BILL GOODMAN,  305 DONEGAL DRIVE,  BOZEMAN,  MONTANA  59715

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

 

 

      Bill Goodman has been a collector of antique/collector firearms for well over 40 years and a full time dealer for over 25 years.  Traveling around the country constantly seeking good quality collector arms at REALISTIC PRICES, Bill sells exclusively by mail order.  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 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 further 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.      

 

                          

 MORE GUNS WERE POSTED MAY 25, 2012. WATCH FOR FREQUENT POSTINGS THROUGH MAY.

 

 

 

NOTES FROM THE FIELD:  (24 OCTOBER 2011) "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 and 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. (This "Notes from the Field" will be my way of communicating with you- on an opinion basis- topics pertaining to gun collecting and related subjects as I see them.  I'll update it from time to time.  Thanks for reading-  Bill Goodman)

 

COLT FIRE ARMS (click text for photos)

 

  1. UNUSUAL AND DISTINCT COLT SINGLE ACTION VARIATION THAT IS CORRECT AND RARELY SEEN! U.S. CAVALRY ISSUE/COLT BUY-BACK FOR CIVILIAN COMMERCIAL SALE, FACTORY LETTER SHOWS SHIPMENT TO U.S. GOVERNMENT IN I880, also comes with a Xerox copy of pertinent date from the Colt Single Action book by Kopec, describing this unique variation.  These were generally in the same serial number range (this one is 61XXX and the few I've seen have all been close to this number), almost all were sold back to Colt where the U.S. marking was removed, often "45 Cal." was stamped on the back trigger guard side, barrels were cut and usually nickel plated with new grips fitted without the inspector stamps, this is a particularly fine example of this rare variation, numbers all match including the barrel and cylinder with "D.F.C." inspector marks, exc. screws, barrel cut by Colt to 4 3/4", exc. one piece walnut grips, bullseye head ejector, exc. trigger guard and front strap nickel, back strap peeled, about 60-70% nickel remains on the cylinder, frame retains most nickel with peeling on the top strap and a little on the recoil shields, shows normal nickel wear on the barrel sides and outside of ejector housing only with exc. bright nickel on balance of barrel, front sight has not been altered or filed, exc. bore, tight action, super rare legitimate U.S. Cavalry/civilian variation in great condition, $3850.

  2. SINGLE ACTION ARMY .32-20, 4 3/4", MADE 1923, all matching numbers, overall markings fine including the correct two line barrel address, matching numbered grips are fine+ with one very small chip in the outside bottom edge only of the right grip, traces of blue in the most protected areas and some aged blue in the cylinder flutes, balance of metal a gray/brown patina, front sight has not been filed or altered, action is a little sticky but locks up tight with a light trigger pull, fine screws, fine bore should scrub out near exc, $1895.

  3. SINGLE ACTION ARMY .32-20, 5 1/2", MADE 1904, This one came right out of here in Montana, exc. action and bore will clean exc., all matching numbers, still shows some good blue in the more protected areas of the barrel (around front sight and along ejector housing etc.) and good blue in the ejector housing flute, cylinder blue thinning and mixing gray with good blue in the flutes, mostly gray/brown grip straps with good blue on the butt and protected areas of the trigger guard, mostly silver/bray frame with some case colors ahead of the cylinder, exc. screws and markings, grips fit perfectly and show normal light wear with one small "flake" (surface chip) to the outside edge of the left grip bottom, front sight has not been altered, $2295.

  4. THE LOWEST SERIAL NUMBER, FIRST YEAR PRODUCTION MODEL 1877 .38 COLT CALIBER "LIGHTNING" REVOLVER WITH 3 1/2 " BARREL, NO EJECTOR AND CORRECT ONE PIECE CHECKERED ROSEWOOD GRIPS, SERIAL NUMBER 40X, survival rates are pretty low on these early Lightnings, this one has excellent grips with fine checkering, note this one doesn't have the normal "strain screw" in the front strap as only the very earliest don't have this feature that all the rest of production has, fine nickel finish on barrel with peeling the last inch or so a the muzzle, EXCELLENT ETCHED PANEL on barrel, mixing nickel and silvering metal on frame and cylinder that blends nicely, good nickel on the top strap, recoil shield and loading gate, grip straps mostly gray, matching numbers, exc screws, exc. mech, unaltered original early style German silver small front sight (only used on the earliest of production), still retains some good fire blue on the hammer back and trigger sides, exc. mech. and bore, exc. markings, 134 years old!  $1495.

  5. BIG LIGHTNING LARGE FRAME EXPRESS RIFLE, .40-60-260 CALIBER, ROUND BARREL WITH EXC. BRIGHT BORE, FACTORY LETTER SHOWS SHIPMENT TO CHICAGO IN 1891, only 6,496 of these impressive rifles were manufactured making them hard to find today, this one shows fine even barrel blue, mag tube turning plum/brown, receiver blue thinning heavily and mixing gray with some good blue in the more protected areas, exc. forearm with fine checkering, exc. butt stock with the tiniest chips at upper tang- hardly noticeable and only about 1/16," exc. markings including the rampant colt on the receiver side, original buckhorn rear sight with Lyman half-moon/ivory bead front,  (five photos) $3850.

  6. EXCEPTIONAL U.S. ARMY MODEL 1909 .45 COLT NEW SERVICE REVOLVER, these are getting very hard to find and this one is outstanding, deep high polish Colt blue overall with only minor edge/holster wear and thinning/mixing brown on the back strap only, exc. R.A.C inspected walnut grips, exc. markings "United States Property" stamping on the bottom of the barrel and inspector stamps, lanyard ring intact, beautiful fire blue on the hammer back and trigger, tight action,  perfect bore, most of these saw hard usage in the Philippines and good ones are few and far between, would be hard to find one much better, $1695.

