Modifications to win 94 affect value?

[hemiallen]

I am looking at a very nice condition 1894 Winchester that has had a rear peep site added to the action, which means it has 2 holes in the side of the action. Wood is very nice, and it is a takedown model with full octagon barrel in very nice original condition with good blueing.

I wonder what devaluation I should expect from this modification?


Thanks

Allen

[bogus bill]

It just might have holes there from the factory depending on the year made. I bought mine new around 1957 and didnt have to drill as holes for a williams foolproof was on the side of the receiver. But if they D&T after the gun left the factory a buyer will use that against you on the price, no doubt.

[J Miller]

If you are a collector ..... .... then those two non factory holes will devalue the rifle. I cannot tell how much as I'm not a collector and the only value I place on a rifle is in it's use to me.

If you want it, you'll have to decide if the price is right. Personally those holes would not deter me at all. I'd just grin all the way to gun range.

Joe

[Pete44ru]

AFAIK, if it's a model 1894 (tang so marked) and not a Model 94, then the peep holes aren't factory.

Since it's a takedown, it's very desireable IMHO - and if the peep was newer/shiny/aluminum ILO vintage/steel/Lyman/Redfield/etc, I'd surely use both issues as a bargaining point, but most likely end up owning it anyway.

.

[hemiallen]

Thanks for your thoughts.

Good point, as a shooter it shouldn't be an issue, but I seem to be buying and upgrading lately, so resale value is good to know for basing my bargaining ability if it is priced like a really nice collector....

I'll do some more gun sale sights ( auctions) searches and see what a 1894, probably early 1900's takedown are going for, but suspect the current asking price may be firm and even below market on the net.

I believe it is an early steel / blued peep, not a more recent anodized aluminum part.

Thank you very much

Allen

[Malamute]

Another thought, I'd check the year of manufacture of the gun, and the type/style of sight for years of it's use. Even if it wasn't in the years that those holes were standard on 94's, they may be factory. Many sights could be special ordered, and the type of sight may have some bearing on the decision. Without a factory letter, it's tough to say for sure. So, it's possible the holes/sight may even enhance the value if they were a special order feature, tho the odds are lower that thats the case. As a shooter, I think they are a plus, and doubt you'd have a problem selling it if the price range is reasonable.

A close inspection of the holes may yield some clue as to their being factory or not, but if well done, it may not be possible to know for sure without the factory letter.

Some of the older steel receiver sights are somewhat valuable in their own right now, so factor that into the value equation.

[WIN 1894]

If the holes are not factory then I deduct 40-50%. Over the years I have watched the auctions and if someone is collecting they will purchase in this range. If just to have one or for a shooter price usually only varies about 20%.

[Chuck 100 yd]

For me those holes (if done properly) are a plus. Saves me from having to do it.
Bottom line is, they should have been there in the first place.

[pokey]

extra [ not factory ] holes have normally been 100$ PER hole discounted

from whatever the price of a similar, unmolested piece is bringing at the time.