`                   

                                                BILL GOODMAN,  P. O. BOX 2002,  BOZEMAN,  MONTANA  59771

   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 to call 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 ON 3/21/19. WATCH FOR FREQUENT POSTINGS THROUGH MARCH.

 

NOTE: THE OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL MONDAY, 4/1/19. PLEASE DO NOT CALL DURING THIS TIME, BUT YOU CAN ALWAYS EMAIL ME AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN AN ITEM.  THANKS.  BILL GOODMAN

 

 

NOTES FROM THE FIELD: 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. Thanks, Bill Goodman

 

 

COLT FIRE ARMS (click text for photo)

1) PARTICULARLY FINE CONDITION SINGLE ACTION ARMY, .45 COLT, DESIRABLE 7 ½” BARREL, #345XXX, MADE 1923. This one turned up in Arizona (which didn’t become a state until 1912) and shows very light use. Matching numbers on the frame and correctly stamped under the grips on the trigger guard/front strap and back strap. The back of the cylinder is also stamped with the last two digits of the serial number. This one retains excellent deep blue overall with some gray on the grip straps and butt, on the bottom of the trigger guard bow, and a touch at the end of the muzzle on each side and on the end edge of the ejector housing. There is also some thinning of the blue on the rear portion of the cylinder along with some very small spots of freckling on the barrel top- super minor and hardly worth mentioning. Still nice fire blue on the hammer back and screw heads. Also excellent blue on the cylinder pin that looks near perfect. Sharp markings on barrel and frame. The frame shows light but good case colors on the bottom sides with more vivid color ahead of the cylinder, inside the loading gate and in the sight groove. Action is tight with four clicks to the hammer cocking, minty bore, grips are correct and fit well, but probably replacements. Unaltered front sight.  Sharp example. (note: the ".45 COLT" marking on the barrel side is distinct and sharp, but did not come out on the photos) $3950. (six photos)

2) EARLY BISLEY .32-20, 5 ½” BARREL, #194XXX, MADE 1900. Matching numbers on the frame, trigger guard and back strap. All excellent markings including the “(BISLEY MODEL) 32 W C F” on the left side of the barrel, sharp patent dates on the left side of the frame and correct one address on the top of the barrel. Barrel retains some good blue with half thinning and mixing gray/brown. Thin blue on the cylinder mixing gray with better blue in the flutes, fine screws and excellent cylinder pin, aged dark frame and grip straps. Grips show normal wear but fit well. Fine action with four clicks to the hammer, and fine+ bore that is a little dark and could use a good clean. Front sight has not been filed or altered. This one came out of Arizona. $1895.

3) VERY SELDOM ENCOUNTERED AND CONSIDERED EXTREMELY RARE IS THIS FACTORY NICKEL NEW SERVICE REVOLVER IN .38-40 CALIBER WITH 5 ½” BARREL, #308XXX, MADE 1920. Standard finish on these largest of the Colt double action side swing cylinder revolvers was blue. Very few were finished in nickel as a special order. One can go years and not see a nickel New Service come up for sale. This is a fine example that shows most of the nickel intact with only some peeling in the cylinder flutes and on the left side of the barrel. All markings are sharp and clear including the rampant Colt on the left side of the frame. The grips fit perfectly, are numbered on the inside to match the rest of the gun and are in excellent condition with only one small chip at the extreme bottom right panel. Very tight action, bore is a little dark and appears to have some leading in it that ought to brush out to make the overall bore condition fine+ to about excellent. The butt swivel has been removed and should be easy to replace or just leave as is.  Front sight has not been altered or filed and the dark areas on the cylinder where the nickel has peeled could easily be polished brighter to blend in with the lightly aged overall nickel. Considering the different calibers and barrel lengths offered in the New Service and the rarity of any revolver in this line having nickel finish, there simply can’t be many .38-40, 5 ½” factory nickel New Services in existence. $1395.

4) GORGEOUS WOOLY MAMMOTH IVORY GRIPS FOR COLT (AND OTHER) MODEL 1911 FULL SIZE AUTO PISTOLS! With elephant ivory in  a "gray area" as for legality, this is the best and most interesting option for exotic grips. I have a set on my main 1911 and they get lots of attention! The Wooly Mammoth became extinct over 10,000 years ago and the great tusks and ivory from these magnificent beasts is getting harder and harder to find. The way to tell the difference between elephant ivory and mammoth ivory is in the grain structure. Elephant ivory has a straight grain pattern and mammoth ivory is "cross hatched" in the grain. Each is unique and displays colors absorbed from the minerals in the soil in which the tusks lay for thousands of years. When these are gone, I don't know if I'll ever be able to offer any again. Perfectly legal to own and transfer.  Price is $495 per set. (If you are emailing or calling, please let me know 2nd. and 3rd choices as these probably won't last too long!)

 

                      

MARLIN  (click text for photos).

1) EXTREMELY RARE AND ALMOST NEVER SEEN MODEL 1888 TOP EJECT OCTAGON RIFLE IN THE SCARCEST CALIBER .32-20, #23XXX, MADE 1889. This was Marlin’s first revolver-cartridge chambered rifle and was only made from 1888-1889 with a total of 4,814 being manufactured. It was made in .44-40 (1,727 made), .38-40 (1,776 made) and in .32-20 with only 1,298 being manufactured! The Model 1888 was a top eject and was replaced with Marlin’s first side eject model- the Model 1889, in that year. Of course, the Model 1889 was replaced with the famed Model 1894 five years after the M-1889 was introduced. With such a small number produced in such a short time, the Model 1888 rarely surfaces today. Of those I’ve observed over the years, most seem to have been used very hard and show the signs of heavy wear and often abuse- pitted metal, poor bores, cracked/broken stocks etc. This is one of the best I’ve seen in a long time. There is still fine, bright blue on the receiver in all the more protected areas with the balance thinning/mixing plum and brown. Most screws are excellent and still retain nice blue. There is even some good case color on the upper portion of the lever. The barrel blue if fine but getting a little aged and thinning somewhat, but is still very good with lots of color. The mag tube is mostly very aged blue to brown. Exc. markings, original long buckhorn rear sight with correct Rocky Mountain blade front sight, 24” oct. barrel marked “32W” on the top flat ahead of the receiver. Exc. wood with tight wood to metal fit. It looks like it had a tang sight at one time as the two factory drilled tang sight holes are missing their filler screws. Best of all is that the bore is minty bright! Even shows good blue on the forend cap. Great example with only 1298 being made 130 years ago! $2950.

2) MODEL ’94 .38-40 OCTAGON RIFLE, #412XXX, MADE C.1909. A fine example that retains most of the deep factory blue on the barrel and magazine showing only light darkening from age, exc. markings, receiver case colors have faded to a heavily mottled gray with good blue on the bolt and loading gate, original Rocky Mountain blade front sight with original buckhorn rear sight, excellent walnut butt stock and forend with tight wood to metal fit and only a little spot of surface chipping by the side of the butt plate near the toe on the right side- very minor and hardly worth mentioning. Fine+ bore with some very light scattered surface roughness that ought to brush out better, tight action. Very attractive overall appearance, $1595.

