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Question on value.
- Thread starter mjpchief
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I've got just the one, from an excavation near Klamath Falls OR. I'm holding it as I type this...
Ditto that. My collectibles are mostly functional, and they get shot. I also have a few wall-hangers, but mainly they're up there because they don't shoot.
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I have three original rifles from the 1850's and '60's, although two of them were converted into the other kind of BP rifle sometime later in the 1860's. They
ALL get shot.
A lot.
ALL get shot.
A lot.
Kmcmichael
45 Cal.
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Unless you stole it!
To me, it also depends on overall condition. Sometimes a small crack will sit there, un noticed for a really long time, then decide to continue it's journey - with nasty results. A couple of my originals have unique rifling which I find interesting even though they're certainly no longer very accurate. Some old wood has not gotten stronger with age ..another consideration.
In the end - those antiques are in your care temporarily, so it's your decision as to how they will live on to the next generation. I like stuff that works.
In the end - those antiques are in your care temporarily, so it's your decision as to how they will live on to the next generation. I like stuff that works.
It probably won't make any difference to whomever buys it at the yard sale after you're gone... 
Many of you are assuming facts not in evidence. The OP does not state that the gun’s current bore is unusable, only asks if a rebore/re-rifle will hurt value. It would make a difference to my answer as would the current historical value.
Pete G
76 Cal.
It would make a huge difference to me.
This discussion may never end because there are a zillion variables to consider. How about saying what the rifle in question is? Much easier to make a more realistic suggestion with some actual information.
It’s a .30 cal J. Henry & Son. Doesn’t really need rebored but was just wondering if it would hurt value if I had it done.
Oh lord.
And that means?? Just a question guys. Never said I was going to do it.
Was just wondering if it would hurt the value if it needed to be rebored to a caliber that was original to the maker.
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54ball
62 Cal.
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My personal opinion is yes it would hurt the value since it has a good/decent bore. If any rifling is left, it has historical significance, just for the study aspect. Modern ML rifling is much different than period work.
Since it's a rifle by a known maker in an unusual caliber......It is what it is in my opinion and what it is ain't bad.
If it was a late percussion no-name hardware store gun that was made in the zillions with a back action lock. You could paint it green and name it George and nobody would care. Being made by a known maker, I personally would leave it be.
Since it's a rifle by a known maker in an unusual caliber......It is what it is in my opinion and what it is ain't bad.
If it was a late percussion no-name hardware store gun that was made in the zillions with a back action lock. You could paint it green and name it George and nobody would care. Being made by a known maker, I personally would leave it be.
Back in the day, when they were shot out, damaged, they made it bigger. No wrong doing if you'd like to shoot it.
Since you say the bore is good, I would leave it alone. That's a desirable name in a somewhat oddball caliber. I believe you would actually hurt both the historic and monetary value of it.
Clean it up, shoot it, clean it up, shoot it!
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ADKBigfoot said: so if you find a beautiful flint arrowhead do you tie it to a stick and shoot it out of you bow????"
I have actually found a few broken ones that I used for flint and steel. They throw just a good 10,000 year old sparks as a freshly knapped flint.
Ohio Rusty ><>
I have actually found a few broken ones that I used for flint and steel. They throw just a good 10,000 year old sparks as a freshly knapped flint.
Ohio Rusty ><>
That's true; therefore the owner needs to make a value judgement: does he/she want a shooter or a collectible? Sometimes you simply can't have both in the same rifle. In the best case scenario, that judgment should be made before purchase. But often it doesn't become apparent until after you own the rifle and you clean it up and find out what it is you've really got. Been there done that.
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I bought a Wurrflien several years ago. It was a 45 caliber. I shot it and it shot well except that upon cleaning a very bad area in the breech was seen at cxleaning. Then I found an area in the bore that was very pitted. Also the hammer was welded rather badly together to make it work and that really showed up after shooting it an dcleaning. The stock had a slight crack in it as well. Since i wanted to shoot it i inquired with a few folks about re boring it to a fifty. I asked if it was safe and would it hurt the value. IKt was safe to rebore it and in the condition it was in the repairs would only incrfease the value to someone would wanted to shoot it as I did. So i contacted Lee Shaver and sent it off. Several months later after a gentleman out in Arizona redid the bore to 50 and Lee fixed the hammer and stock I got it back. It shoots very well indeed. I guess what I'm chiming in on by way of Alaska is it depends on your desire, use and it's condition. If this rifle had been in perfect condition it would still be a 45 cal. Instead I have a very attractive, and functional full stock John Wurrflien in 50 caliber.
