica rifle market these days- and made in the U.S.A., not an import. These are getting hard to find, especially in this condition. $1295.

2) C. SHARPS MODEL 1875 “TARGET” .45-70 RIFLE.  Made right here in Big Timber, Montana, these fine rifles come in several configurations. This one is the “Target” model with 30″ heavy tapered round barrel, pistol grip and shotgun butt. All 1875s have light and crisp single triggers making them excellent target or hunting rifles. The 1875 was an experimental action made in the last years of the Sharps Rifle Company in the late 1870s-1881 when they went out of business. It was never put into production, but C. Sharps of Montana resurrected it and offered it beginning in the early 1980s. This one with serial number 75-3XXX is in about new condition and doesn’t  look to have been used. It has the C. Sharps markings along with the iconic OLD RELIABLE marking as found on late 1870s original Sharps. The wood is standard straight grain walnut with “SHARPS OLD RELIABLE” embossed butt plate. It has an empty front sight dovetail (a blade front sight is included loose) and no rear sight dovetail with the upper tang drilled and tapped for a tang sight. Blued barrel with case colored receiver and lever. Weighs approx. 11 1/4 lbs without sights. The 1875 is an extremely strong action great for black powder or smokeless loads. The catalog price on one like this is a little over $1920 with a build/wait time. Here’s a way to enjoy a big U.S. made .45-70 Sharps without spending a fortune. Less expensive than most foreign made replicas! These shoot great. $1595.

3) TWO (2) JONATHAN BROWNING PERCUSSION MUZZLE LOADING HAWKEN STYLE RIFLES, .50 AND .54 CALIBER. These great American made rifles date to the 1970s-early 1980s and are now hard to find.  (I have one I’ve been shooting since I bought it new!) Both of these are the desirable iron mounted versions- they were also available with brass furniture. They featurre walnut stocks with cheek pieces, adjustable single set triggers, double-key forends with 30″ medium heavy barrels. Browned barrels, trigger guards, butt plates and tangs.  These examples are in excellent condition inside and out with bright exc. bores. Aside from some very light and minor handling marks that you’d have to look carefully to find, they appear near new. They have original adjustable rear sights and blade front sights. The .50 is priced at $1195 and the .54 is priced at $1295. Top in photo is the .50, bottom is the .54.

 

SMITH AND WESSON (click text for photos)

 

1) HIGH CONDITIION 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. $3650.

2) HIGH CONDITION NICKEL WITH MEDALLION PEARL GRIPS 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 115 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. $1595.

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. $1150.

6) SCARCE .38/44 OUTDOORSMAN TARGET REVOLVER, #S 97XXX, MADE 1953-54. Only 6,039 of these big “N” frame revolvers were made between 1950-1957. All were hand fitted and tuned. This one has NOT been bored out to .357 Magnum as many were and is still in its original .38 Special chambering. Retains about all the blue with only some very slight wear at the muzzle and bottom  edge of the barrel lug with only a very light cylinder line. This one does not look like it was fired much if at all as it retains about all the blue on the cylinder face. Bright case color on the hammer and trigger, tight mech., adjustable target sights, bright exc. bore. Correct diamond checkered grips. All numbers matching on the frame cylinder and barrel. Only the grips not matching, but correct. Nothing like this made today! $1495.

 

 

SPRINGFIELD AND U.S. MILITARY FIREARMS (click text for photos)

 

1) REMINGTON 1871 U.S. ARMY ROLLING BLOCK PISTOL, .50 CAL., MADE 1872-1888.  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. $2150.