  7. ONE OF THE ONLY NEW SERVICES I'VE SEEN IN .44 RUSSIAN CALIBER! MADE 1906, This caliber was discontinued in 1912 after which they were marked ".44 Russian & Special" but were all chambered for the longer Special case.  I've seen a very small few Target New Services in .44 Russian, but I don't recall any standard models in this caliber as most people who wanted this big double action were satisfied with .45 Colt, .44-40 or .38-40.  In fact, the Colt New Service was the only side swing double action revolver ever chambered for the .44 Russian!  This example is all correct and has NOT had the chambers bored out to accept the longer .44 Special case, 5 1/2" barrel marked "NEW SERVICE 44 RUSSIAN CTG", fine high polish blue with just normal edge wear, back strap wear and some thinning by the Rampant Colt marking on the left side of the frame, still has some nice fire blue on the rigger and hammer back, lanyard ring intact, exc. grips, very tight action, bright exc. bore, front sight has not been filed or altered, bright excellent bore, a truly great 106 year old Colt rarity! $1395

  8. VERY EARLY NEW SERVICE .44-40, 5 1/2" BARREL, #7XXX, MADE 1902, Another one that came out of here in Montana, good solid "Frontier" New Service that shows even good aged blue overall mixing plum, tight action locks correctly, exc. grips show normal light wear only, bore will clean to bright exc., lanyard swivel intact, front sight has not been altered, correct early markings, $695.

  9. CLASSIC NEW SERVICE .45 COLT, 7 1/2" BARREL, MADE 1905, VG blue that is thinning and mixing/ageing brown in all the normal holster wear places like the barrel sides, grip straps etc., cylinder etc.  exc. correct early markings with the last barrel patent date of 1900, exc. grips, tight action, minty bright bore, front sight has not been filed or altered, lanyard ring intact, really nice uncleaned and unfooled with appearance that's taken 107 years to achieve! $795.

  10. NEW SERVICE TARGET IN SCARCE .455 ELEY CALIBER WITH BRITISH PROOFS, MADE 1912, no doubt this one saw competition at the famed Bisley Range and may have then gone on to service in World War I, fine factory fleur-de-lis checkered walnut grips with deep dish Colt medallions, overall fine blue that is thinning and mixing gray on the barrel sides and edges, checkered back strap and front strap, exc. action, bore will clean bright exc., has some small letters/numbers stamped in butt that may be unit markings from the First World War, These English Target New Services are quite scarce as all went to Britain and few have returned, made the year the Titanic sank! (photo lights reflected off blue making it look thin- looks better than photos) $1595.

  11. TARGET SHOOTINGMASTER NEW SERVICE .38 SPECIAL, MADE 1933, excellent example with nearly all the blue intact with only the barrel blue ageing/dulling slightly, checkered back strap and checkered front strap, checkered trigger, exc. checkered walnut grips, tight action, correct target sights, exc. bright bore, considered one of finest target revolvers ever made by Colt with limited production because of the Great Depression, $1695. (ignore the light reflection in the photos- there is about full blue overall)

  12. VERY EARLY FIRST TYPE 1903 .32 AUTO, SERIAL NUMBER 6300, MADE 1904, these are surprisingly hard to fine especially with any decent blue left, 4 inch barrel, last patent date on slide is 1897, earliest style grips with "COLT" in banner at top and rampant colt in circle at bottom, grips are exc., fine high polish blue overall with edge wear and some thinning on grip straps, exc. markings, bore has some corrosion in the middle section that may brush out better, some light dings on the very back end of the slide and frame- minor, exc. action, beautiful fire blue on trigger sides, one of the earliest, lowest number M-1903s I've seen. (looks better than photos show- lights make parts look brown) $595.

  13. THE RAREST U.S. PROPERTY COLT I'VE OFFERED: VIETNAM WAR ERA COLT DETECTIVE SPECIAL FROM A SPECIAL ORDER AND SHIPPED TO "UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT, COMMANDING OFFICER, LETTERKENNY ARMY DEPOT, CHAMBERSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, SEPTEMBER 8, 1970" Colt factory letter verifies all, apparently this was an order for 1,000 of these on this date, according to the summer issue of THE RAMPANT COLT magazine (from Colt Collector's Association) these are briefly discussed and describe the "U.S." marking on the back strap and the "P" acceptance stamp on the left front of the trigger guard.  It concludes with, "Fewer than ten of those revolvers have been documented in private collections."  Certainly this is the first of these I've ever seen or heard of.  Whether the rest are still held by the government (doubtful) or whether they were sold to a foreign government (also doubtful) or probably the stock of these was simply destroyed (out tax dollars at work!), they are about impossible for the Colt collector or U.S. collector to obtain.  This one is in 98-99% condition overall with all correct unaltered markings etc. and includes the Colt factory letter, $2295.

 

 

MARLIN  (click text for photos)

1) RARELY SEEN MODEL 1888 .32-20 OCTAGON RIFLE, MADE 1889, The model 1888 was the last of the top eject Marlins and was on the market for only a short while until the model 1889 side eject model replaced it, ONLY 4,814 OF THIS MODEL WERE MADE of which .32-20 was the scarcest caliber with only 1,298 manufactured, most of this model I've encountered were in very rough, hard-used condition, this one still retains fine aged barrel blue, mag tube mostly gray/brown, receiver a mixture of very aged blue to brown/gray, fine+ wood with one small old worn-in shallow chip at the left side of the forend by the receiver- minor, fine action with half cock only a little weak, buckhorn rear sight with Beach folding globe front sight  (probably had a tang sight as the filler screws are missing), good blue on the loading gate and "fluted" bolt, bore a little dark, but should scrub out fine+ or even better, much better than normally seen, $1695.

2) 1889 .38-40 WITH SPECIAL ORDER 26" OCTAGON BARREL (TWO INCHES LONGER THAN STANDARD) MADE 1893, a particularly nice condition example with fine slightly aged blue on the barrel, magazine tube has good blue on the top beneath the barrel with the balance turning a natural brown patina, receiver retains fine blue that is beginning to mix with plum, exc. bore, some case color remains on the hammer, Lyman Tang sight with Marble No.2 blade/bead front sight, no rear barrel sight, exc. wood shows light handling and a few dings only, tight action with weak half cock, fine blue on the loading gate, $1295.