3) MODEL 39 CENTURY LIMITED, .22 S, L & LR, 20 INCH OCTAGON BARREL, ONLY MADE 1970 TO COMMEMORATE 100 YEARS OF MARLIN FIREARMS.  This one is in about new condition showing no wear. It has the correct brass “coin” medallion in the right side of the receiver showing the Marlin horse and rider logo with 1870 and 1970 dates. The right side of the stock also has the brass oval plate stating “39 CENTURY LTD” with “MARLIN 100 YEARS” etc. Mounted with a Weaver D4 .22 scope on the correct base complete with lens covers. It also has the original buckhorn and blade/bead front sights with gold trigger and distinctive brass forend cap and brass butt plate. Comes with the original 39 Century Limited owners manual. One of the most handsome Model 39s Marlin ever made at the North Haven, CT factory. These don’t show up much any more. $1150.

4) BALLARD No. 1 1/2 HUNTERS MODEL, .45-70, 32" BARREL (see below in Antique/Classic section)

 

                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.

1) PRE-SAFETY SCARCE 1894 .357 CARBINE, MADE 1982. These are particularly hard to find now, correct 18 ½” barrel, buckhorn rear sight with bead front sight, has a scope base correctly mounted in the factory holes, retains nearly all the blue, excellent wood and has a single quick detachable sling swivel stud in the “bullseye” in the bottom of the stock. If you wanted to, you could remove it and replace the little bullseye inlay that is available through several sources. Tight action and perfect bore. $895.

2) MODEL 1895CB, .45-70 WITH 26" OCTAGON BARREL, MADE 2008.  This model has the "Ballard style" rifling that works well with cast or jacketed bullets. These are getting very hard to find now as shooters who own them aren't parting with them! This one is in near new condition with no extra holes or alterations. Aside from some very, very light handling marks on the forend (you have to look carefully to see them), it is basically like new. I have one like this that shoots great! $1100.

 

 

ANTIQUE & CLASSIC RIFLES, SHOTGUNS AND PISTOLS (click text for photos)   

 

1) CUSTOMIZED, FACTORY ENGRAVED REMINGTON HEPBURN SINGLE SHOT RIFLE CONVERTED TO MEDIUM HEAVY VARMINT RIFLE IN .219 IMPROVED ZIPPER CALIBER, probably done in the 1930s-1950s when these rifles didn’t seem to hold a lot of value to collectors (lots of converted single shot rifles during this time!). This one is unusual in that the receiver appears to be factory engraved with scrolls and game scenes (rabbit on one side and a fox on the other) with reblued at time of conversion over the engraving, meaning the engraving was on the gun before refinishing/customizing! It was also converted to under-lever breech block opening (like on a Highwall or Sharps), it is fitted with a 24: medium heavy varmint barrel, nicely grained pistol grip stock with cheek piece and accent line, flat bottom varmint forend, sling swivels and topped with a (more modern) 6-24X BSA Platinum scope (here’s the factory info on the scope: “Extremely tight optical and mechanical tolerances give these scopes consistency and superb accuracy. Features multi-coated lenses, finger adjustable windage and elevation target turrets, generous eye relief and an adjustable objective that adjusts from 25 yards out to infinity. Completely waterproof, fogproof and shockproof. Comes with a limited lifetime factory warranty.”). Unmarked barrel, I was told by the previous owner that the caliber is .219 Imp. Zipper and that appears correct- it was also the most popular varmint caliber for rifles like this. Tight action, target crowned muzzle, light trigger and all in exc. condition overall. Would cost a fortune to have made today…if you could even find the action (not to mention engraving!) NOTE: three photos- the engraving didn't show up in the first two from light reflection, but you see it in the last photo- same on both sides.  $2150.

2) VERY HIGH CONDITION SAVAGE 1899 26” ROUND BARREL SOLID FRAME RIFLE IN DESIRABLE .30-30 CALIBER, #257XXX, MADE 1924. One of the best I’ve encountered in a very long time, this example retains about all the blue on the receiver and barrel with excellent vivid case color on the lever- which still retains most of the lacquer over the colors! Excellent crescent butt stock and forend with one typical hairline crack coming back from the upper left side of the tang for a couple of inches- hard to detect unless you are looking for it. Almost all Savage 1899s have this as the stock is held to the receiver by a cross bolt running under the butt plate and through the stock. As the wood naturally swells and shrinks with changing humidity and temperature, the wood has no place to go… so these fairly meaningless stress cracks form. Savage marked buckhorn rear sight with correct Rocky Mountain blade front sight. Exc. bore and correct brass rotary magazine with strong spring and cartridge counter on the side. Savage 1899s seem to have nearly disappeared from the market and superior examples like this are really hard to locate. This is a great ’99 in desirable .30-30 caliber. (3 photos) $1395.

3) CLASSIC ITHACA DOUBLE BARREL SHOTGUN, SCARCE 16 GAUGE WITH 28” BARRELS, #378XXX, MADE 1923. This is a good example of one America’s best side by side shotguns made when the double was still the desired style among serious wing shooters, even though pumps and autos were popular. This one is choked modified and full. It shows normal hunting use, but still retains good aged blue on the barrels  with no dents. The receiver is basically a smooth, aged-dull gray. The barrels are marked “SMOKELESS POWDER STEEL” and “MADE IN U.S.A.” along with both sides of the receiver marked “ITHACA GUN CO., ITHACA, NY.”  The checkering on the pistol grip and forend is worn, but retains full patterns. Original black hard rubber butt plate is worn, but not chipped or cracked. The pistol grip cap is also fine. Extremely tight action with no play or looseness whatsoever! There are two shallow chips on each side of the receiver top by the barrel lever with no other chips or cracks in either the stock or forend.  Matching numbers on receiver, barrels and forend, bright exc. bores, the chambers measure 3” so will take standard 16 ga. shells. Most of these were made in 12 ga. with 16 ga. being difficult to find. If you like shooting classic American made double guns, this is a fine one without paying a fortune! $495.