2) U.S. 1899 KRAG CARBINE WITH FINE CARTOUCHE, #286XXX. These are getting very hard to find now especially in unaltered condition. This example has a sharp 1899 cartouche as well as the correct Model 1899 receiver stamping used ONLY on carbines. Fine deep barrel blue shows some age and is mixing a little brown, but all there. The receiver is a mottled uncleaned brown with some very minor surface pin-prick pitting on part of the loading gate that is hardly worth mentioning. It has the headless cocking piece only used on some of these 1899 carbines as well as the “C” marked rear sight (needs front barrel mounting screw). Only the front sight blade that is pinned in to the base appears to have been filed. The walnut stock, forend is a dark and uncleaned color with matching “humped” handguard that is also only used on these M-1899s. There is a shallow chip on the left side of the stock at the top side of the butt plate that is old and worn in. Fine action with functioning safety and exc. bore that is only a little dark, but not pitted. Good even aged blue on the extractor. This was the last carbine made by Springfield for the U.S. armed forces. An attractive, unmessed with example. $1895

3) 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. $1895.

4) FINE CONDITION SHARPS NEW MODEL 1863 .50-70 CARBINE, #C13XXX. These carbines are among the most historical U.S. government issue arms. First, as percussion carbines, they were issued to Union troops during the Civil War. where most saw hard cavalry service. After the war in 1867-1868 most of these carbines were returned to Sharps for converting to .50-70 Center Fire cartridge. At this point, they were refurbished, refinished, and most had their barrels lined with threegroove rifled  liners. They were then re-issued to the cavalry for the Indian Wars and used until the Springfield 1873 .45-70 Trapdoor replaced them. Next, many were sold as surplus to settlers heading west or buffalo hunters. So, in all, these have “been there and done that.” This is a much better example than usually encountered. It still retains some good case colors on the receiver sides and top with the best color in the more protected areas on the right side and a bit more color on the left and top. Fine lightly aged barrel blue that is turning “soft” and mixing  a bit with some plum/brown. Original Lawrence ladder rear sight with slide intact. Fine receiver markings. Stock shows good cartouche in the center as well as the cartouche under the sling ring bar. Tight wood to metal fit and shows only light normal wear. Forend is also fine. Tight action with strong safety half-cock on the hammer. The bore is bright with strong rifling and some scattered shallow surface corrosion mainly toward the rear half of the bore which might brush out better. Nicer than usually seen. $2950.

5) SELDOM SEEN SPRINGFIELD/REMINGTON ROLLING BLOCK 1870 U. S. NAVY .50-70 MILITARY RIFLE. Only about 22,000 of these were made by Springfield with a royalty agreement with Remington from 1870-1871. Of these the first 10,000 were rejected by the navy because the rear sight was just 1/2″ in front of the receiver. The U.S. Navy accepted rifles have the rear sight further forward from the receiver, like this one. Navy rifles also have the anchor stamp on top of the barrel and inspector stamps on the side of the barrel. This one also has the original bayonet lug on the barrel where many had this ground off after they left the navy. About all of these were later sold to France for the Franco-Prussian war, which is why they are so scarce in the U.S. today. This example  shows a nice aged gray/brown patina overall with correct Remington tang markings and barrel anchor/inspector stamps. Correct USN/SPRINGFIELD/1870 and eagle stamping on the receiver, letters/rack number on lower tang. Stock is un-sanded and shows numerous surface handling marks, forend is similar. Cleaning rod intact with correct barrel sights. Tight action, fairly bright bore with fine rifling all the way through and scattered very minor surface corrosion that ought to brush out.  Really hard to find like this. $1495.

6) VERY EARLY 1892/1896 KRAG RIFLE, #8XXX, MADE 1895.  This is one of the lowest numbers I’ve seen. These started out as “rod-bayonet” rifles and were soon recalled to have the rods removed and the stocks either replaced or the rod channel filled along with Model 1896 sights etc. This one has the 1896 sight and a non-rod  channel filled stock. Overall fine condition with good even aged barrel blue showing only light thinning. Uncleaned gray receiver (as it should be), fine wood showing only normal light handling and no cracks (one small sliver/chip replaced on the upper edge of the forend by the front bayonet lug). Tight action with generally excellent bore showing strong rifling all the way through. It would be hard to find an earlier Krag and this is a nice one. $1295.