3)  DELUXE 1893 TAKEDOWN .38-55 OCTAGON RIFLE, MADE 1902, this is a solid but well used rifle, checkered pistol grip stock is an uncleaned grimy dark color that may have some extra grain underneath, shows normal handling and minor dings, two of the tiniest chips at the upper tang/receiver juncture- really small and minor, forearm shows saddle wear to the bottom and the checkering is worn off, Special Smokeless Steel marked  barrel shows fine lightly aged blue, brown mag tube, brown receiver, tight takedown, bore is dark and a little frosty with good rifling and should scrub out better, fine screws, attractive uncleaned appearance, $1595.

4) SCARCE M-93 "SPORTING CARBINE" IN .30-30 WITH RARE "MARLIN FIREARMS CORPORATION" BARREL MARKING WHICH WAS ONLY USED FROM 1922-1924, correct 2/3 magazine and Marlin embossed hard rubber shotgun butt plate, stock has the correct "bullseye" inlay in the bottom, "Special Smokeless Steel" marked barrel, exc. barrel and mag blue, correct sights, exc. wood with tight wood to metal fit with one barely noticeable tiny sharp edge chip at bottom of butt plate (not wood), exc. screws, receiver mostly gray, good blue on loading gate, tight action, perfect bore, $975.

5)  PISTOL GRIP, CHECKERED, AND EXTRA LONG 26" OCTAGON BARREL MODEL 1894 IN .25-20, MADE 1904, exc. dark reddish/brown walnut with sharp checkering and Marlin embossed black hard rubber shotgun butt plate, Lyman tang sight combined with original buckhorn and blade barrel sights, fine slightly aged barrel and mag blue, good blue on bolt that is thinning/mixing with a little brown, fine deep case colors on left side of receiver and slightly more faded (but still fine) on the right side and receiver top, bore a little bit dark, but will scrub out about exc., a really fine condition Marlin with unusual features and nice case colors! $2895.

6) HARD TO FIND INTRODUCTORY FIRST MODEL .444 WITH "MONTE CARLO" STOCK, MADE 1965-1971, these just never seem to turn up anyplace, I remember as a kid seeing a Marlin catalogue showing these and thinking how cool and powerful they looked! This one is unaltered and excellent overall showing only the most minor handling, needs only the little "bullseye" inlay ahead of the rear sling swivel (these often seem to fall out), original Marlin marked recoil pad, these are sure to appreciate in value in the coming years, $595.

 

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

  1. BALLARD 3-F FINE GALLERY MODEL MODEL .22 RIFLE, Marlin Firearms Co. markings, 26" barrel, matching numbers, fine barrel blue with some patches of old surface dry rust that has been wiped off and doesn't go through the blue, original sights, correct Swiss Butt plate with most of the dull nickel plating over brass remaining, receiver still shows some light and faded case colors with the balance a cloudy gray and brown, fine action with lever spring weak only, exc. wood (the dark line on the pistol grip left side is a scratch, not a crack), VG bore that is typically dark and frosty, scarce model, $2150.
  2. ONE OF THE RAREST OF BALLARD MODELS: MERWIN & BRAY AGENT MARKED DUAL RIM FIRE AND PERCUSSION 20 GA. SHOTGUN, MADE IN 1868, this one is listed by serial number in the Ballard book by John Dutcher (recently published) as one of only five examples he had encountered.  It is only the second one I've seen in over 25 years, very limited production, fine wood with one hairline crack starting in the right side of the forearm ahead of the receiver- minor and hardly visible, smooth brown overall with some light rust pitting on the right receiver side and a spot on the receiver top- minor, correct un-cut 30" barrel, needs steel forend tip only, tight action, steel shotgun butt plate, VG bore, $895.
  3. FACTORY SPORTING SHARPS 1878 BORCHARDT .45-70 30" HEAVY ROUND BARREL RIFLE, Almost all the big caliber Borchardt Sporters were shipped West where they saw hard use. They were made in limited numbers and are very hard to find today, this is a fine example with matching barrel and receiver numbers, excellent wood with correct checkered steel shotgun butt plate, fine aged barrel blue with some shallow pin-prick pitting on the right side of the barrel just ahead of the forend (minor), uncleaned gray/brown patina receiver, original front and rear sights, exc. markings including the Old Reliable barrel marking, exc. bore, safety functions properly, tight action, rarely seen western sporter in a great caliber, $3750.
  4. SHARPS 1878 BORCHARDT .45-70 MILITARY MUSKET, vine overall with nice slightly aged barrel , receiver blue a bit more aged with some thinning and brown mixing, exc. fore stock with "16" stamped in small numerals on the left side ahead of the receiver, , fine butt stock with a small repaired sliver by the receiver on the upper left side- hard to see, correct checkered steel butt plate, original swivels, fine action, safety functions properly, original sights, exc. markings, bore should scrub out about exc., needs cleaning rod only, $2150.
  5. WHITNEY-KENNEDY LARGE FRAME OCTAGON SPORTING RIFLE IN DESIRABLE .45-60 CALIBER, # E8XX, MADE BETWEEN JANUARY- MARCH 1883, early "S" lever, 28" barrel, this one is noted in HE BURGESS LONG RANGE REPEATING RIFLE MODEL 1878 and other related stories book by Dale A. Olson and listed by serial number as "Rawhide-wrapped wrist, used in Southern Colorado," (perhaps the author knows more history in this interesting Frontier rifle), This one has a classic "horse-rollover" stock break I write about in the NOTES FROM THE FIELD held over at the BOTTOM of this website and highlighted in green, the stock is cracked back from both sides of the upper tang and wrapped around the wrist  and stock with "green" or fresh/wet raw hide, sewn at the bottom and shrink-dried to firmly hold everything tightly together, aged plum/blue barrel and magazine, thin aged blue to gray receiver with good blue on loading gate, tight action, surprisingly fine+ bore with exc. deep rifling, small worn-in chip at left front side of forend- minor, original sights, nice screws, great appearance, great caliber, intriguing history! $2350.
  6. VERY EARLY WHITNEY-KENNEDY .44-40 OCTAGON RIFLE, #11XX, MADE 1880, about first year production with "S" lever, very pleasing overall appearance as this rifle has never been cleaned or steel-wooled etc., the blued receiver, barrel, forend cap and magazine have now aged to an honest plum patina (with better blue on the barrel), exc. markings, original sights, tight action, fine wood showing light handling only, fine bore is a little dark with deep rifling, this one came out of the Northwest and has never been surveyed as its serial number is not listed in the new book on these fine guns, $2350.
  7. STEVENS MODEL 44 1/2 SPORTING RIFLE IN SCARCE .32-20 CALIBER, nice example with matching numbers, 26" half octagon barrel, bore will clean exc., fine ageing blue on barrel, original buckhorn rear sight with Rocky Mountain blade front sight, tight action, fine case colors on receiver sides and on oct. receiver top and around hammer, exc. wood, great condition and in a hard to find desirable caliber, $1795.
  8. SCARCE STEVENS 044 1/2 "ENGLISH MODEL" IN .22 LR, nice barrel blue with minor ageing/mixing plum, fine case colors on left receiver side, right side a little more dull, vivid color around the hammer etc.,  small chip at front of forend on right side and a chip at toe that just barely goes into the bottom edge of the shotgun butt plate, exc. bore, tight action, 24" half-octagon barrel, $1150..
  9. STEVENS MODEL 10 SINGLE SHOT .22LR TARGET PISTOL, only 7131 of these unusual pistols were made between 1919 and 1933, often they are found in poor, abused condition with bad bores, this one still retains most of the original blue with some brown mixing in on the grip straps and edges, fine original checkered black grips with the usual slight crack from the bottom screw down on each side- minor, exc. bright bore, tight lock up and action, cocking knob only looks like a replacement, original adjustable sights, $375.
  10. FAMED MAKER A. O. NEIDNER WINCHESTER HIGHWALL .219 IMP. CALIBER (see under Winchester section below).
  11. SELDOM SEEN SINGLE SHOT .22LR TARGET PISTOL BY HOPKINS AND ALLEN, MADE IN THE 1910s, very scarce and limited production target pistol made to compete with the S&W single shot target pistol, this one has the correct exc. target walnut grips with medallions, 8" barrel shows fine even blue that is a little aged, VG receiver blue that is showing some flaking/mixing brown, exc. bright bore, good case colors on the hammer, matching numbers, very tight action, correct adjustable target sights, $595.
  12. EXCELLENT CASE COLORED SPENCER MODEL 1865 SADDLE RING CARBINE WITH CORRECT STABLER CUT-OFF DEVICE, still retains some nice case color on the receiver sides, top and lock plate, fine+ barrel blue that shows light age only, correct swivels, original rear slide intact including slide, front sight needs little blade only, I believe this carbine was stored in a hot area for years (probably an attic) as the wood finish has heavily bubbled/scaled and raised to the point that some looks like alligator hide!  It would be very easy to strip this off and put a nice oil finish back on, looks like the stock has a couple cracks coming back from the receiver and down from the back of the lock plate to the lower tang- wood is solid and should clean up fine, bright bore has some scattered surface spots that should scrub out, exc. correct Spencer and Burnside markings, ring bar intact with ring removed, magazine tube complete and intact, rack number lightly stamped in left side of butt stock, a little T.L.C. would make this a fabulous Indian Wars Carbine, $3650.

