Value of these rifles...?

[Kahuna5]

I have the opportunity to sit in on a sportsman auction tomorrow for 52 different firearms. A few sparked my interest which I didn't know much about let alone a fair value of what they could be sold for. I am hoping my fellow highroaders can at least get me in the ballpark range of what these rifles are worth.

The first is a Savage Model 99H Carbine (c. 1927) in 30-30.

The other two models are both Winchester Model 94 Carbines (c. 1964 & c.1951) both chambered in 30-30 WIN. I am assuming the (c. 1951) is worth significantly more than the other Model 94 but then again thats why I am asking for your help on this one.

 

[Coyote3855]

Best bet is to check the online gun auction sites. You can search for completed auctions or sales. That tells you what the guns actually sold for, not what someone thinks they are worth.

Difficult to give you a price as condition is critical. I've been shopping for a Savage 99 in .250-3000. Good ones are going for over a grand. The .300 calibers in decent shape are in the $450 to $600 range. The 99 was in some cases prone to cracks in the stock immediately behind the breech block, so watch for that.

You're correct that the "pre 64" Winchesters demand a premium. Again, the most important consideration is condtion and again, your best information will come from internet auction/classified sites. In good condition, I'd guess the 1964 in the $350-$450 range, the older rifle maybe $500-600. Posters will tell you they bought the same guns in a pawn shop for $150. Like big fish caught and released, there are lots of bargains reported on the internet.

I tend to dislike auctions. All take a % from the seller, and many add 10-20% as a "buyer's premium." Be sure you know about that before you bid and end up paying more than you expected.

 

[gunownerz]

It depends entirely on the condition of the guns and if they were maintained well over time. It isn't as easy as "x" is valued at "y". Typically, it's the opinion of the buyer anyways for the items theoretical value to the buyer. So make it look pretty!

I agree with Coyote about auctions though. Keep an out for the percentage of premium's.

 

[valkyrie.rider]

I had a 99H in 30-30 a few years ago. Nice rifle but I had a heck of a time when I decided to sell it. Buyers kept telling me that 30-30 was not popular in in the 99 and the caliber kept the price down. Took a long time to sell it. Just for-what-it-is-worth.

 

[jmr40]

Can't help much with the Savage and only a ballpark price on the Winchesters. The model 70 was completely changed in 1964 so they see the greatest price differences after 1963. Model 94's, not so much. A really old 94, as in one made prior to 1900 or even in the very early 1900's will bring a huge premium. The difference between a 1951 rifle and 1964 model is small with the '51 only bring a little more.

I wouldn't be interested in the 1964 rifle at all. But if someone wanted it, around $300-350 is what I'd pay. Around $50, maybe $100 more for the 1951 model and I'd be interested in it. I know there are others who will pay more, and it might be worth it to you, but that would be my personal limits. Given a little time I think I can still find rifles in those ranges. I'd rather have a newer version made 1980-2000 than the 1964 rifle.

Savage 99's are just not something I follow. I do know that sometimes subtle differences can make a huge difference in price.

 

[JT-AR-MG42]

No dog in this race. I just got curious myself.
In the event you are not registered on Gunbroker (you cannot follow completed auctions if you are not).

Here is a 99H in 30-30 you can look at to compare to the carbine you'll see.
This one has been listed for at least 3 months now.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=361366532

Here is another that sold.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=349950442

And another with the barrel band.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=351208094

I agree about keeping the buyer's premium in mind. You should factor it into your high bid dollar amount ahead of time.

If you've attended auctions before, you know the bidders invariably pass on bidding until the auctioneer gets down to a miniscule price.
I've won a few by simply opening ahead of them at close to what I'd pay.
Shock and awe!

Have fun, JT

 

[Kahuna5]

I've attached some photos of the firearms I have listed. They are not the greatest photos but it is what I have access to right now. I understand condition is crucial in the pricing. I will also keep in mind the buyers premium.


To be honest I plan to walk in with a set price in mind and if I can get a fair deal then great. Otherwise, it just wasn't meant to be. Obviuosly, I plan to inspect the firearms closer pre-auction, to make sure if I do bid it will be on something in workable and good shape.

Thanks for the information so far.

 

[Speedo66]

What happened?

How'd ya' do?

 

[Kahuna5]

Thanks for asking. I did get a chance to bid on each of these rifles, however the final bidding exceeded past what I was willing to pay on all of them by a decent margin. On the bright side, I did obtain some valuable auction experience and there are more auctions scheduled to occur in the coming months.

Also, for those that had mentioned to watch out for the buyer's premium, I was surprised to walk in and hear the announcement that there was no buyer's premium allowed. What you bid is what you pay. I did get to see an excellent condition Sako Finnbear in .270 sell for $650

 

[Jim K]

IMHO you were wise not to bid at your first auction. You will now have some experience with that auction and see how things go. Auctions can vary widely, even in the same area; one will have some good stuff at reasonable prices, another nothing but fakes and junk.

Watch how they describe the guns, also. If they seem knowledgeable, there might not be any steals, but they are more likely to be honest than if every old shotgun is a rare Confederate musket.

Jim

 

[Jim K]

IMHO you were wise not to bid at your first auction. You will now have some experience with that auction and see how things go. Auctions can vary widely, even in the same area; one will have some good stuff at reasonable prices, another nothing but fakes and junk. (Those can be fun, watching the suck..., I mean wise and knowledgeable collectors, be taken for a ride.

Watch how they describe the guns, also. If they seem knowledgeable, there might not be any steals, but they are more likely to be honest than if every old gun was used by the Sundance Kid or Wild Bill Hiccough.

Remember that auction houses are not presumed to be experts. If an antique dealer tells you a chair is a Chippendale, you can cry fraud, or at least get a refund, if it is not. But an auction house is the agent of a seller, and need only repeat what he tells them about the item. (The top houses have expert staffs to validate the goods; small auctions don't.) So if the auctioneer claims that that rusty shotgun is a rare Confederate musket, once owned by Robert E. Lee, buy it at your own peril.

Jim