4) FRONTIER USED BALLARD No. 1 ½ HUNTERS MODEL IN DESIRABLE 45-70 WITH VERY RARE 32” ROUND BARREL, #18XXX, MADE BY THE MARLIN FIREARMS COMPANY. This model was made by Marlin from 1876 to 1883. This example is a fairly high serial numbered rifle that was probably manufactured toward the end of production. I was told by the previous owner that it belonged to a Judge in Billings, Montana who is now very old and had to sell his gun collection. I was also informed that he found this Ballard years ago in Eastern Montana. I have little doubt that it has always been in this part of the country. The No. 1 1/2 Ballard was the no frills workhorse of the line made in .40-63 and .45-70 calibers. It was offered only in round 28”, 30” and 32” barrel lengths with the long 32” length being quite rare. The .45-70 chambering was popular on the Frontier West as it was powerful enough for the largest game found plus ammo could always be obtained at military forts. The last buffalo hunts were in Montana around 1883 and there is a good possibility that this old Ballard took a few from the last wild herds.  Quoting from John T. Dutcher’s excellent and detailed book BALLARD, THE GREAT AMERICAN SINGLE SHOT RIFLE:“ It was good marketing savvy to offer a modern, strong rifle at a reasonable price.  In their 1878 catalog dealers Turner & Ross listed the No. 1 ½  rifle for $28, while an 1873 Winchester lever action repeating rifle was $25, chambered for far less powerful cartridges, and the 1874 Sharps ‘Business Rifle’ with double set triggers was $35. Marlin Ballards were never cheaply made but were high quality rifles: however, some basic models such as these 1 ½ rifles are plainly finished, utilitarian pieces. This model was made from approximately 1876-77 until 1883. Most No. 1 ½ rifles were made by J. M. Marlin, but they still were listed in the 1883 Marlin Fire Arms Company catalog. Rarely is the Model 1 ½ found in fine condition.” This rifle has the desirable loop lever and retains the original long buckhorn rear sight with the short blade front sight. The barrel serial number (stamped under the forend) and the forend serial numbers match the receiver number. The barrel is an uncleaned mottled gray/brown and is clearly caliber stamped on the top ahead of the receiver “45 Govt.”  Deep aged patina receiver, very tight action with the lever snapping closed smartly. The butt stock is fine with one hardly visible very old chip repair at the toe. The forend shows only normal wear with no chips or cracks. The bore is fine with good rifling all the way through and only light scattered surface roughness. These big Frontier Ballards don’t come up for sale often and this is a very desirable one with 32” barrel, ring or loop lever and .45-70 caliber. (3 photos) $2650.

5) STEVENS NEW MODEL POCKET RIFLE, SECOND ISSUE, .22 SHORT CALIBER, 12” HALF OCTAGON BARREL WITH MATCHING STOCK, #8XXX, MADE 1875-1896. These are getting quite scarce as only about 15,000 were made during the black powder era and many didn’t survive. This model came before the more common Model 40 Pocket Rifle made from 1896-1916 that is easily identified by the trigger guard that the early models lack.  The New Model Second Issue was made in various .22 Rim Fire rounds plus .32 Rim Fire. This example is in the smallest chambering of .22 Short and is unusual for two reasons. First it is STILL .22 Short and hasn’t been bored out to .22 Long Rifle. This is important because the rifling twist is different for the .22 Short as it fires a light 29 grain bullet compared to the usual 40 grain .22 Long Rifle bullet. Accuracy suffers when this is done by people who didn’t realize this.  Also this one is unusual because it has a bright, excellent bore! Most of these were fired extensively with black powder loaded shells that unless cleaned immediately after shooting will spell doom for the bore. This one is outstanding by comparison to almost all I’ve seen in the past.  Has excellent bright nickel on the frame with only a small bit of peeling around the side plate and a small spot on the left side of the butt. The stock has a matching serial number to the frame and retains fine nickel with some minor brown spotting. Only the stock screw appears to be a replacement as these were usually of the knurled type and this one has a slot, but fits perfectly. Correct globe front sight with pinhead post and small silver blade on top of the globe matched with a tall buckhorn rear sight with elevator screw. Barrel has the Stevens markings with the last patent date of 1864. The barrel retains a soft thin blue mixing evenly with light brown. Excellent rosewood grips fit perfectly. A really nice example of a type of firearm that doesn’t seem to show often any more. $1295.

 

MODERN AND CUSTOM CLASSIC FIREARMS (click text for photos)

1) WOOLY MAMMOTH IVORY GRIPS FOR 1911 STYLE AUTO PISTOLS (see above in the Colt section)

2) HARRINGTON AND RICHARDSON MODEL 1871 "BUFFALO CLASSIC" .45-70 SINGLE SHOT RIFLE (see below in Shiloh Sharps and Reproduction section)

3) WINCHESTER MODEL 94 XTR “BIG BORE” .375 WIN. CALIBER LEVER CARBINE (see below in Winchester section)

 

 

 REMINGTON (click text for photos)

1) OUTSTANDING MODEL 1901 ROLLING BLOCK MUSKET IN 7MM MAUSER CALIBER. One of the best I’ve seen in a long time, this example shows fine case colors on the receiver, excellent blue on the barrel, exc. walnut stock and handguard, correct sling swivels and cleaning rod intact (these often missing), original military style ladder rear sight with slide intact (again, these often missing), excellent deep blue on the hammer and breech block as well as on the two main receiver pins and retainer on the left side, exc. deep barrel blue, tight action, bore needs a good scrub but will be excellent, sharp markings on the tang with last patent date 1901 with no foreign proofs or foreign cartouche stampings in the stock, and all in about as nice as one could hope to find without somehow being brand new! (4 photos) $995.

2) ALMOST NEVER SEEN MODEL 25R CARBINE PUMP RIFLE IN .25-20, #19XXX, MADE 1923-1936. The standard Model 25 rifle has a 24” barrel with pistol grip and usually a crescent butt plate, while the carbine version has a 17 ¾” barrel (often erroneously stated as having an 18” barrel in some books), straight stock and shotgun butt plate. Almost all the Model 25R carbines I’ve seen over the years have been in very hard used and often abused condition. This example came out of here in Montana, and while it shows use, it is fully functional and unaltered. Carbines came with hook-eye swivels in the butt stock and on the mag. retaining band. These swivels are intact. The butt stock is basically sound but has the usual small chipping of the wood directly behind the rear top of the receiver/stock juncture along with the typical thin crack coming back for a couple of inches. It has the original Remington/UMC marked steel shotgun butt plate. The forend is basically excellent. Overall metal surfaces are a smooth gray with little blue remaining, but excellent markings and original sights. The bore is fine+ and may scrub out exc. with the action being tight. A very difficult Remington to find. $1395.

3) CUSTOM HEPBURN VARMINT RIFLE (see above in custom & classic section above)

 

 

RUGER FIREARMS (click text for photos)

1) CLASSIC MODEL 77 IN 7MM REMINGTON MAGNUM CALIBER, MADE 1981, a truly great rifle in every way that is no longer in production, this is the variation without open barrel sights, 24" barrel, comes with a sling and Ruger scope rings, seen very little use as about all the blue is present with barely any edge wear to the trigger guard, original Ruger rubber butt pad and grip cap, sharp checkering, there are some very shallow scratches to the wood on the left side of the receiver which are minor and hardly worth mentioning, classic tang mounted safety, exc. inside, about the most perfect "do anything" caliber available, if you wanted one rifle to hunt anything from antelope to big elk, this one would do it very nicely, $575.

 

SHILOH SHARPS 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 MODEL 1871 "BUFFALO CLASSIC" .45-70 TOP BREAK SINGLE SHOT RIFLE. This is a discontinued model that is still quite popular. This example has a 32” round barrel fitted with a Williams fully adjustable rear sight matched with a red fiber optic blade front sight for enhanced visibility especially in the hunting field. The checkered forearm and butt stock show some handling marks, but are basically solid and well fitting. There is some nice grain pattern to the stock which is fitted with a case colored butt plate. Stock screws are an attractive brass and the receiver is finished in a dark blue/gray case color pattern. Tight action and excellent bore with target crown. These don't turn up for sale too often.  Lots of fun shooting without paying a fortune! $575.