7) REMINGTON NEW YORK STATE CONTRACT .50-70 ROLLING BLOCK RIFLE FULL NICKEL PLATE (see above in Remington section)

 

WINCHESTERS (click text for photos

1) FINE CONDITION 1873 .32-20 OCTAGON RIFLE, #422XXX, MADE 1892. This one retains about all the blue on the receiver, that has dulled from age and mixing a little plum. The barrel and magazine is similarly aged with a natural mixing of some plum and brown- more on the mag tube. Overall, uncleaned metal.  Original dust cover, exc. markings, fine stock and forend with a little better grain in the stock than standard. There is a small stress crack on both sides coming forward from the lower butt plate screw for an inch or so that is minor. Tight wood to metal fit Mellow, unpolished brass lifter that is correctly caliber marked. Correct butt plate without trap door (only the .38-40 and .44-40 have the sliding trap door in the butt plate). Bore is dark with good rifling and frosty. Original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and Winchester blade front sight. Exc. screw heads. An attractive 132 year old ’73. $2250.

2) EXTRREMELY RARE AND UNUSUAL VERY LATE MODEL 1886 TAKEDOWN, .33 WCF, #159XXX, MADE 1929. By this late date production of these was at a trickle. In 1925 three were made, in 1926 seven were made, in 1927 nineteen were made, 1928 to end of production in 1932 numbers not known. Interestingly, on these last 1886 rifles the barrels are marked “-MODEL 1886-” on the right side and “MADE IN U.S.A.” on the left side along with the usual Winchester markings. This is a fine example that retains most of the barrel and short magazine blue with only the most minor of wear. The receiver shows fine deep blue on the sides and top with only minor edge wear and a few small scuffs. The receiver bottom is thinning/mixing gray. Flat top buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact, front sight is a Lyman “Jack” sight (half-moon with ivory bead) in the correct short ramp base. Wood is excellent with tight wood to metal fit, Winchester embossed hard rubber butt plate is also exc. Tight takedown, tight action with strong half-cock and minty bright bore! The .33 WCF is a powerful cartridge that is merely the .45-70 case necked down to take standard .338″ bullets. A seriously rare variation with very few made and one of the very last of the great 1886s. $2850.

3) ONE OF THE LAST 1892 RIFLES: .25-20 ROUND BARREL, #980XXX, MADE THE YEAR OF THE STOCK MARKET CRASH OF 1929. This one has all the correct late barrel markings. The barrel and magazine retain most of the original blue with just some light freckling from bad storage and one area where rust got on the last couple of inches of the left side of the mag tube by the muzzle. The receiver shows strong original blue on both sides and the top/bolt with only the beginnings of flaking/dulling on the forward bottom portions of the sides and somelight  thinning to the bottom of the receiver. Screws appear unturned, tight action, strong safety half-cock, original buckhorn rear sight with Winchester blade front sight, bright excellent bore, exc. stock and forearm with tight wood to metal fit.  Very difficult to find 1920s vintage Winchester lever guns with good blue on the receivers as they flaked soon after leaving the factory. $2250.

4) 1892 SADDLE RING CARBINE IN .25-20 CALIBER, #903XXX, MADE 1920. Barrel and magazine retain about all the original blue with only light ageing. Folding Marble buckhorn rear sight and excellent markings on the barrel and upper tang. Receiver blue has turned an uncleaned plum/brown with good blue on the loading gate and excellent screw heads. Exc. walnut stock and forend with tight wood to metal fit. Tight action with strong safety half-cock on the hammer. Saddle ring intact. Fine+ bore is a little dark with fine rifling all the way through and any roughness very minor and scattered. Overall attractive, uncleaned appearance. $1750.

