Omega III Rifle by Homer Koon - what's it worth

Bear, Thank you for the lead. I might drive out and take a look.

halogrinder, unless it really is like the one posted in the pic on Dec. 31 (gold enlay with ruby), it's not a presentation rifle and all rifles were test fired at the factory. There were three (3) presentation rifles, two of which are in museums that I know. I would have to look at the caliber that the presentation were in, but I don't think any of them were in a .270 as they took them elk hunting. And yes, I do believe the presentation rifles were all shot on that hunt. I'll look all that up when I have more time... So, your friend probably has a very nice rifle that probably is not worht 55k.

ill get back with you on more information if your serious, or know someone who is serious about it.

Ok so more information.... this is rifle S10 with original scope and rings. So it actually hasn't been test fired then, correct?

halogrinder, I'm sure it is a very nice rifle. I'm not sure why you and your friend believes the rifle has never been fired. I wish your friend luck in selling it. In my opinion, it would not be worth 55K.

In case anyone is interested; there is a 7mag for sale , that has been used, for sale over on texasguntrader, for 1500bucks, pics are decent. Came from a widow's collection.

Beautiful rifle, and at a fair price too. I only wish it was a different chambering (non-magnum). Looks like just the rifle for Mr. Koon though.

Mr Koon,
with all due respect, this rifle is based on what S.P. Fjestad (writer of the Blue Book of Gun Values) stated after looking it over in person and doing some research himself. The rifle was never test fired at the factory (per Homer).

dfkoon said:

halogrinder, I'm sure it is a very nice rifle. I'm not sure why you and your friend believes the rifle has never been fired. I wish your friend luck in selling it. In my opinion, it would not be worth 55K.

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DK...Just wondering if you got my snail mail I sent you a few month ago? I included the original full color brochure that we used at the Sporting Goods Show at McCormick Place in Chicago and the later one that you posted on this site. Price had increased a little. If you had a problem with my scribbling, I do have a typewriter and can list all ten with specs if you are interested? I use the governments calculator to take the selling price in 1970 to what it is today in depreciated FRN's, which I distaste with a passion! Please use this calculator to give you an idea of current value. I will trade for gold & silver eagles, converting to whatever the spot price is at the time of sale.
http://www.bls.gov/data/inflation_calculator.htm
There are eleven Omega III rifles in all including my Pilot model Serial #3X in .308 custom made for me with the short action. I am now at the age whereby my wife would be at a loss to dispose of them if don't come down for breakfast. So, here's looking to hear from ya'all . Armlaw

Armlaw, yes I did get your snail mail and I'm so sorry for not yet responding. I do keep it in my briefcase. I haven't had a lot of free time the past 6 months due to my working out of town. I'm only home today due to getting back really late last night so I thought I would try to catch up on a few things.

I'm also into archery (at least try) so I enjoyed the article on you though I haven't used a recurve in years (my son and I have compounds).

It looks like you have a very extensive rifle collection. It was only the last two lines of your note that I could not read. Until this post, I hadn't realized that you were selling any from your collection. I'll send you a PM with my email.

My son had a school project this last week in which he had to make a shrine for someone. He picked his grandfather. I thought I would include the poem that he had to write:

The Man With The Plan
By Gunnar Koon

Even though I never really knew you
I know you knew me
So here I sit making a shrine for you
That you can look down and see.

I know you liked to hunt
You liked to sail
Always leading the front,
Never wanting to fail.

An inventor you were,
Things made from Oak, birch and fir.
A big Cowboy fan, always a guy with a plan,
All things that make a great man

As I look up and say,
“Here’s to you granddad”.
That maybe we will meet some day
And that sure won’t be bad.

Well, I liked it. dk

Just saw another good looking Omega 3

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=200687577

Interesting that it only has a 22" barrel(?).

What a coincidence, I happen to be home and online. 22" and 24" were common. So, not too interesting. Thanks for the post though.

No problem, I seldom see any Omegas for sale, thought I would share.

Good looking wood on that one. I didn't realize the 22" barrel would have been offered for a 25 06; it would be handy though. Probably handles well.