 

 

SMITH AND WESSON (click text for photos)

1) PRE-WAR .44 SPECIAL SECOND MODEL HAND EJECTOR REVOLVER, 6 ½” BARREL, SCARCE NICKEL FINISH, MADE 1921. Only 15,510 of this model were made from 1915-1940 and I’m sure that low number reflects limited manufacture and demand during the Great Depression of the 1930s.The classic book STANDARD CATALOG OF SMITH  WESSON indicates that nickel finish in this model is worth "a premium." This one retains nearly all the original nickel finish with only some scattered freckling mainly on the edges of the grip straps and on the right side of the frame behind the cylinder (this is typical as this is the area that holster straps rub), still retains some light case color on the hammer and trigger, sharp bright bore with only a spot or two of light surface corrosion that might brush out, tight action, exc. markings, matching numbers, exc. diamond checkered walnut grips, unaltered front sight, lanyard ring intact, these big frame pre-war .44sd are becoming very difficult to locate and this is a particularly fine example in desirable nickel finish. (4 photos) $1395.

2) TARGET SIGHTED, PRE-WAR .38 SPECIAL HAND EJECTOR M-1905 4TH CHANGE, #582XXX, MADE DURING THE GREAT DEPRESSION YEARS OF THE 1930s. This along with the Colt Officers Model revolvers were the most popular revolvers used in the popular bullseye matches of the day. During the Depression, with sales very low S&W kept only the best craftsmen employed. The fit, finish and hand honed actions of this decade were second to none. Simply put, the quality was unsurpassed and the actions and triggers have to be felt to be believed. This example with standard 6” barrel has a white outline adjustable rear sight paired with a tall “King Patent” front sight with red ball insert. It shows fine blue overall with just some blue wear on the sides of the barrel and on the edges. All markings are sharp and clear. Matching numbers on the cylinder, barrel and frame.  Excellent diamond checkered grips, exc. bright bore and fine action. These would be too cost prohibitive to produce today! $950.

3) VERY LIMITED PRODUCTION 32-20 MODEL 1905 1ST CHANGE, #23XXX, ONLY 11,073 MADE FROM 1906-1909.  This is a blued example with correct scarce round butt (made with square butt also) and 5” barrel. Serial range for this model ran from 22427 to about 33500. No doubt this is an early first year production example from 1906. Matching serial numbers on the barrel, cylinder, frame and inside the grips. It is especially hard to find one of these early .32-20 Hand Ejectors in decent condition as they were typically “outdoorsman’s” sidearms that were paired with a Winchester, Marlin or Colt Lightning rifle in the same caliber and carried afield where they saw hard outdoor use. Many of the same model in .38 Special caliber ended up in bedside tables and are found in excellent condition now…not so the .32-20s! This 113 year old S&W still retains some fine deep blue on the barrel, frame and protected areas. It looks like some cold blue has been added which is really no big deal. Excellent case color on the hammer and trigger sides, exc. screws, tight action, exc. bore, front sight has not been altered or filed (!), grips fit perfectly and show only normal wear- interestingly, the right grip or “outside facing” grip in a typical right-handed holster is more worn than the left or “inside” grip which would naturally be more protected from rubbing and wear. All excellent and sharp markings including the barrel address and patent dates ending in 1903. There’s nothing like the hand fitted quality and workmanship in these early Pre-War Hand Ejectors! This is a scarce one. $875.

4) IF YOU LIKE HISTORICALLY MARKED REVOLVERS, THIS ONE IS A PRIZE!  PRE-MODEL 10, FIVE-SCREW .38 SPECIAL WITH RARE 2” BARREL, ROUND BUTT,NICKEL FINISH WITH THE BACK STRAP MARKED “DETROIT POLICE 10204,” SERIAL NUMBER C208XXX, MADE IN 1950. The right grip panel has been replaced with a black synthetic grip panel with the top extension part made to act as a “belt stop” so the revolver could be worn inside the pants without a holster using the grip to catch over a pants belt! The left grip panel is the normal diamond checkered style with S&W medallion. There is a “N” stamping on the frame under the grips as well as under the barrel by the matching serial number to indicate nickel finish. Matching number on the butt, barrel and cylinder. About all the bright nickel remains with only minor edge wear and there is fine case color on the hammer and trigger. Probably a detective’s revolver. I’m sure there are a lot of great stories in this scarce variation Pre-Model 10! $895

4) EXTREMELY SCARCE ADJUSTABLE SIGHTED, TARGET VERSION M-36 CHIEF SPECIAL, 2” SQUARE BUTT .38 SPECIAL REVOLVER, ONE OF A RUN OF 1,001 OF THESE MADE IN 1966! This and the also rare and identical M-50 target sighted Chief Special are identical. Most of these seem to be the M-36-1 with fewer being the non-dash M-36, like this one.  Looks to be unfired and about new as the blue is all intact on the face of the cylinder, and all the rest of the bright blue remains with only a very small spot of brown on the butt and a tiny peel spot on the left side of the frame at the juncture of the top of the recoil shield. The medallion diamond checkered grips are in similar condition. Interestingly, this revolver is in the correct 1966 serial range of these- 391XX1 and the grips are numbered identically except for the last digit which is 391XX2- obviously a factory mix-up during final assembly. One of the most rare and desirable of the Post-War S&Ws that just never seem to come up for sale. (note: what looks like scratches in the top photo is just light reflection off oil) $1295.

 

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

1) VERY FINE CONDITION 1879 U.S. SPRINGFIELD .45-70 TRAPDOOR RIFLE, #190XXX WITH CORRECTLY CORRESPONDING, SHARP 1882 STOCK CARTOUCHE. This is the classic Indian Wars standard issue army rifle. It is also a little known fact that many cavalry units were also issued some rifles along with carbines for long range shooting. This example retains nearly all the deep blue on the barrel, barrel bands and trigger guard, as well as the deep blue/black oil quench case color on the lock plate and hammer. The breech block is correctly and clearly marked with the “US Model1873” and the lock plate is also clearly marked with the eagle and “U.S. Springfield.”. The top of the butt plate has the correct “U.S.” marking and there is a normal small rack number stamped in the wood just ahead of this marking. Retains the deep and clear circle “P” cartouche in the wood behind the trigger guard, exc. bright bore, correct swivels, cleaning rod intact, exc. wood with only the most minor of handling marks, correct “R” ( for rifle) marked 1879 rear sight that is mounted with the original “slotless” screws- most have been replaced with later slotted-head screws. This is a really fine example with a great deal of blue. Attractive early example and still the best bargains in the antique arms market! (4 photos) $950.

2)  VERY EARLY WORLD WAR II  WINCHESTER MODEL 12, U. S. RIOTGUN, #930XXX, MADE 1942. This is a truly outstanding example in the early matching  930XXX serial range with all the original high polish, commercial blue remaining. At first I assumed this one had been re-finished, but on close examination under magnification I saw how clear and sharp the tiny inspector stamps were (“W” behind the receiver serial number and “H” behind the trigger guard) plus all markings and the two aligning “arrows” on the mag tube as well as the stippling on the receiver top & Winchester markings etc. The Winchester proof mark on the receiver top and barrel are clear along with the flaming bomb mark on the barrel top. Sharp U.S. and flaming bomb marking on the right side of the receiver with crossed cannons and “WB” inspector stamp on the left side of the stock. Walnut stock and forend are excellent+ as is the Winchester embossed butt plate. Barrel marked “CYL” for cylinder bore.  Tight mechanically and even retains about all the “matt blue” behind the forend pump- this usually wears fast. Excellent bright bore. Rarely seen this nice.(5 photos)  $2150.

