Winchester 1917

[tubesaft]

A lady friend gave me a 1917 Winchester to sell for her, it was her fathers. The rifle is in fine shape metal wise but the stock has been carved with lions,tigers and bears. The stock that is left is just a sporter like with no top wood at all. The only metal change I can see is the front sight ears ground off,rear is all there .I really would not bother with it except it is a Winchester and with a stock and new front sight it would be pretty nice. I have no idea about what I should ask for it. Would like a little help,the rifle is at work so no pics yet but could get some Tuesday. Is it a $50.00 mess or a $500.00 fixer? I lurk on the 1911 board mostly so any help would be appreciated. thanks, Stretch

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[Doug Rammel]

Pictures would help. In my neck of the woods a Winchester goes for 500 to 750 depending on condition for a complete UNsportized one. How is the bore on this rifle? How many of the parts are marked W. Is the barrel Winchester? I wouldn't pay over 300 for it. It will cost 200 to 250 for the parts to restore it to military configuration. More if you try to restore it to all Winchester parts. If you find E or R marked parts on it, it's already a mixmaster WW II rebuild.

I'm an old softy. When I see a restorable M1917 I pick it up and restore it. I would do that to the one you are describing.

1917's are my favorite Milsurp and are a blast to shoot.(pun intended)

Go for it or pm me if she wants to get rid of it.



Doug

[irishsteve]

300 would be on the high end for someone you really like,and want to help out.Rifles like that sit unsold in pawn shops all over America at 250.00 .Check the bore for sure,and look for any extra holes drilled for sights.Thats a deal killer right there.

[Jim K]

I am not sure of even that $250 figure. Stock carvings, even if well done, are not to everyone's taste, and usually lower the value of a rifle.

Tubesaft, if you want to restore it (lotsa luck!) you might make a deal but how you do that depends on the relationship and how it might be affected if she thinks you are trying to take advantage of her.

Jim