Custom Pre 64 Win Buy or Not? Pic added

[SMK]

Forum members

What are your thoughts on custom guns?

I have a small, but nice collection of high condition Pre 64 Winchesters. My thoughts on non factory engraved and stocked guns is to stear clear of them, but now I see one particular rifle that makes my jaw drop, its gorgeous. The stock work and engraving was done by a master gunsmith and it was his personal gun. The gun is not over done, just handsome checkering and engraving, and since the guy who built it was a record holding marksman and this was his personal gun I have no doubt it is tack driver. I am tempted.

For the price I could buy a factory stock pre 64 NIB, but there is no way I could hire this level of custom work done on a gun for the same money.

Intent would be to keep and use the gun forever, but I think one should always pay attention to marketability of what they decide to put their hard earned money into.

Thoughts?

Scott

 

[feralmerril]

You didnt say what model. Yes, in some cases if you can find some fine custom rifle that is going for a lot or some less money than the owner probley commissioned, and its the same work you like, why not?
I think we all can agree that the owner that had the custom work done is probley takeing a big loss, but you would be benifiting from it.
I own a highly custom supream mauser action .270 win heavy target rifle. I know it would cost over $2,000s to have done, and not only that few great gunsmiths could duplicate the fine work. I dont have a lot in it, and I doubt I could ever get out of it what its really worth.

 

[Frank237]

CUSTOM=lose money. Same for "Commemorative".

I steer clear of Custom work, unless it's done by a real NAME gunsmith/company. Joe Blow who worked out of his basement may have done nice work but worth far less than a Jerry Fischer, or Armand Swenson.

BUT...I have bought guns where the work performed was WHAT I would have done had I commisioned the work myself. Bought a NOVAK Hipower that way...Everything as I would have done it...and cheaper than having NOVAK do it.

Sounds like this gun fits THAT exception for you. Then I would probably buy it.

FN in MT

 

[SMK]

FN, this wasn't a basement job.

I thought about it and closed the deal.

This Model 63 was built by the late master gunsmith and National Benchrest Hall of Fame record holder Tom Gillman. This was one of his personal guns.

He has the barrel threaded for weights. I'm thinking it will be as accurate as it is good looking.

Scott

 

[2152hq]

Who did the engraving on it, any idea?
Nice looking job from what I can see.

Looks like the factory 'deluxe' style checkering pattern but whoever did it checkered up to the fluers(sp?) instead of using the stippling like NewHaven did.
Nice wood!

 

[dusty3030]

Too bad Tapco doesn't make a railed stock for a 63 It's going to be hard to mount a bayonet or a laser on it.
Just kidding, very nice rifle.

 

[keith44spl]

Now that right there is alright

Custom firearms are just the tops in my book.

I like 'em engraved with extra nice wood and one's that'll shoot.

I'd say that'n fits the bill.

Su Amigo,
Dave

 

[SMK]

Keith44Spl

The bull barrel pic is for you. Its marked 22 LR MATCH and also has the gunsmith's name on it.

Not sure who did the engraving. The gunsmith made his own stocks. He may have engraved it too.

 

[hsguy]

The biggest problem I have found with selling custom guns is that most buyers who are able to buy a custom gun want one built to their specifications. When I buy custom guns from individuals I often can't offer near the amount of money invested in the gun as I know from experience they are a tough sell.