 

 REMINGTON (click text for photos)

  1. SCARCE 1899 REMINGTON-LEE BOLT ACTION .30-40 KRAG CALIBER THAT HAS BEEN NICELY SPORTERIZED, this one has a great look and feel!  Barrel cut to 22" with dovetailed Marbles buckhorn rear sight and Marbles blade/bead front sight, military stock has been cut to sporter length with the cleaning rod channel nicely filled and is barely noticeable, barrel is marked ".30 USA" (for .30-40 Krag caliber), all receiver markings sharp and clear, original magazine, exc. bore, lots of appeal! $575.
  2. VERY EARLY AND EXTREMELY RARE REMINGTON ROLLINGBLOCK No.1 SPORTER WITH EARLIEST STYLE ROUND TOP RECEIVER AND DEEP CRESCENT BUTT PLATE, SERIAL NUMBER 3XX, This was the earliest style from about 1871, caliber is stamped on the bottom of the 26" oct barrel "44" and the breech block is center fire- probably for the .44 long or extra long cartridge, exc. wood that is actually quite fancy under 140 years of uncleaned grime! tight action, correct Remington markings on the barrel top and tang, has the special "Rough & Ready" ladder rear sight with disc eye piece, blade front sight, aged gray/brown metal, exc. wood, fine bore may clean better, all No.1 sporters are rare and most collectors have never seen one of the early ones like this!  (five photos) $2150.
  3. ROLLINGBLOCK .50-70 NEW YORK STATE MUSKET, exc. sharp cartouches in stock, original sights, nice aged plum barrel with bore that will clean to exc., gray/brown receiver, exc. markings, tight action, cleaning rod may be a replacement, fine wood, has the usual very small  rack numbers in top of butt plate, later canvas sling, nice uncleaned and unmessed with example with a great appearance, $995.
  4. ROLLINGBLOCK .50-70 COMMERCIAL MUSKET IN .50-70 CALIBER AND FACTORY FULL NICKEL FINISH! This one is on the standard No.1 Rollingblock action and shows some outside use, but no abuse, EXCELLENT BRIGHT BORE, fine wood with normal handling,  Remington markings on upper tang, cleaning rod intact, VG-fine nickel remains on the action and receiver that is getting dull/cloudy from age and freckling/mixing brown on the barrel, mostly brown on the trigger guard, butt plate and swivels with exc. bright nickel under the barrel bands on the barrel, tight action needs firing pin only, original sights, these were very popular on the frontier and especially in Mexico (in fact most of the Remington "Baby Carbines" in .44-40 came with a full nickel plate) yet are still quite scarce in this great caliber and with nickel finish. $995.
  5. VERY HARD TO FIND .38-40 WCF CALIBER No. 2 ROLLINGBLOCK OCTAGON SPORTER, most of these were in rim fire calibers and of the C.F. calibers the .32-20 was the most common (and these are still very hard to locate), this one has an unusually long 28" oct. barrel with all correct markings including the "38W" caliber stamping and matching number to the receiver, barrel blue has aged to an even and uncleaned plum, dark receiver has also never been cleaned or steel-wooled, fine+ wood with a few normal dings from handling, late style forend tip with ebony wedge inlay, tight action, bore has some scattered roughness, but should scrub out about fine, correct buckhorn rear sight and blade front, seldom seen, $1450.
  6. SCARCE 18 1/2" CARBINE VERSION MODEL 25 PUMP ACTION .25-20 CALIBER, all Model 25s are hard to find, but the carbine was made in limited numbers and is especially difficult to locate, correct straight grip stock (standard rifles have pistol grips), correct front screw eye swivel with the rear one having been replaced with a more modern design (easy to replace as it is just screwed into the stock), correct Remington marked butt plate, fine aged dark barrel and mag blue blue, receiver blue also turning dark and mixing with some gray, exc. wood with higher grade walnut than usually seen with the usual couple age cracks coming back from the receiver (they all seem to have this and they don't mean much or are really easy to detect), tight action, exc. bright bore, $1495.