3) SMITH AND WESSON MODEL 1917 U. S. ARMY .45ACP REVOLVER (see above in S&W section)

 

WINCHESTERS (click text for photo)

  1. EARLY 1873 .44-40 OCTAGON 2ND MODEL RIFLE, #57XXX, MADE 1880. This is a really honest, uncleaned and un-messed with 2nd Model. The receiver is basically an attractive aged brown with some very aged blue in the most protected areas and on the loading gate. Fine screws with only one side plate screw appearing replaced. The barrel and magazine tube is an attractive soft aged blue/plum patina and fine barrel markings. The butt stock is fine showing only normal handling marks and the forend has some honest saddle wear to the bottom. Correct rear buckhorn sight with small German silver blade front sight. Lever catch intact as is the dust cover that slides on the 2nd Model screwed-in rail. Bore is a bit dark with good rifling and surface scattered light pitting, mellow brass lifter.  Fine action and really nice appearance. $2495.

  2. FINE 1873 .38-40 ROUND BARREL RIFLE WITH FANCIER THAN STANDARD WALNUT, #148XXX, FACTORY LETTER SHOWING SHIPMENT IN 1884. The .38-40 or .38 WCF was introduced in the 1873 in 1879 which makes this a particularly early example in this caliber with many more were made during this time in the more popular .44-40 caliber. This example also has a little better than standard grain walnut. The barrel and magazine show fine aged blue with the barrel blue a little thinner than the mag tube blue. The receiver shows aged and thinning blue with better blue on the loading gate, in the protected areas and around the side plates. Mellow, uncleaned brass lifter with “38 CAL” marking intact. Dust cover intact, fine screws, exc. markings on the barrel and upper tang, fine stock and forend with tight wood to metal fit and showing only normal light handling marks. Original buckhorn rear  sight with small Rocky Mountain blade front sight. Tight action with fine bore showing good rifling all the way through and only light scattered surface roughness. A nice early .38-40 with fine appearance and particularly nice walnut. $2450.

  3. ALMOST NEVER SEEN 1876 FIRST MODEL OPEN-TOP RECEIVER ROUND BARREL RIFLE WITH SPECIAL ORDER SET TRIGGER, #7XX. This one came out of right here in Montana. Only the first batch of 1876 rifles were made with the open top, like on a Model 1866, without a dust cover.  Soon after, dust covers became standard on this model and many of the open tops were returned to the factory and fitted for a dust cover. Obviously, this example is unaltered from its original open-top configuration. A Cody Museum call-in sheet comes with this one verifying that this rifle left the factory with a round barrel and set trigger. It was received in the warehouse November 8, 1877 and shipped November 15, 1877. All early 1876 rifles were chambered for the .45-75 cartridge and this one has a near exc. bore that has strong rifling all the way through and is only a little dark. It has a buckhorn rear sight with Rocky Mountain blade front sight. Correct 28” barrel, set trigger works fine and has the adjustment screw intact. Overall the metal is uncleaned and retains an attractive gray-brown patina with some aged blue in the protected areas and on the loading gate. The mellow brass lifter has never been cleaned or polished and is dent free. Screw heads are in fine condition and the stock and forend have never been sanded or cleaned and show only normal light handling with fine wood to metal fit. Tight action with good springs and the hammer holds firmly at half cock. Lever catch is intact. This is really a fine, 3-digit serial number, unmolested example of one of the most difficult to obtain of all the Winchester lever action rifles. Most of the finest Winchester collections lack a 1876 Open-Top rifle.  (4 photos) $7250.

  4. VERY DESIRABLE 1885 THICK SIDE HIGHWALL OCTAGON SPORTING RIFLE IN LOW PRODUCTION .40-65 CALIBER, WITH CODY VERIFICATION SHOWING SHIPMENT IN AUGUST 1894. Interestingly, with over 115,000 1885 Single Shot Rifles made, only 518 were made in this fine caliber (the .40-65 is simply the .45-70 case tapered to .40 caliber. They are easy to form or correctly headstamped excellent quality cases are currently made by Starline). This is the rare “thick side” receiver variation that is seldom seen. The No.3 weight barrel is 30” long and retains a fine+ bright bore that shows only light scattered roughness mainly ahead of the chamber. Full buckhorn rear barrel sight with Rocky Mountain blade front and sharp barrel markings. Barrel is a mixture of gray/brown with some small amount of very aged blue. Receiver is silvery-gray. Fine butt stock and forend with ebony wedge inlay intact. Only the lever shows slight bending and has the small under-piece ahead of the trigger broken off- not easily noticed unless looked at the bottom of the receiver with the lever down (you can see the flat piece on the lever bottom that I'm referring to in the bottom photo). Nice overall appearance. Seldom encountered variation in a scarce and useful caliber. My Cody Museum call-in sheet included. (3 photos) $2450.

  5. EXTREMELY UNUSUAL AND THE FIRST SPECIAL ORDER 1886 .45-70 I’VE SEEN LIKE THIS! EARLY EXTRA LIGHT MODEL WITH ALMOST UNHEARD OF 24”  "NICKEL STEEL" MARKED BARREL! The standard barrel length for the extra lightweight 1886 in .45-70 was 22.” I’ve seen a couple special ordered with 20” barrels, but never an extra length 24” barrel. It comes with a factory letter stating: Serial number 119XXX, Rifle, .45/70, Round Barrel, 24 Inches, Extra Light, Plain Trigger, ½ Magazine, Shotgun Butt, Rubber butt plate, rec’d in the warehouse Sept. 26, 1899 with shipping date and order number blank. The only aspect of this rifle that is different from the letter is that it has a steel butt plate. Probably the original hard rubber one cracked/broke and was re shows some good thinning blue toward the back quarter and on the bolt and loading gate with the balance an uncleaned gray/brown. Screws look unturned, exc. wood with tight wood to metal fit and shows only light handling. Buckhorn rear sight with small half-moon front sight in correct short ramp as used on these extra lightweight barrels that are too thin at the muzzle for a dovetail. Fine+ bore is only a little dark with very slight frost and strong rifling throughout. In the Winchester Handbook, George Madis states: Twenty-two inch round barrels were standard and “no others will be furnished,” according to catalogs and lists. About as rare a barrel length on an Extra Lightweight .45-70 Model as can be! (4 photos)  $4600.

  6. 1890 SEMI-DELUXE PISTOL GRIP .22 WRF CALIBER RIFLE, MADE 1916. This would make a good project gun or be a good candidate for restoration as the receiver serial number is in the 558XXX range and the mismatched rear stock and trigger assembly number is in the 246XXX range. It is a factory checkered pistol grip butt stock with correct Winchester embossed grip cap. Apparently it was reinforced with a thin cross bolt  at the very forward part of the checkering pattern.  The rest of the stock and forearm are fine with good wood to metal fit. Retains good markings and overall is a very thin aged blue mixing heavily with gray and brown. Original sights and functions okay. Bore is dark and only fair-good at best. Like I said, a good candidate for some T.L.C.  $695.

