campergeek
Member
A few years back I inherited a Winchester model 94 when my father-in-law passed away, and after a bit of research I learned that it was manufactured in 1956. At one time I tried to sell it, but found that I couldn't get what I wanted for it, so decided to keep it - besides, one day my son will enjoy shooting Grandpa's rifle. Lately, I've been thinking about making it into more of a shooter than a safe queen.
As it is, the rifle isn't really in "new" condition anyway. The wood shows normal wear. The original rear sight is gone and a Redfield peep sight was put on in it's place. The front sight appears to be original. I've never had good results shooting with this combination, although that could be either the sights, the rifle, the ammo or the shooter.
I'm considering adding a side-mount scope to the rifle, as well as sling swivels, basically making it more purposeful as a deer rifle. I've also thought about re-finishing the wood, just for looks. Because I don't have any plans to sell the rifle I'm not terribly concerned about ruining the value (which I found wasn't terribly high in the first place), but I am curious about what others would do in my shoes.
Would making such changes to the rifle increase or decrease its value? In your opinion (FWIW) would this ruin such a classic old rifle? Going a step further, do you have any additional advice on how to improve the rifle?
As it is, the rifle isn't really in "new" condition anyway. The wood shows normal wear. The original rear sight is gone and a Redfield peep sight was put on in it's place. The front sight appears to be original. I've never had good results shooting with this combination, although that could be either the sights, the rifle, the ammo or the shooter.
I'm considering adding a side-mount scope to the rifle, as well as sling swivels, basically making it more purposeful as a deer rifle. I've also thought about re-finishing the wood, just for looks. Because I don't have any plans to sell the rifle I'm not terribly concerned about ruining the value (which I found wasn't terribly high in the first place), but I am curious about what others would do in my shoes.
Would making such changes to the rifle increase or decrease its value? In your opinion (FWIW) would this ruin such a classic old rifle? Going a step further, do you have any additional advice on how to improve the rifle?