5) VERY FINE CONDITION 1892 OCTAGON RIFLE, .25-20 CALIBER, #201XXX, MADE 1902. This is a particularly attractive rifle that retains most of the bright original blue on the receiver sides and bolt. There is only some normal carry wear to the bottom of the receiver and on the upper tang with light edge wear. The barrel and magazine also show fine bright blue with minimal thinning or edge wear. All excellent markings and screw heads. Fitted with a buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and a Beach combination folding globe front sight. Stock and forearm are excellent with tight wood to metal fit. Solid safety half-cock on the hammer. Exc. bore is perhaps a little dark only with no pitting. One of the nicer .25-20s I’ve had in a while and this is a relatively early one being 122 years old. $2450.

6) 1892 .44-40 ROUND BARREL RIFLE, #836XXX, MADE 1917. Barrel and magazine retain about all the deep original blue. The receiver has mostly flaked to an uncleaned gray/brown with exc. blue on the loading gate which is typical for this era Winchester lever guns. Exc. screws, flat top buckhorn rear sight with blade front sight. Exc. markings, fine+ stock and forend show only light handling with very tight wood to metal fit. Tight action with strong safety half-cock and minty bright bore! These rifles in .44-40 are difficult to find especially with bright bores. Nice 107 year old ’92. $2450.

7) 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. $2950.

8) 1894 .32-40 CALIBER OCTAGON RIFLE, #493XXX, MADE 1911. The .32-40 was the least produced caliber and now the hardest to find. By the time this one was manufactured in 1911, the .30 WCF (.30-30) or .32 WS had pretty well proven themselves as superior smokeless cartridges. So, not many orders arrived at Winchester for .32-40 rifles at this late date! This is a fine example with good receiver blue that is ageing/mixing plum overall. Generally excellent screw heads and fine blue on the loading gate. The barrel and mag show fine lightly aged blue with some light corrosion on the top of the barrel behind the front sight where the blue is thinning- minor. Original buckhorn rear sight with elevator bar intact and Winchester small blade front sight. Fine stock and forend show only normal light handling with tight wood to metal fit. Tight action with strong safety half-cock on the hammer. Exc. bore that is only a little dark with no pitting. A scarce and attracive 113 year old 1894. $1595.

9) 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.

10) 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″ barrel 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. $2850.

11) 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 numberwithin  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, $1100.

12) 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. $1495.

13) MODEL 53 IN SCARCE .32-20 CALIBER, #9XXX, MADE 1928. The standard caliber for the Model 53 was .25-20 with 16,905 produced. In .32-20 only 4,718 were manufactured making these comparatively  difficult to find now. This one retains about all the blue on the barrel and forend cap with only light age. Marble buckhorn rear sight with small Lyman blade front. The receiver shows fine blue that is mixing with some plum/brown from age- a little more on the right side than left. Fine blue on the bolt and loading gate with gray/brown on the bottom of the receiver by the serial number. Fine stock and forearm with a period sling swivel added to each- tiny crack by the front one, minor. Original steel butt plate. Tight action, strong safety half-cock on the hammer and bright excellent bore. $1695.

14) 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. $1695.

15) EARLY, FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION MODEL 71 DELUXE, .348 WCF, #3XXX, MADE 1936. A fine early Model 71 Deluxe that has seen very light use. Correct checkered forend and pistol grip with Winchester embossed hard rubber grip cap, checkered steel butt plate and bolt peep rear sight with ramped front sight. Retains almost all the receiver blue with only some light thinning on the receiver bottom and on the bolt- minor. Exc. barrel and magazine blue. Stock and forend show very light handling only. Tight action with strong safety half-cock on the hammer, exc. bore. Hard to find first year Great Depression Model 71 Deluxe rifles this nice. $3250.

 

BILL GOODMAN, 280 W. KAGY BLVD. SUITE D #152, BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59715 TEL. (406) 587-3131 FAX (406) 219-3415 montanaraven@hotmail.com

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     montanaraven@hotmail.com