  7. 1892 .44-40 ROUND BARREL RIFLE, #693XXX, MADE 1912. A fine condition rifle made the year the Titanic sank! Receiver is mainly an uncleaned brown with excellent screw heads that don’t look turned. The mag tube shows fine lightly aged blue overall and the barrel retains more heavily aged blue evenly mixing plum. The rear buckhorn sight has the right “wing” broken off and shouldn’t be too hard to replace, correct short blade front sight. Exc. markings and fine reddish color walnut with good wood to metal fit. Bore is fairly bright and excellent with only some very small spots of surface/light  pitting toward the middle of the bore- minor. Very tight action and nice appearance. Getting hard to find any 1892s in .44-40. $1995.

  8. 1892 SADDLE RING CARBINE IN .25-20 CALIBER, #839XXX, MADE 1917. This one turned up right here in Montana and no doubt has good history in it. Fine wood with tight wood to metal fit and showing only normal handling/use. Receiver is an uncleaned gray/brown with some blue on the loading gate and excellent screws. The barrel and mag tube are a mixture of aged blue with plum/brown mixing in. Excellent markings, ring intact, original carbine rear sight with ladder and slide intact. Fine bore with good rifling throughout that needs a good clean. When I got this one I could barely see through the bore…a few patches and things seemed to clean up nicely. It would benefit from a good scrubbing out. Tight action and strong springs. Nice, attractive appearance. $1595.

  9. SELDOM SEEN AND UNUSUAL SPECIAL ORDER EXTRA LONG BARREL 1892, .38-40 CALIBER OCTAGON RIFLE WITH 26” BARREL, #262XXX, MADE 1904. A call to the Cody Museum verified all aspects of this unusual rifle and showing a shipping date of October 13, 1904. According to the standard reference The Winchester Handbook by George Madis, the longer than standard barrels were only offered until 1908 and that only 744 rifles had longer than the standard 24” barrels. Interestingly, most of the few 1892s I’ve seen have been 28” or 30” and almost always in the smaller calibers- .25-20 and .32-20. The 26” length is almost never encountered especially in .38-40. Overall barrel and magazine are a fairly even aged blue mixing plum/brown with the receiver more brown with blue in the protected areas and loading gate. Wood shows light handling only with very tight wood to metal fit. Original buckhorn rear sight with typical Winchester blade front sight. Tight action with fine bore showing good rifling all the way through with scattered light roughness toward the middle of the bore that might scrub out better. Excellent markings. Nice, unmessed with appearance and extremely rare barrel length/caliber configuration! $2150.

  10. HIGH CONDITION 1892 32-20 ROUND BARREL RIFLE, MADE 1903, a really beautiful example that shows excellent deep barrel and mag blue with only the most minor of wear on the bottom of the mag tube and very slight ageing of the blue, receiver shows excellent deep blue with minor edge wear and a little plum mixing on the bottom and upper tang, but shows most of the bright blue with the lightest of wear only, exc. stock and forend with very minor handling marks only, tight wood to metal fit, still retains some good dark case color on the upper portions of the lever and on hammer, bore appears a little worn and may have some leading in it that should scrub out to fine or better, original buckhorn rear sight with standard Winchester blade front sight, exc. markings, unfooled with overall and super attractive. $2250.

  11. VERY EARLY 1894 TAKEDOWN OCTAGON RIFLE IN .32 WS (.32 WINCHESTER SPECIAL), #165XXX, MADE IN THE FIRST YEAR OF INTRODUCTION FOR THIS CALIBER, 1902. It would be hard to find an earlier example in this caliber! Barrel and magazine show an overall thin blue that is better on the magazine with the barrel showing more gray. Aged blue on the rear portions of the receiver sides and in the protected areas plus the loading gate. Stock and forearm show some honest saddle wear and weathering, but tight wood to metal fit and sound. The rear sight is the correct one for this caliber and has the 1901 patent date and is marked for the Smokeless .32 WS M-94 etc. This sight is also functioning perfectly. Front sight is the normal Winchester blade. Exc. markings, tight takedown, exc. bore, nice appearance. Super early .32 WS caliber and rare in Takedown that came out of Arizona. (note: that is mostly light reflection on receiver on the bottom photo) $1595.

  12. THE MOST BAFFLING AND MYSTERIOUS WINCHESTER 1894 I’VE EVER ENCOUNTERED! This is a Model 1894 Saddle Ring Carbine, .30-30 caliber, serial number in the 354XXX range…which puts it at a manufacture date of 1906.  However, everything about this carbine is POST WORLD WAR II! It has typical 1940s-1950s wood including a checkered steel shotgun butt, hooded front sight, serrated hammer, and “Late Type 8” barrel markings using the .30-30 caliber designation rather than the earlier .30WCF marking typically used after serial number 1,550,000 or post-flat band models (all this is in Robert Renneberg’s excellent book on the Winchester 1894). It also has the sights from this time period. On top of all this, the overall blue (including the receiver) is of the type used during this time period. AND this carbine is in just about mint, new condition! It shows no signs of being a reblued or any kind of re-build and there are no extra proof marks etc. The sharp and clear tang markings are typical 1906 era stampings and show no sign of refinishing! So, whether someone at the Winchester factory found an old saddle ring receiver that was long lost or stored away somewhere and used it to make a carbine about 40 to 50 years after the serial number was applied…or something else is up for opinion. This carbine has been shown to a number of very astute 1894 collectors and all think it is 100% correct and original for a c.1950 carbine…yet the serial number and saddle ring are a mystery.  I don’t know what else I can say about it. I called the Cody Museum, but the 1894 records stop about 500 numbers before this one.  My personal opinion is that an old saddle ring receiver simply turned up at the factory and it was used long after the saddle ring was discontinued. Whatever the answer to this unusual ’94 Carbine might be, it is certainly an oddity and perhaps a one of a kind Winchester! $1895.

  13. SPECIAL ORDER 1894 .38-55 CALIBER ROUND BARREL RIFLE WITH HALF MAGAZINE (BUTTON MAG), #562XXX, MADE 1911. It is a little known fact that lever action rifles with half magazines tend to be more accurate than full magazine rifles- makes sense as each time a cartridge is pulled from the magazine and lifted into the chamber it changes the weight/balance of the magazine hanging from the bottom of the barrel. That’s why some of the more savvy shooters of the day ordered their big game rifles with half magazines- check out most photos of Theodore Roosevelt holding rifles and they all seem to have half magazines. This one shows fine deeply aged blue on the right side of the receiver with a bit less on the left side where it has flaked a bit. The barrel also shows fine deeply aged blue that has some plum/brown mixing. The wood is fine overall with maybe a couple of age cracks coming forward from the receiver on each side of the forearm that go nowhere and are very tight. Fine bore shows light wear and maybe a bit frost, but a good scrubbing ought help. Lyman tang sight with a small Lyman blade/bead front sight and King patented dovetail filler where the rear sight was removed. Exc. screws, tight action, nice appearance. $1495.