Omega III .300 Win Mag

Thank you all for this information......I have taken my Omega III .300 Win mag to numerous gun shops all of which have been unsure of how to value the weapon.......all of which have marveled at the craftsmanship......DK, your father was a great craftsman and took great pride in his work.....most of the more knowledgeable custom gun makers would keep finding things to wow! themselves with once they started looking closely at the gun.........I received my gun as a present from my father in law from farmerville, LA.....he was an efficianado of firearms and this piece has proven him more knowledgeable.....I do have a question though........why the double safety?......my gun has a safety(blued) on the end of the bolt, and one also on the trigger....the silver grip cap, a jeweled bolt with the square end, the best trigger action I have ever felt, the best blueing I ever seen on any gun, and 514 stamped on the right side of barrel( is that the serial number?) Yes, If you havent already put a book out, I would buy one.....or if anyone has an owners manual, I would buy it.....

SJWright

"History of Firearms in America"

That would have been my favorite class in college ... had they offered it!

Great thread.

beautiful rifles, i wouldnt mind having one in 25-06. where abouts in denton was the production located?

my grandparents have a snake charmber, first real gun i ever fired.

Sorry folks for the delay. End of year is always full.

SJWRIGHT, double safety was for double insurance. It is just another step to prevent an accident. My father was also a gun safety instructor when he was in Gainesville. What was strictly voluntary back then is mandatory now days. I actually intend to get my instructor certification this next year if I can make the time for it. But safety is a frame of mind and it shows in the double safety. If my father were still alive he would also say never leave a rifle loaded unless you were on the hunt. Never put a loaded rifle in a case or in a gun rack. And always treat every rifle as if it were loaded. Growing up, I recall an older boy who died when he pulled a loaded rifle out of a truck gun rack by the muzzle. That was devestating for his family. And it was totally preventable. The bolt safety also had the added benefit of being able to disassemble the bolt without fighting the firing pin spring. The 514 should be the serial number.

Slimbo, I think it was at 211 Austin street. I got that from a magazine article but I also recall it being next to the newspaper. But that was just the temporary location before the production plant in Flower Mound was built. Think there were only 6 employees at that time.

My father called the snake charmer his worst design but by far the most popular gun... I have three myself and got myself into a magazine article as a young boy back then. I was in a gun shop earlier this year looking for some insta-blue to patch up a 22 for my son. Whole other story... but there sat a brand new snake charmer... was being made over seas now a days. Most popular design by far. Night and day difference in quality with any of his rifle designs.

I haven't started a book yet. This year I found myself working out of town. That will continue into next year but hopefully not forever. Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas and looking forward to a New Year.

Owners Manual

Thank you DF......and Happy New Year to all! If anyone has an owners manual for sale, please let me know.....would be very interested in buying one...

SJWright

i just purchases an omega 111 off auction arms it is left handed in 300 win mag if DFKOON writes his boook I am very interested in getting one ,please post it on this site.Does any one know how many lefty guns may have been produced?mine is NOT going to be for sale it is now a prized toy!!! Us lefties dont always get own a gun this special

Slimbo...

NIB 25-06 is available.

See Post #58 for Labor Department Calculator to estimate your cost.

I remember drooling over these rifles when they came out. This is the most interesting post here in a long time

How was your dad involved in Ranger Arms?

How was Dubiel involed in Ranger Arms?

halogrinder said:

i have a friend who has one.

its a presentation rifle with special serial number. it was made in 1970. its chambered in .270. never been shot, never been test fired- in absolutely mint condition, laminated stock and leupold scope. he wants 55k.

contact me if you know a buyer, or are seriously interested.

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We have the same friend.


He has had it for a long time, and it is currently for sale, although he's not been actively pursuing the sale. He's had a few people interested, but no one has ever followed through.


It is still available, and either I, or halogrinder can provide contact info for anyone that is serious about it. If anyone wants any additional information about the rifle, let me know and I give him a call and pass along the request, and follow up in this thread.


This pic is stamped 2005, and was taken prior to at least 2007. The rifle is currently in Texas, and as far as I know, it is in perfect condition. I can see about getting more recent pics and additional information if there is any serious interest.


This is S10:

I have current pictures animator, if anyone needs them...... but yes we both know the same friend.

Not an Omega III, but here is a presentation rifle from Ranger Arms that mentions Homer Koon in a letter:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=222304529

And here is a .30-06 Omega III currently listed on gunbroker.com:

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=222475136