 

RUGER (click text for photos)

1) MANNLICHER STOCKED 10/22 INTERNATIONAL, MADE 1966, this one has seen little use and has a particularly nice grained piece of walnut in it, near new overall with just a couple small dings/handling marks in the wood, has correct Ruger scope base installed (they came with the base when new), another good Ruger collectable going up in value, $595.

2) DISCONTINUED AND HARD TO FIND NEW MODEL BLACKHAWK BISLEY IN .41 MAGNUM CALIBER, very few of this caliber were made and they are difficult to locate, this one is basically new but doesn't have a box, (note: any bright spots are just photo light reflections in photos) $795.

3) LIMITED PRODUCTION .358 WIN. CALIBER M-77R,  tang safety, 22" barrel, very hard to find, this one near new condition overall, complete with rings, unaltered and showing little if any real use, great caliber, $975.

 

 

SAVAGE (click text for photos)

1) BEAUTIFUL, EXCEPTIONALLY HIGH CONDITION DELUXE 1899-B OCTAGON RIFLE, .303 SAVAGE CALIBER, MADE 1909, one of the finest of these I've seen, straight stock of fancier than standard walnut, checkered stock and forend, crescent butt plate, correct Lyman tang sight and standard barrel sights, beautiful deep blue on the barrel, exc. high polish blue on the receiver with only the most minor beginnings of wear and freckling, truly spectacular case colors on the lever that show barely any wear or silvering, mint bore, butt plate and butt stock numbered to the receiver, retains nearly all the bright blue on the butt plate, $2350.

 

 

SHILOH  SHARPS AND OTHER REPRODUCTIONS (click text for photos)

NOTE:  I am also a Shiloh Sharps dealer.  In fact, I am the only stocking dealer of Shiloh Sharps rifles.  I frequently have a selection of NIB stock on hand for immediate delivery AT CATALOGUE PRICE WITH NO ADDITIONAL PREMIUMS OR FEES!  For further info and lists of available rifles, see my other website,  www.shiloh-ballard.com  

1) SHILOH SHARPS, BIG TIMBER, MONTANA MADE No. 1 SPORTING RIFLE IN .40-90 SHARPS STRAIGHT CALIBER,  this one came out of an estate and I believe it is new and unfired, 30" standard half octagon barrel, really attractive golden color dense grained fancy walnut, accent line on the cheek piece, pewter tip, full buckhorn rear sight, comes with unused NEI grooved bullet mold and handles, new RCBS dies, and 40 rounds of new brass by Rifle Works & Armory, Cody, WY, all for $2850.

2) SHILOH SHARPS, BIG TIMBER, MONTANA MADE No. 3 LIGHT SPORTER, .45-70 CALIBER, this one has a 26" standard weight half octagon barrel, double set triggers, pewter tip and ebony pistol grip, semi-buckhorn rear sight with blade front, military butt, attractive reddish-brown tight grained walnut, weighs right about 9 lbs, would make a great hunting Sharps, near new condition, $2350.

3) SHILOH SHARPS, BIG TIMBER, MONTANA MADE SADDLE RIFLE IN .40-65 CALIBER, 30" heavy  half octagon barrel, special ordered with one inch shorter length of pull (13 inches) beautiful extra fancy dark burl walnut, cheek piece, AA finish, checkered steel shotgun butt plate,  pewter forend tip, (this one would have a catalogue price of  over $3,000) weighs just over 11 lbs., like new,  $2650.

 

SMITH AND WESSON (click text for photos)

1) VERY SCARCE .44-40 CALIBER NEW MODEL NUMBER 3 FRONTIER SINGLE ACTION REVOLVER WITH 6 1/2" BARREL,  only 2072 of these .44-40s were made and of these 781 were taken out of stock and converted to .44 Russian caliber and shipped to Japan- this leaves only 1291 sold commercially in .44-40 caliber!  This example #1XXX good aged nickel on the frame, grip straps and trigger guard with some light freckling/peeling on the frame sides, cylinder and barrel basically gray/brown, fine grips show normal handling/holster wear with one hairline crack in the top of the right grip, fine action, bore should scrub out fine, front sight has not been altered, matching numbers, nearly impossible to find! $3450.

2) RARE MATCHING AND UNALTERED FIRST MODEL U.S. .45 CALIBER SCHOFIELD, #2XXX, only 3,000 first models were made for the government in 1875 and most of these had their barrels cut and sold as surplus later on, unaltered and matching first model examples are really hard to find, frame, grips, cylinder, barrel catch and barrel all match, "U.S." stamping on the butt is clear (these often ground off), still retains some good blue on the frame around the cylinder, aged blue in the cylinder flutes, good aged blue under the barrel rib, fine blue on the frame ahead of the trigger guard and rear of the barrel, balance of metal an uncleaned brown patina, exc. original walnut grips still retain a faint cartouche on the left grip, tight action and mech., bore will clean out about exc., small survival rate of these and this is a really fine example, $5200.

