new toy, did i get hosed?

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tssievert

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i just bought this winchester 32-20 for 400 bucks and was wondering if i paid too much. i've shot several boxes of ammo through it and it works pretty good. the only problem that i've seen is that when it ejects the shells, it flattens part of the case neck, so it looks like a D. will refinishing this rifle cut down on the value or is it just a good shooter? what can i hunt with it? what kind of accuracy can i look for in this rifle?

thanks

ps, if i got hosed don't be afraid to tell me because i can still return it to the original owner. thanks again
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I can't tell you the value of your gun, and I don't believe that I would have paid $400 for it. But my attitude towards guns has always been if I paid $400 for it and I get $400 worth of enjoyment from owning and shooting it, then I'm happy, no matter the actual monetary value.
:)
 
Looks like a pre-64 Winny with octagonal barrel, should be worth that. Look serial number up for year?
 
cool looking gun, like the gent stated above, if you personally shoot it well and can place your lead exactly where you want it, ie the dead center of your target or right where that beautiful buck will drop on the spot, its worth every penny :) and who cares what others think, as long as its safe, functioning and accurate thats all that matters, you obviously liked the way it looked or I doubt you would have bought it in the first place and FWIW I think levers are the shiznit, good call sir
 
No way you got hosed. That's an antique, and you can shoot it. Good price, I think. Price is only going up from now on, too. Can hardly go wrong. Nice rifle. Enjoy.
 
There is a special little corner of hell reserved for those that refinish guns like this.

I was looking at the same gun a little less than a year ago I believe the asking price was $425.

I wanted it bad but had already bought my alotment for the month by the time I saw it.

I should have out it on layaway but slept and missed out.

I'm looking for another but with recent events I think there will be at least a temporary surge in Winchester interest forcing the prices up.

Post your serial number at this site http://oldguns.net/ to get the date of manufacture
 
As the appraisers say on antique road show platina is everything. Clean/oil BUT DONOT REFINISH it. Here in Houston the over priced pusher...er gunshop I go to has a Win 92 .32/20 in 40% blued condition (almost grey), the stock looked like it was used as a saddlehorn and they want $1200 :what: for it.

As others say alot of people want their Ubertis clones "aged" just to look like your original. Take it this way you could easilly "refinish" 2-300 dollars off the value of that 92.

kjeff50cal
 
just did a quick look uo in the Blue Book

model 1892 made between 1892 and 1941
100% $1,600
10% $350
 
You got a real good deal, and the people who disagree with that don't know their Winchesters!

I personally would value that gun at about $750 to $900.

Don't, for the love of God, refinish and antique Winchester.
 
32-20 is a decent small game number, but considered by some to be rather marginal on white-tail sized game...its all in bullet placement, however...


1909...brother, you got a sweetheart right there...

Do you reload your own ammo? It will be somewhat cheaper on you if you do...and I would feed it a diet of cast bullets only, perhaps with gas-checks.

What can you use this rifle for? Perhaps as a solid piece of history that few can actually appreciate...and at the same time go out and use it as it was designed for. :)

MTCW
d
 
Love old rifles

I have a soft spot for old rifles, but sadly don't know nearly enough about them. I do know this much, however: 1) Under NO conditions should you refinish that rifle. It's worn but not rusted from the look of the pictures you posted. 2) The 32-20 is an excellent all-around caliber for small to medium game, including white tail if you're picky about getting close and placing your shot well. 3) those older rifles are a dream to shoot, many of them are more accurate than modern rifles. 4) db_tanker is right on about lead bullets with gas checks. You probably know this, but the 32-20 was conceived as a black powder round. The barrel will be rifled as such. (.32 caliber over 20gr FFFg)
 
Instead of BP I would try some 5744 or possibly Trailboss?

There are also BP substitutes that would also work...Can't remember the name of the one but its supposedly not as messy as Pyrodex or Triple7.

I would look into some Unique or Bullseye loads personally...I use Bullseye quite a bit in my 22 Hornet...but these are for plinking...


I have become more curious...I will delve into this more. :D

(slow day at work...)

D
 
American Pioneer Powder is what I was looking for...


found it at Cabela's but I am sure there are other places to find it...


Also found some data that shows loads of Lil'gun in the 7-8 grain range for 85-100 grain bullets.
 
dude, just for grins I did some googling and it appears sir you got a helluva deal on it, I would say kudos for a great find :)

I saw prices for that age range into the thousands, Id say its a keeper :)

I love old antique stuff too and just being a conversational piece alone its worth every penny, if it can be utilized as it was intended safely like I and someone else had already stated above, gravy on top :D

If you continue to maintain it in its current condition and pass this on to your kids trying to teach them with the same appreciation its definately worth it
 
Now you need to look for a Smith and Wesson, hand ejector in 32-20 to go with it. I saw one at my local gunshop in excellent condition for $290 a couple of months ago. I passed because I did not want to add another caliber to my reloading arsenal.

Good find and DONT REFINNISH IT.
 
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