  14. VERY EARLY ANTIQUE SERIAL NUMBER, CLASSIC 1894 OCTAGON RIFLE IN .25-35 WCF, #45XXX, MADE 1896.  Since the .25-35 WCF was introduced in 1895, it is hard to find antique serial numbered examples. This rifle still retains fine lightly aged barrel blue with most of the wear to the high edges of the octagon, the magazine tube is similar with some brown mixing on the very bottom ahead of the forend. The receiver shows good blue in the protected areas with the majority aged to gray/brown, fine blue on the bolt and exc. screws, excellent butt stock and forend with attractive early reddish-brown walnut. There is one tiny and barely noticeable hole in the bottom of the stock a few inches behind the lever that looks too small to be a sling swivel hole, so its purpose is unknown- minor either way. Tight wood to metal fit, tight action, bore is a bit dark with good rifling all the way through, buckhorn rear sight with half-moon and ivory bead Lyman front sight with patent date of “Aug. 31, 86.” The front sight looks like it has always been on this rifle. Correct early tang markings and excellent screws. Nice early example in a scarce caliber! $1795.

  15. EXTREMELY RARE SPECIAL ORDER, 1894 SEMI-DELUXE SADDLE RING CARBINE WITH HALF MAGAZINE, CALIBER .32 WS, #499XXX, MADE 1909. What is also especially rare and unusual is that it has a carbine butt plate. Almost all of the pistol grip carbines have a shotgun style butt plate. Very few were made like this and are almost never encountered! Fine aged barrel blue with light thinning on the forward half, fine deep receiver blue that is dulling somewhat, but still deep and showing most of the wear on the edges and bottom. The only flaw is a tiny crack on the upper tang at the juncture of the hammer on the right side only- does not appear all the way across this thin section of the upper tang and is minor. In no way does it hinder the integrity or strength of the action and is barely noticeable (see this area in the third photo).  Has the three leaf express rear sight with the middle leaf broken (typical) along with a correct blade/bead carbine front sight. Excellent wood showing light handling only, exc. markings and minty bright bore with tight action. Has the correct Winchester embossed hard rubber pistol grip cap. This unusually configured and desirable carbine came out of Arizona. (3 photos) $2650.

  16. LATE, TRANSITION 1894 CARBINE, #1059XXX, .32WS CALIBER, MADE 1929. This is another Winchester that came out of right here in Montana and was probably a ranch gun. Interesting variation made just after the saddle ring was dropped as a standard feature, yet the classic curved steel carbine butt plate was retained. This one has fine deep barrel and mag blue with light wear and exc.  late markings. Has a D. W. King patent ‘07  buckhorn rear sight and a Sheard No.6 blade/bead carbine front sight. The receiver still retains some fine1920s blue/black finish that was known to flake easily and rapidly- this receiver is in the stage where the flaking has turned plum/brown before it silvers with brighter and deeper blue in the more protected areas and exc. blue on the loading gate. Exc. walnut stock and forend with only light handling and very tight wood to metal fit, tight action, exc. screws, and bright excellent bore! Nice appearance overall. $1195.

  17. MODEL 94 XTR “BIG BORE” .375 WIN. CALIBER LEVER CARBINE. These were only offered from 1978-1986. They feature a beefed-up receiver capable of handling the high pressure of the .375 Win. Cartridge, fine checkering on the wrist and forend. This one is basically new with the original box. There is no wear on the carbine at all and appears unfired. The box is complete but shows some poor storage and possible water damage. It does come with the owner’s manual. The .375 Win. is a great cartridge that hits very hard and is easy to load. Made in New Haven, CT, this fine Winchester was manufactured BEFORE all the safeties etc. were added. Nicely figured walnut in this one. These don’t show up often anymore. $995.

  18. HIGH CONDITION MODEL 1895 RIFLE IN SCARCE .30-03 CALIBER, #93XXX, MADE 1915. It is unclear why Winchester would still chamber rifles for this caliber when the .30-06 had replaced the .30-03 nearly ten years before. It is my opinion that some rifles were chambered for the earlier caliber because the only difference between the .30-06 and the .30-03 is in the case neck- the .30-03 is slightly longer than the ’06.  Standard .30-06 ammo can be fired in rifles chambered for .30-03, but not conversely. Perhaps there were still piles of surplus .30-03 ammo available to the public… Anyway, I’m sure most of these ’03 chambered Model 1895s were fired with normal and readily available .30-06 ammo.  It does make for a rare chambering as according to the Winchester Handbook by George Madis, (discussing chambering dates) “In 1904 the .405 was added, followed by the .30-03 in 1905. When the .30-06 was added in 1908, the .30-03 was available on special order only.”  Being special ordered in this chambering seven years after it was dropped is certainly unusual and an oddity! This is a very fine example with nearly all the deep blue remaining on the barrel with flattop buckhorn rear sight and Lyman blade/bead front sight in correct factory dovetailed ramp. Barrel is correctly stamped with the usual nickel steel markings plus “30 GOV’T 03.”  Excellent markings on the receiver and excellent deep and high polished factory blue on the receiver sides and bolt with only light edge wear and some handling wear on the bottom extreme forward part of the receiver and box magazine. Exc. wood with tight wood to metal fit. Tight action and minty bright bore. A very unusual 1895 in great condition. $2250.

  19. DELUXE PISTOL GRIPPED, CHECKERED MODEL 1903 .22 AUTO RIFLE, MADE 1915, fairly plain but uncracked walnut stock and forend, this was someone's well used and taken care of "pride and joy" rifle as the checkering is all there, but fairly worn, the blue on the receiver is pretty well worn off to an uncleaned gray with good blue in the most protected of areas, has the correct pistol grip cap, interestingly, this one was returned to the factory for a new barrel as the barrel has both the oval P "Mail Order" proof as well as the Winchester proof- this means, the rifle was sent back to Winchester who took a "Mail Order" replacement barrel out of stock and fitted it to the returned rifle, has all the correct Winchester and Model 1903 markings on the barrel, fine deep barrel blue, retains some thinning blue on the forend cap, exc. mech., exc. bright bore, buckhorn with blade/bead front sights, I believe I still sells .22 Auto ammo (different from .22 LR), pistol gripped/checkered Model 1903s are quite rare, $895.

  20. SCARCE AND DESIRABLE LATE MODEL 04A .22 RIM FIRE BOYS RIFLE. This model started out as the Model 1904 introduced in that year and chambered in .22 Short, Long and Extra Long. Along the way there were small improvements and changes made with the last being the Model 04A which had the barrel marking changed to .22 Short, Long and LONG RIFLE in 1927. This rifle fell victim to the Great Depression and was discontinued in 1931. Interestingly, in 1927 there were 15,557 of this model made; by 1930 (after the stock market crash in October of 1929) only 5,299 were made and in the final year of 1931 only 68 were manufactured! The Model 1904 was a larger, heavier boys rifle than the more common and less expensive Model 1902. Because of this, the retail price was higher than the smaller ’02 Model and it did not sell as well. With its schnable forend tip and sweeping curved trigger guard that formed a semi-pistol grip, this was a particularly handsome single shot bolt action rifle. Most of these that I have seen over the years show very hard use by the lucky boys who owned them. Usually the stocks are badly battered and often cracked, the metal dinged and lacking any finish at all, and the bore heavily worn and pitted from the use of early corrosively primed .22 ammo. This example shows excellent wood with only normal light handling marks and NO cracks. It has the original and correct Winchester embossed hard rubber butt plate as well as the original adjustable rear sight and small blade/bead front sight. The barrel shows good blue in the more protected areas with the balance a thin blue naturally aged and mixing plum.. All markings are sharp and clear. The best part is that the bore is mirror bright with sharp rifling! This rifle has a great action for kids, as the bolt knob must be manually be pulled back to cock the rifle, making it safe to carry with a shell in the chamber. If I were a kid born in the World War I era, this is the exact rifle I’d be dreaming of finding on my birthday or under the Christmas tree! This one came out of here in Montana and I’m sure has lots of good history in it. I’ve heard the Old Timers who grew up in Montana speak of one room school houses with rifle racks in the back for the kids to store their rifles and shotguns so that after school was out they could hunt on the way home. I wonder what would happen today if someone went to a school-parent meet and suggested gun racks be placed in the back of classrooms… $495