3) SELDOM SEEN TRUE COMMERCIAL (NOT MILITARY OR BRAZILIAN CONTRACT) 1917 .45ACP PRE-WORLD WAR II REVOLVER, #177XXX, MADE CIRCA 1930, all matching numbers including the diamond checkered grips, shows exc. original blue with just the back strap showing wear to gray/brown, exc. blue on the butt and front strap which shows just some minor thinning near the butt, exc. barrel and cylinder blue with minor edge wear only, nice frame blue with a couple spots of holster wear on right side just ahead of grips and a little on the top strap, exc. grips with the right side bottom showing a little very worn in shallow chipping to the extreme edge only, lanyard ring intact, fine case color on hammer and trigger, exc. mech and bore, front sight has not been altered or filed, even the front of the cylinder shows good blue which indicates this revolver was rarely if ever shot, few made and hard to find big "N" frame variation, $1195.

4) TARGET SIGHTED .32-20 1905 HAND EJECTOR 3RD. CHANGE, #53XXX, MADE 1909-1915, really hard to find target revolver especially in any "model/change" other than the last 4th Change 1915-1940, this one retains fine blue overall with grip straps mixing brown/gray and some holster wear on the barrel sides and edges, exc. mech and bore, deep dish brass medallion diamond checkered walnut grips show light handling only, exc. markings with correct last patent date of 1909, matching numbers, nice example, $1195.

 

 

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

1) MODEL 1868 .50-70 TRAPDOOR SPRINGFIELD, a true attic condition example with the metal overall an uncleaned aged brown patina, exc. markings on correct 1863 dated lock plate, 1870 dated breech block, correct swivels and cleaning rod, bore will clean exc., fine wood with normal light handling marks only, light cartouche in stock, typical rack numbers stamped in top of butt stock ahead of butt plate, un-cleaned and un-messed with Indian Wars rifle, $975.

2) EARLY MODEL 1879 TRAPDOOR RIFLE, .45-70, MADE 1881, totally correct with nice 1881 dated cartouche in stock, exc. bright bore, correct sight and early style cleaning rod, fine walnut with deep block letters "U.R." and "15" in underside of stock in front of trigger guard (possible railroad?), I spoke to a collector who had seen the same marking on another Trapdoor, fine aged barrel blue that is thinning a little and mixing plum, mottled breech block, good blue on trigger guard, tight action, fine correct dark blue case color on hammer and lock plate,  really attractive example of an Indian Wars Infantry rifle, $895.

3) FINE CONDITION MODEL 1888 ROD BAYONET .45-70 TRAPDOOR RIFLE, MADE 1892, one of the last of the great Trapdoors, this one is in particularly nice condition, exc. wood with the usual rack number stampings showing normal light handling marks only, cartouched stock, fine barrel blue that is ageing and mixing a little plum, deep blue on the barrel bands, trigger guard etc., nice deep and dark correct case color on the hammer and lock plate, good faded/light case colors remain on the breech block, correct Buffington rear sight, exc. bright bore, considered the finest shooting of all the Trapdoor models, $975.

4) A GREAT SPRINGFIELD TRAPDOOR CARBINE ACCESSORY FIND!! BEAUTIFUL CONDITION 1887 LEATHER CARBINE "BOOT" OR SCABBARD.  Amazing that this one is in such complete and excellent condition with no leather rot or flaking, complete with correct straps and uncleaned or polished brass guard piece, good stiff, strong leather throughout, shown on page 282 of THE .45-70 SPRINGFIELD book by Frasca and Hill, $395.

5) COLT DETECTIVE SPECIAL U.S. MARKINGS, FACTORY LETTER, (see above in Colt section)

6) COLT 1909 U.S. ARMY (see above in Colt section)

7) SPENCER 1865 CARBINE (see above in antique/classic section)

 

 WINCHESTER  RIFLES  and  SHOTGUNS (click text for photos) .

