NIB to the extreme

[Duke426]

Some of us want NIB specimens that haven't been fired since leaving the factory. Some of us just want a nice shooter grade gun. To each, his own.

I am beginning the search for a nice Winchester model 21 side-by-side shotgun. Haven't even decided on a gauge yet between 12 or 20.

Perusing the internet I stumbled on what might be the largest collection of Model 21's in private hands. I didn't get an exact count but it would appear to be over several dozen shotguns (he has 15 consecutively serial numbered to give you an idea of a starting point).

Anyway, the owner says that the ones he personally ordered from the Winchester Custom Shop haven't even been removed from the box and assembled. Haven't even had the barrel and action together since leaving the factory. I know, to each his own, but does that strike anyone else as a little bit odd?

 

[snowman]

Yes indeed!

Andy

 

[sipowicz]

Not if you are a busy person. Seriously though, if you are a collector and have plenty of them, I can see just leaving a new one alone.

 

[AirCommando]

No, not me! I have a 2010 Camaro SS that I bought and just stored. It has 78 miles on it. Is that a bit odd?!

A lot easier to do with a gun!

BTW, I do have 3 O/U shotguns just like that.

 

[bloo]

A coworker and I both got collector grade M1 rifles from the CMP. Mine now has over 1,000 rounds through it. His is still in the grease it came in. Guess who has had more fun.

Ted

 

[august1410]

Some of us want NIB specimens that haven't been fired since leaving the factory. Some of us just want a nice shooter grade gun. To each, his own.

I am beginning the search for a nice Winchester model 21 side-by-side shotgun. Haven't even decided on a gauge yet between 12 or 20.

Perusing the internet I stumbled on what might be the largest collection of Model 21's in private hands. I didn't get an exact count but it would appear to be over several dozen shotguns (he has 15 consecutively serial numbered to give you an idea of a starting point).

Anyway, the owner says that the ones he personally ordered from the Winchester Custom Shop haven't even been removed from the box and assembled. Haven't even had the barrel and action together since leaving the factory. I know, to each his own, but does that strike anyone else as a little bit odd?

Don't have much to add....saw your signature. You must be in MD. Ron Smith, the voice of reason, truly is missed.

 

[Duke426]

No, not me! I have a 2010 Camaro SS that I bought and just stored. It has 78 miles on it. Is that a bit odd?!

A lot easier to do with a gun!

BTW, I do have 3 O/U shotguns just like that.

To each his own, but wouldn't it have been a lot cheaper to just take a few pictures at the Chevy dealer if all you're gonna do is look at it once in a while?

 

[AirCommando]

Well, I get to sit in it and smell new leather whenever I want to. Kind of like having it in the safe. I'm going to be tempted to get it out and drive it this summer though. Bought it in the summer of 2009, I should see if something happens while it is still under warranty.

I did take a pic of my next one, in the showroom, waiting for me. We haven't finished the deal yet.

2012 2SS/RS Convertible, Hurst 6 spd manual..

 

[handejector]

Anyway, the owner says that the ones he personally ordered from the Winchester Custom Shop haven't even been removed from the box and assembled. Haven't even had the barrel and action together since leaving the factory. I know, to each his own, but does that strike anyone else as a little bit odd?

Yes and no.
As a shooter, yes, it is odd.
As a person who understands the desire to stack 'hard currency' (though I cannot afford to), no. His money will do as well there as in most stocks, and it is more fun to own.

 

[feralmerril]

I find it next to unbeliveable. Unless it is someone rich as getty or warren buffett. There are liars all over. Once when I was on a trip we stopped in a cafe. There was some old BSer there telling how he had been a lockheed test pilot and flew the SR-71. Funny, I was a guard there and knew them all. He wasnt one of them. I never blew his cover either.

