Idea for a collection

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DocRock

DocRock

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A couple of my most recent acquisitions have given me the idea for a new collection. I've recently come into a Savage 99, one of the less desirable later ones in .308, and a Montgomery Ward branded Stevens 520 in 12 ga. These were both rescue projects and are coming along nicely.

But the Stevens 520 in particular has really gotten under my skin. The quality, solidity, and workmanship of that era (it was made 1946-48) have really impressed me. Nothing but steel and wood. Pre CNC machining. Another JMB gem.

So, it got me thinking of an idea for a realistic themed collection: "A Gentleman's Sporting Arms Collection @ 1935 - 1948. Nothing exotic and definitely more Buick than Cadillac in taste. All pre-magnumitis period.

The Stevens is a good start. I have a first year of production Savage 340 in 30-30 that is perhaps a little proletarian for the theme, but still fits. Not sure I can afford an early Model 70 Winchester, but that would certainly fit - probably in 30-06 or 270. I'd like an earlier Savage 99, the takedown in 25-3000 would be great. Maybe a Parker in 16ga?

This should set the theme. I invite you to play along and fill out the collection...
 
Well back when, Buicks were only a small step down from Cadillacs. Your starter car would've been a Chevy.

But to your point, it sounds like an interesting and affordable collection could be built. Sears, Monkey Ward, all the others sold their store brands. Maybe collect one of a name brand's guns, and all of the hardware stores' clones? What cost-cutting did they do, other than adopting genyouwine hardwood stocks?
 
I like the notion of it in a vignette sort of way.

I go to a lot of estate sales and though it happens considerably less frequently than even only 10 years ago - form time to time I would come to a house in which the fellas shooting life is maintained in almost a time-capsule old-school gun case or rack.

I love it when I come across a scenario, classically American, where he'll have a solid representation of each that mattered to him.

A .30-something caliber bolt gun, some lever gun, a .22 rifle&revolver, a .22 semi like a Woodman, .38/.357 revolver, maybe a .44/.45 SAA and a 1911/High Power/S&W39.... And of course a span or 2-3 shotguns.

So often, I want to buy and maintain the entire outfit as-is but I'm not running a museum here.

Still, for my own part, I kind that my core, never-sell guns make up much the same *gentleman-collector* sort of affair.

Then, to have it in a proper post-war glass-front gun cabinet is the way to go for me.

Todd.
 
I have a friend that started collecting store brand guns. I don’t think he knew what he was getting himself into. Just think of how many different store brands were out there.
 
There are some really cool old store brand shotguns. I had a Sears and roebuck semiautomatic 12g for a while that was extremely novel.
 
I think that's a good idea. You may want to start with .22 rifles in the era of 1935 through 1948 or maybe go through the mid 50's. I see a lot of them for sale and prices are decent. Best of luck to 'ya!
 
Check out what some of the old celebs and writers had and go from there.

I really like old rifles and revolvers. Many of the shotguns from that era don’t fit me well however.
 
Had a look on GB at pre-War Model 52 and some early post War Model 75 Winchesters. Good God! They are right up there with contemporary Model 70s!!!

A Savage or Stevens may have to fill the 22lr bolt action slot. Will be on the lookout for these as well as early Marlin 80s and 81s (and their Western Field and JC Higgins iterations).
 
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Seems that every chain store had its own branding (Western Auto anyone?) to the point it's hard to remember a lot of them. I currently have a JC Higgins/Sears Roebuck/ Stevens 311 20 gauge double as my grab-first home defense weapon.
If you choose to undertake this collection task, you get bonus points for tracking down OG advertising.
Don't know the market on them now, but a model 74 Winchester .22 would fill your pre-64 need. +1 for peep sight.
 
Howland937 said:
Seems that every chain store had its own branding (Western Auto anyone?) to the point it's hard to remember a lot of them. I currently have a JC Higgins/Sears Roebuck/ Stevens 311 20 gauge double as my grab-first home defense weapon.
If you choose to undertake this collection task, you get bonus points for tracking down OG advertising.
Don't know the market on them now, but a model 74 Winchester .22 would fill your pre-64 need. +1 for peep sight.
Click to expand...

The Model 74 is Great call! Excellent suggestion, thanks.
 
I have a Remington Model 41A Targetmaster, probably a 1937. Belonged to my grandfather, who got it in trade in the late 40's. Definitely NOT for sale.

It's got 80+ years of honest wear, and most of the barrel is plum brown instead of blue; but there is no pitting and the bore is pristine. It's as accurate now as it was then... which is minute of soup can at 25 yards. ;)
 
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For a rifle, I would start with a Remington 721. Although a bit late in your collection window’s timeframe, these were known as the workingman’s Model 70. The 721 was famous for its accuracy and was a no-nonsense rifle.

For shotguns, the 520/520A/620 family is a good one to start with. You could also add a Savage 720 for a semi-auto influence.

would definitely include a reasonable revolver like a Model 10 equivalent of some sort.
 
I've actually got several NFS guns in your age range that have more sentimental than market value besides the JC Higgins double. My first firearm is a model 24 .22 over .410...walnut wood. Was with my dad when he bought it for $50 in a yard sale about 2 months before my 12th bday. Savage model 3b, an old Lakefield (Mossberg) 12 ga bolt with poly-choke, and a model 37 red letter 20 among others. They were all gifts for some occasion or other, except the 12 bolt...was my grandpa's and I received it when he passed. Aside from the 24 and the 37, not sure there's a $150 gun in the lot.
 
That's a nice concept, and I've always been interested in the old "working class" guns from about the 1920's to the 1950's; many of which were also store branded. Mostly because that's about all I ever saw growing up. Around here in those days it seems to have been predominantly .22 rifles and various shotguns. I'd bet that every farm had at least one of each. While they aren't considered valuable or highly collectible, they still evoke a lot of good memories and nostalgia from old guys like me. I never even saw a Parker Bros. double in my life until I was in my mid 20's. But I recall lots of Iver Johnsons, J.C. Higgins, Ted Williams, Stevens, Mossbergs, High Standards, etc. along with budget model Remingtons & Winchesters. A collection of all those old common, everyday guns would sure interest me.
 
I have a friend with a Sears branded Winchester 94, works just fine fit n finish are below 'standard' is 'hardwood' stock instead of walnut, cheaper bluing etc. Still very functional.
 
DocRock said:
What are thoughts on a period correct 22lr? I have a 1906 Marlin 1892, so, I'm thinking bolt gun?
Click to expand...

You would not be disappointed with a Remington 550-1.

My dad’s period pieces were extensive. His transition Winchester Model 70s in .22 Hornet are still in the family. Many were lost and/or destroyed by fire.
 
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