  1. .45-70 HOTCHKISS FIRST MODEL SADDLE RING CARBINE, WITH UN-CRACKED STOCK! MADE 1882-1883, almost all of these have cracks in the stock from the upper tang back and around to the trigger guard because people tried to take the stocks off without knowing THEY HAD TO REMOVE THE BUTT PLATE AND MAGAZINE TUBE first!  I'd wager 90%+ of these have wrist cracks!  overall metal an uncleaned aged brown patina, correct sights, mech. and safety work fine (often these don't), exc. bright bore, exc. wood with a light rack number stamped in the left rear of stock by the butt plate, Winchester's first bolt action and much better than usually encountered. $1695.
  2. EARLY 1873 SPECIAL ORDER 3RD. MODEL .38-40 CALIBER RIFLE WITH SCARCE FULL OCTAGON BARREL AND HALF MAGAZINE, MADE 1887, this was actually TWO special order features as half magazine guns were shipped standard with either full round or half-octagon barrels, this one is an aged and uncleaned deep aged blue color over all with some evidence of some light rust on the barrel that was obviously wiped off with an oil cloth only leaving a freckled look with fine scattered pin prick pitting at close inspection, good blue on the loading gate, fine tight action, original dust cover intact, original sights (rear buckhorn needs elevator bar only), surprisingly nice bore that will clean about excellent, fine wood shows normal light handling only with excellent and tight wood to metal fi and just some dings around the toe area, needs one forend cap screw, fine markings and nice appearance overall, $1695.
  3. FULL FANCY DELUXE 1873 2ND. MODEL 44-40 WITH BURL WOOD, 1/2 OCT. BARREL, 1/2 MAG., PISTOL GRIP, SHOTGUN BUTT AND CHECKERED,  MADE 1883, this is a well used rifle but not abused, truly beautiful walnut sows handling and wear, but is solid, one very small and minor typical tang chip on right upper side, checkering is getting worn but visible, smooth steel shotgun butt, has the original fancy ebony inlay in the pistol grip, overall metal is an uncleaned plum brown, fine bore should scrub out even better, original front sight, needs a rear sight, fine markings, original dust cover intact, tight action, will letter, $3950.
  4. FAMED GUNSMITH A. O. NEIDNER,  DOWAGIAC, MICHIGAN (MARKED ON BARREL) CUSTOM HIGHWALL IN .219 IMPROVED ZIPPER CALIBER WITH EARLY SCOPE IN CASE COLORED NEIDNER RIFLE CORP. MARKED SIDE MOUNT! Adolph O. Neidner's (1863-1954)  work is considered outstanding, he was in Dowagiac, Michigan from 1921 to 1940 so the relative age of this rifle is known, 24" round barrel with 3" heavy round just ahead of the receiver for scope side mount, also has a Lyman tang sight and Beach combination folding globe front sight which can actually be used under the mounted scope! Single set trigger, Winchester style forearm with black ebony inlay in the schnabble tip, straight grip butt stock with steel shotgun butt plate, exc. lightly figured walnut, good thinning/ageing barrel blue with the receiver sides about the same, scope is marked on top "CERTAR  2 3/4  C. P. GOERZ   BERLIN  No. 246"  and "VON LENGERKE  & DETMOLD, NEW YORK"  V.L.&D. were high class importers/dealers until about 1914. exc. bore, exc. tight action, set trigger works fine, fine optics with steel pull off style rear lens cover intact, about the finest in custom varminters of the pre-W.W.II period! (antique action- no FFL required)  $2650.
  5. 1886 .40-65 OCTAGON RIFLE, MADE 1898, overall barrel and magazine an aged mixture of gray and brown with scattered freckling, original front sight, rear sight is a "smokeless" sight probably off a Win. 1894 .32 WS caliber rifle, but looks like it's always been on this one, fine wood shows normal handling, dark even receiver, exc. screws, fine+ bore except for some pitting about 4 or 5 inches from the muzzle- may clean out better, $1895.
  6. TOTALLY RESTORED AND CUSTOMIZED 1886 WITH BAS RELIEF ENGRAVING ON LEFT SIDE OF RECEIVER SHOWING A GRIZZLY BEAR IN A STREAM WITH A SALMON IN ITS MOUTH, SPRUCE TREES IN THE BACKGROUND AND SIGNED "D.S.R.", 33WCF, 22" custom barrel (unmarked except for caliber) with classy and expensive hooded front sight on a barrel band, buckhorn rear sight, metal finely blued overall, wood refinished and nicely checkered, sling swivels in butt and end of mag tube, perfect bore, tight action (half cock a little weak), the engraving of this quality and style- if you could find someone who could even execute it!- would cost more than my price for this whole custom rifle! Really stunning.  $1395.
  7. 1890 GALLERY GUN .22 SHORT WITH NICKEL RECEIVER, TRIGGER GUARD AND BUTT PLATE, MADE 1916, great appearance as almost all the nickel remains on the receiver with only one finger nail sized brown spot on top of the bolt and barely a little extreme edge wear on the trigger guard sides, even the tangs retain most of the nickel, butt plate too shows most of the nickel with some normal wear/flaking, fine aged barrel blue, mag tube aged to brown with some blue on the extreme top under the barrel, barrel appears to be a factory replacement done by Winchester as it has later markings and an oval P proof along with the standard Winchester proof mark (showing they did the re-barrel work)- this was common on gallery guns as they didn't get the best care, surprisingly fine+ bore may clean even better, missing only the little plate in the left side of receiver that covers the slide rail- minor, standard gallery sights, tight action, exc. wood and tight wood to metal fit, great appearance on this one with a lot of appeal, $975.
  8. EARLY ANTIQUE SERIAL NUMBER 1892 .44-40 OCTAGON RIFLE, MADE 1894, octagon .44-40s are surprisingly hard to find especially with an antique serial number, thin plum blue/brown receiver with stronger blue on the loading gate, fine markings, forend cap screws should be replaced, tight action, barrel and mag show very thinning aged blue mixing brown, fine bore has some light roughness, but still decent, front sight a replacement blade/bead, fine+ wood shows light handling only, $1495.
  9. TWO MODEL 1892s MADE FOR EXPORT TO AUSTRALIA FOR PERRY BROTHERS, BRISBANE, BOTH LOGO STAMPED ON THE BARREL BY WINCHESTER "THE STINGER" UNDER A SMALL FLYING HORNET LINE STAMPING!  9A) 1892 special order .44-40 saddle ring carbine with factory half magazine and antique serial number made 1894, a call to the Cody Museum confirms the features of this carbine and mentions 'The Stinger" notation, overall metal aged gray/brown, tight action, exc. walnut stock and forearm showing light handling only, original correct carbine rear sight with slide intact, good bore has some surface pitting but decent rifling, $1795-(SOLD)             9B)  1892 special order rifle with unusual full octagon and half magazine, .32-20, made 1913, "The Stinger" marking  as the above carbine, fine walnut with some honest saddle wear to the forearm and one small chip out of the stock at the right receiver corner- minor, fine markings, bore should clean near exc., tight action, hammer notch worn a little so it isn't quite holding full cock when the lever is loaded- holds fine when manually cocked- this is a very easy fix, overall metal a nice plum mixing/ageing brown with some better blue on the loading gate and on the bolt, scarce configuration, $1150.