  21. VERY EARLY WORLD WAR II  WINCHESTER MODEL 12, U. S. RIOTGUN, #930XXX, MADE 1942 (see above in U. S. Military section)

  22. MODEL 55 TAKEDOWN, .30WCF CALIBER, #8XXX, MADE THE YEAR CHARLES LINDBURGH BECAME THE FIRST MAN TO FLY ACROSS THE ATLANTIC IN 1927! This example has seen use, but no abuse. The barrel shows very thin blue that is mixing evenly gray, typical of 1920s receivers, this one has had the blue turning dark and mixing brown and gray with good blue in the more protected areas and loading gate. Standard buckhorn and short ramp front sight, tight takedown, fine wood with tight wood to metal fit, tight action, has a sling swivel stud in the butt stock and a corresponding swivel in the forend cap, correct steel butt plate, exc. bore, these are quite scarce as the model was introduced in 1924 and fell victim of the Great Depression of the 1930s. $1195.

  23. SUPERIOR, INVESTMENT QUALITY, VERY EARLY PRE-WAR DELUXE MODEL 64, .30WCF CALIBER, #1110XXX, MADE 1936. Another example of a Great Depression era, low production rifle turned out by the remaining staff of Winchesters best craftsmen! (see my write-up on Great Depression Firearms at the bottom of this website). This is one of the best examples of a Pre-War M-64 Deluxe rifle I’ve ever offered. It is as close to being flat new as one could hope to find without being new in the box. About all the blue remains on every part including the forend cap and upper tang etc. Retains the super-grade swivels and sling along with a correct Lyman receiver sight and rear sight dovetail filler blank with no indication a buckhorn sight was ever fitted. Hood on the front sight intact. It is simply as good as one could ever hope to find…as if it were purchased, never used and put into storage! $2495.

  24. GREAT DEPRESSION ERA MODEL 64 STANDARD RIFLE IN .30WCF CALIBER, #1166XXX, MADE 1938. The Model 64 was introduced in one of the worst economic years this country has known- 1933. It was basically an improved and deluxe version of the Model 1894 rifle that had been discontinued, leaving only the ’94 carbine in production. With its 24” barrel and half magazine, pistol grip and shotgun butt, the Model 64 was a superb lever action rifle. However, it began production during the Great Depression. Typical M-1894 annual production figures from the 1910s through the 1920 show most years 20,000 to 50,000 1894s were produced each year. In 1938 when this rifle was made, only 2,251 M-64s were produced!  From 1933-1942 when production was halted for World War II, only a total of 29,000 M-64s were made! This is less than one normal production year in the previous several decades! So, for the collector/shooter today, finding a pre-war Model 64 is not all that easy. Most of this model was made after World War II when production resumed and lasted until about 1956/57. This example shows wonderful character. It recently came out of Arizona and shows what a dry climate can do to a rifle over time. The stock and forearm are fine+ to exc. and show only light handling/hunting use with tight wood to metal fit. It retains the original checkered steel shotgun butt plate. The barrel shows fine deep blue with maybe a touch of age/plum while the mag tube shows exc. blue. The receiver has “flaked” to an even and smooth plum/brown with exc. blue on the bolt and loading gate. It is fitted with a Williams receiver sight in the factory holes on the left side of the receiver. There is good blue around this sight and the rear sight dovetail on the barrel has been filled with a Marbles slot filler. It does not look like a rear barrel sight was ever fitted to this rifle. Front sight is a typical blade/bead fitted to the factory ramp. Bore is bright and sharp! I have one very similar in every way to this one that I shoot frequently with both cast and jacketed bullet loads and it is a very accurate and fun rifle to use! Superb Pre-war, Great Depression workmanship! $1100.

  25. BEAUTIFUL CONDITION, MODEL 71 .348 WCF CALIBER STANDARD RIFLE, WITH CORRECT LYMAN RECEIVER SIGHT AND FANCIER THAN STANDARD WALNUT, #38XXX, MADE 1954.  This one nearly all of the bright blue overall with exc. stock and forearm.  Still retains the hood for the front sight and original checkered steel shotgun butt plate. Bright bore. Even the forend cap retains about all the bright blue. The walnut stock is especially attractive and has some nice light contrasting fiddleback grain to it- much higher grade walnut than normally found on Model 71s which almost always seem to have very plain wood. An attractive example that has seen some light hunting use only. About as nice as one could hope to find without being new in the box! $1895.

  26. MODEL 71 DELUXE .348 WCF RIFLE, #44XXX, MADE 1956. One of the last of the big .348s. This example has seen normal light carry wear, but is excellent overall. This one came out of here in Montana and probably accounted for loads of deer, moose and elk! Retains fine deep barrel blue with only light and minor scuffing. Most of the blue wear is at the balance point on the bottom of the receiver and some on the receiver ring. Has buckhorn rear sight with hooded front sight- hood intact. Exc. wood shows only some finish wear around the butt plate and a few normal very light and minor handling marks. Has the correct checkered steel butt plate, steel grip cap, fine checkering and super grade inletted swivel studs WITH CORRECT SWIVELS. Tight action and bright sharp excellent bore. $2650.

  27. MODEL 100 SEMI-AUTO RIFLE IN RARE .284 WIN. CALIBER, MADE 1967. This one came out of here in Montana and no doubt has accounted for lots of game! Excellent wood showing very light handling with almost no marks. Exc. blue on the barrel with original folding Lyman rear sight and hooded front sight. It must have had a scope mounted at one time as the factory drilled scope mount holes are lacking the filler screws and there is a light outline were a scope base was once mounted. Correct .284 marked magazine shows some blue wear. The bottom of the aluminum trigger guard has a slight ding and wear to the anodized blue/black finish. Overall a nice rifle in a great caliber (I’m a fan of the .284 and have used it quite a bit here in Montana for deer and antelope). $875.

     

 

    BILL GOODMAN,  P. O. BOX 2002,  BOZEMAN,  MONTANA  59771           TEL.  (406) 587-3131          FAX  (406) 219-3415           montanaraven@hotmail.com

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

THESE  WERE SUCH  GOOD NOTES FROM THE FIELD I'M KEEPING THEM HERE.

 

 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 f elt 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 field load of 3 1/2 drams equals about 95 grains 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 Elmer's 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. 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! Today 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