 

[feralmerril]

Thinking about it, I could be wrong. 30 years ago I bought two shotguns for 1/2 price on some fantastic sale with the idea of turning them at a profit. The BSS 12 gauge I shot just once and the ithica supream skeet 20 gauge I never shot. I have others I shoot. I am far from rich, so I suppose there are rich guys that are more nuts then me.
It`s just hard to belive someone would order a super expensive custom gun and not at least put it together and at least "heft" it to feel the fit or roll around on the floor with it.
I am thinking about selling these guns and a few more one day as I dont want theresa to get a nickle on the dollar when they plant me.

 

[Duke426]

Yes and no.
As a shooter, yes, it is odd.
As a person who understands the desire to stack 'hard currency' (though I cannot afford to), no. His money will do as well there as in most stocks, and it is more fun to own.

I can appreciate that in terms owning those pristine shotguns as an investment condition is everything.

My question then becomes, what sort of premium does having never been removed from the box and assembled add to the value, versus an identical gun in identical condition that has been removed from its box and stored in a safe but not further handled? I realize/assume you may not be a Winchester 21 expert so I ask just in general terms of any highly collectable firearm, such as a S&W.

 

[Duke426]

It`s just hard to belive someone would order a super expensive custom gun and not at least put it together and at least "heft" it to feel the fit or roll around on the floor with it.

That is what I am trying to wrap my mind around also. I understand not shooting them and storing them as an investment, but to not even affix the barrels to the action after having spent tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars on "made to MY specs" custom orders? I'd at least want to shoulder the things once before I put it in the safe.

PS Nice shotguns, Merril.

 

[s&wchad]

The Model 21 is a nice SxS. I have one in my collection and I have shot skeet with it, but only on nice days! I don't think I could bring myself to shoot a truly NIB example, but I sure wouldn't mind owning one!

I may know who you're referring to. If I'm correct, this Model 61 deluxe shot came out of his collection.

 

[feralmerril]

trying to find a price differance on a 21 that has been snapped together and not shot and finding a NIB that hasnt even been put together must be a mute point! How many can there be like that for sale to even compare prices?
I cant even guess how many new guns I bought 40 years ago that I didnt even ask for the box! It really wasnt considered as big of a deal back then as now. I bet I could have hauled off a truck load of them at no charge from some big dealers I knew back then!

 

[Mickey D]

For what it's worth, back in 2007 I bought two 4 5/8" Ruger New Vaqueros in .45 Colt that I was to use in Cowboy Action Shooting. They are the case colored models, which by the way are no longer produced.
One is still in the NIB, never removed. The other is still like new, even though I shoot it occasionally.
To each their own.

 

[handejector]

I can appreciate that in terms owning those pristine shotguns as an investment condition is everything.

My question then becomes, what sort of premium does having never been removed from the box and assembled add to the value, versus an identical gun in identical condition that has been removed from its box and stored in a safe but not further handled? I realize/assume you may not be a Winchester 21 expert so I ask just in general terms of any highly collectable firearm, such as a S&W.

It would not add much in my estimation. It does make potential buyers salivate more, and quicker.

The fact is, if you don't remove it and snap it together, you CAN'T slip and ding it or scratch it. Have you ever watched someone fumbling with a SxS, O/U, or combo gun, trying to put it together? Clang-clang-clang. It can make you cringe.
I'm not afraid of tearing into any gun, but some folks should always wear loafers. I'm not sure they could tie laceups.

 

[chud333]

Like the Big Gorilla said, I personally could'nt do it but....
Buying older/new condition firearms that are'nt made anymore
and socking them away for a rainy day makes for better returns
than my 401K has been doing last few years. Or alot of investments.
Again, to each his own.


chuck

 

[oldman45]

A friend of mine bought a NIB Browning Belgium Sweet 16 that was made in 1957. He bought it last year and paid $1200 for it. Now he has yet to shoot it or even assemble it.

 

[oldman45]

I am thinking about selling these guns and a few more one day as I dont want theresa to get a nickle on the dollar when they plant me.

Do not sell it yet. I will make sure I give her a quarter on the dollar for it but only because you are such a great guy.