  10. SPECIAL ORDER 1892 .25-20 WITH HALF OCTAGON BARREL AND HALF MAGAZINE, MADE 1911, exc. wood with exc. wood to metal fit, receiver aged to brown with exc. blue on the loading gate, still some good case color on the upper lever, fine screws, fine aged barrel blue, bore a little dark but should clean out to fine-fine+ or better, tight action, according to the Winchester Handbook by Madis, only 613 1892s had half oct. barrels and only 2740 rifles & carbines combined had shorter magazines, $1595.
  11. UNUSUAL 1892 RIFLE IN .44-40 CALIBER WITH BRIGHT EXC. BORE AND SPECIAL ORDER ROUND BARREL WITH SHOTGUN BUTT, SHOWING  ENGLISH PROOFS, MADE 1911, exc. wood showing light handling only, mostly gray/brown receiver with good blue on the loading gate, fine aged barrel and mag blue, correct checkered steel shotgun butt plate (the English were big on round barrel guns with shotgun butt plates), tight action, $1595.
  12. FINE CONDITION 1894 ROUND BARREL RIFLE, .30WCF, MADE 1901, exc. wood, exc. blue on the barrel and mag., exc. blue on the bolt, receiver sides still retain fine blue with some gray starting to mix, traces of case color on the lever and hammer, some dark streak-staining on the butt stock from powder solvent that should be easy to clean off, original front sight, rear buckhorn probably a replacement, tight action, a nice classic 111 year old 1894 with a lot of finish, $1495.
  13. 1894 .25-35 SADDLE RING CARBINE, MADE 1922, exc. deep barrel and mag blue, receiver mostly flaked (typical for this era '94) with some good blue around the saddle ring, screws and most protected areas, fine blue on the loading gate, thinning blue on the bolt, a little fancier than standard exc. walnut stock and forend, bright exc. bore, correct carbine sights, tight action, $1495.
  14. EARLY 1894 SADDLE RING CARBINE, .30WCF, MADE 1900, bore will clean exc, fine barrel and mag blue with just light wear, receiver blue is fine on the left side around the saddle ring and forward top section, right side has some aged blue but mixing heavily with gray, original carbine sight (needs slide only), exc. walnut stock and forearm, butt stock has two tiny impressions or carvings in the top of the comb just behind the wrist (really small and meaning unknown- see bottom photo), exc. screws, probably had a tang sight at one time as the tang screw and filler screw are replaced, nice early classic 1894, (three photos) $1195.
  15. M-94 PRE-64 .30-30 CARBINE, MADE 1951, this one is not mint, but still excellent having seen light use, most of the bright blue remains with just some gray mixing in at the receiver edges and bottom as well as a very little on the barrel bands, exc. walnut stock, original sights with correct hood still on the front sight, exc. mech, screws and inside, these are rapidly going up in value as they just can't produce them like this any more, (looks better than photos show as lights reflected off rec. blue making it look washed out and thin) $595.t,
  16. MODEL 1895 RIFLE IN .35WCF CALIBER MARKED WALTER LOCKE & CO. LTD. CALCUTTA & lAHORE (INDIA) WITH SPECIAL THREE-LEAF EXPRESS SIGHT,,  MADE 1913, Lots of history in this one!  Many of these were used for elephant and tiger hunting during the British Colonial days, fine barrel blue, receiver mostly gray/brown with some blue on the bolt and protected areas of the magazine, exc. markings (Calcutta markings on left side of barrel), fine wood with swivels (front swivel doubles as forend screw), fine bore, tight action, half cock notch weak only, $1650.
  17. EARLY MODEL 1895 SADDLE RING CARBINE WITH ORIGINAL HANDGUARD INTACT, .30-40 CALIBER, MADE 1900, bore shows light wear but will clean out exc., fine. stock, forearm and handguard showing light handling only and one very shallow chip near the toe at the butt plate that is very surface and worn in- have to look for it to see it, receiver mostly gray with blue in the most protected areas mainly on the upper magazine, good blue on the bolt, mostly gray barrel with some aged blue, original sights, tight action, no extra holes or alterations, pull through cleaning cord still in the trap in the butt stock $1950.
  18. 1895 .30-40 STANDARD RIFLE MADE 1903, 28" barrel and crescent butt, no extra holes or alterations, fine aged barrel blue, fine receiver blue that is thinning/mixing a little brown mainly on the higher edges, good deep blue on the bolt, exc. wood, original sights, exc. screws, minty bright bore, tight action, nice early example in much better condition than usually encountered, $1795.,
  19. BIG MODEL 1910 .401 CALIBER AUTO LOADING RIFLE, MADE 1913, a fairly limited production model with only about 20,000 made, this one shows exc. blue on the barrel, exc. receiver blue with minor brown starting to mix especially on the edges and bottom, exc. solid wood, buckhorn rear sight with Lyman ivory bead front sight,  original magazine, exc. bore and mech., $850.
  20. SPECIAL ORDER MODEL 54 BOLT ACTION .30-06 SPORTER WITH FANCY WALNUT AND STAINLESS STEEL BARREL, #33XXX, MADE 1931, most of the original black 'Japanned" finish remains on the barrel, no extra holes or scope mounts, exc. markings, perfect bore, original Lyman receiver sight, blank/filler in rear barrel dovetail (no indication a rear sight was ever installed, exc. receiver blue, thinning blue on the trigger guard bottom and floor plate, checkering getting a bit worn, sling eye studs in butt and forend, nicely figured walnut on both sides of butt stock, has a very old period recoil pad- should be replaced with a nice solid Winchester marked pad (easily done), These deluxe stainless barrel guns from the Great Depression era are super rare, $1795.
  21. MODEL 65 .25-20 RIFLE, MADE 1933,  rare as only 1502 of this model were made in this caliber, very limited production model killed off by the Great Depression, fine barrel blue shows some scuffing and wear, receiver mostly gray with some brown, fine blue on loading gate, nice screws, fine wood shows normal handling, correct original checkered stedel butt plate, gray forend cap, exc. bright bore, this rifle saw some honest use, but is still a good tight example of a most difficult to find Winchester lever action, $2250.
  22. MODEL 71 DELUXE RIFLE, .348WCF CALIBER MADE 1947, exc. barrel and mag blue, forend tip and mag tip flaking/mixing plum and gray, bright receiver blue with wear to the bottom and sharp edges where it is turning silver, upper tang and bolt have exc. blue, exc. wood with sharp checkering show little handling, correct checkered steel butt plate, correct pistol grip cap, front sight hood intact, complete with super grade swivels and sling, tight action, exc. inside, $2495.exc. wood with vet, exc. bore and exc.

 

    BILL GOODMAN,  305 DONEGAL DRIVE,  BOZEMAN,  MONTANA  59715           TEL.  (406) 587-3131          FAX  (406) 219-3415   

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 THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD NOTES FROM THE FIELD I'M KEEPING IT HERE.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD:  (27 April 2011) 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 sorts of saddle ring carbines-  I'll bet they were all damaged FROM HORSES! Now this is speculation, but I believe most of these cracked stocks are from horses rolling 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!