Winchester 1890 Pump 22LR Opinions & Case Harden?

[Boiled Owl]

My son (chabo) and I were in Colorado and picked up this 1890 in 22LR it looks like someone might have polished up the receiver. Barrel bluing and bore is in great shape. Shoots like a dream.
What are INGO's thoughts on present value? and whether case hardening the receiver would kill it?

 

[SEIndSAM]

What a shame that someone polished the patina off of it. Kills the collector value.

I have an identical rifle built in 1906. Absolutely love it. It is the last .22 rifle I would ever part with.

 

[Boiled Owl]

That's why I was wondering about case hardening. Value is killed. can it get worse? We are going to keep it and enjoy it.

 

[ctbreitwieser]

Since the value is ruined , I'd have no problem doing whatever to it to make it look purdy again.

 

[SEIndSAM]

That's why I was wondering about case hardening. Value is killed. can it get worse? We are going to keep it and enjoy it.

I think a case hardened finish would look good, but if it was mine I would strip everything and have it re-blued.

 

[1911ly]

I think a case hardened finish would look good, but if it was mine I would strip everything and have it re-blued.

I agree, reblue it! It will at least look closer to stock. Unless the custom look is what you are looking for.

 

[DocIndy]

I believe my grandmother on my moms side has one of those tucked away in her attic from when she was a little girl. I might have to go see if I can dig it out....

 

[fireball168]

I've seen one case hardened, probably at Classic Guns when I was dropping something off there. I highly recommend them.

Home - Classic Guns L.T.D

 

[Boiled Owl]

Fireball: Thanks for the link!

We walked the Kankakee gun show and there's a fellow there with a few older winchester pumps on his bench and one was case hardened.
Did winchester ever do a factory version case hardened?

Can anyone speculate on what the value this 1890?

 

[traderdan]

First Model..1890-92 were color case hardened. (solid frame)up until 15,000 - Second Models..(takedowns) were blue or color case hardened. - Third Model, all blue.

 

[Boiled Owl]

Is this a second model? Has the A on serial number area.

 

[traderdan]

I think your is a Third Model... Was probably blue. Do not shoot shorts in it, if it is marked .22 L or .22LR. The 1890s marked .22LR bring more money.

 

[Boiled Owl]

marked .22LR

 

[traderdan]

Only about 10% of the 1890s were LR. I am gonna let someone else attempt to assign a value to it. The wood looks OK...it is worth some $$..even without any finish left.

 

[Boiled Owl]

Was this the "Tipping point thread"?
We have a gunsmithing forum…holly smokes!
Thanks and Merry Christmas to all.

 

[Bowman78]

If you aren't worried bout value have it re-blued and enjoy it!! It's still pretty valuable based on my experience with 1890's.. Even rough ones are valuable considering what they are?? I have one that is mine from my papaw given to him by his pastor that has since passed.. We had the barrel sleeved as it was shot.. We didn't care if it hurt the value.. It will never get sold. Only passed down.. When you handle one of those early guns even in .22 you really get and idea of the craftsmen that designed and built them...

 

[davedolli]

I have a third model deluxe model with checkered wood in what I think is very good to fine condition, half nickel, .22 short only. It has been valued at $1000, but that may be correct and it may not. I can't tell in the pic but yours may be half nickel also. the full nickel was the receiver and the barrel.

Dave

 

[Boiled Owl]

It does not have checkered wood. Barrel blueing very good. Doesn't look like any remaining nickel on the receiver either.