A bad case of "gun itch" and extra money in the bank, there's a potent combination.

Typically I just haunt the shops "kicking tires" to see what's in stock, what's available. I have my share of brand new guns. But what I like when I get "gun itch" is shopping for used guns.

It finally came down to a nearly new Marlin 1895 Guide Gun. Nearly new, but the sight ramp was missing (no big deal to replace). What killed the sale was that the "bullseye" and sling swivel on the buttstock were both drilled off side maybe 1/4" -- very obvious, should have been caught in final inspection.

Marlin won't replace defective workmanship if you're not the original, registered owner.

Ahhhhhhh, but the pawn shop had 4 lever guns --

Winchester post '64 Mod 1894 in 30-30.

Winchester 1894 mfg'd 1948 in 30 WCF -- loose as a goose, no blue at all, and a couple significant chunks missing from the wood.

Winchester 1894, mfg'd 1955 in 30-30 -- fair, no blue, mechancially sound, nice wood.

Marlin 1894, mfg'd 1978 in 44 mag. 90% on the blue, forend splt full length but properly glued and nearly invisible. BUT -- "Bubba" decided to mend the forend and then "refinish" all the wood with a shiny, ugly, glossy coat of Varathane.

Well, I haggled with Bob, the owner and got the price down on the Marlin and the 1955 Win. by $100.

Removed the wood on the Marlin, chemically stripped the plasti-cote, 000 steel wool. The wood has nice figure/color variation. Hand rubbed linseed oil and Minwax carnuba hardwood floor wax. The mend in the forend disappeard.

Stock on the Winchester came back to life with some linseed and wax buffing.

Daily Double -- first time I've ever purchased two guns in one day.

They're not making Winchesters any more. Do I want the post 1964 gun? It's in good shape and $299. I can probably get it for $270.

Is the post 1964 going to get "collectable" now that they're not making them any more?

from what i gather on the net the winchester 94 will be back out soon.

Well, they are again making Winchester bolt guns ie. Model 70s. The post 64 will be worth about 1/2 as much in a couple of years from now, I'd pass.