I do go to gun shows and look. They all seem to be in the $900+ range and I can't afford that. I unfortunately don't have any friends other than you guys that I could go with or ask. I seem to be alone in my insanity locally.

The Winchester guy never got back to me but I received a second offer this afternoon, with pics. The rifle I'm offering as a trade is a new in the box Marlin 1895 Cowboy in 45-70. They are currently going for around $900 but I don't have that much in it. The person making the offer is within easy half way distance driving time:

M1icon Carbine Inland manufacture.
100 rounds of Remington 110grn ammo. 50FMJ and 50SP.
1 sling and oiler .
1 15rnd USGI mag.
1 30rnd mag.
3 stripper clips w/spoon

Described as:

Approximately 70% original finish no pitting or rust. Bore is clean, when you put in a .308 bullet it does not go more than two thirds down. it is 5.5 million range that would put it in 1944 production. It is in post WWII configuration all parts appear to be US G.I.overall condition of the rifle is good the two biggest detractors of the rifle would be it has a Blue Skies import stamp on the left side of the barrel and a thin crack running several inches on the right side of the stock.

Crack appears to be on the right side just in front of the magazine. Stock looks to have a US ordnance stamp. From the photos, finish looks more like 50% to me but I'm not admitting to being a great judge of that.