What is this winchester 53 worth?

[Booger Bill]

I saw this gun on another site. The guy says the bore is shot out. He asked me whats it worth? I did make a offer as I would be interested in converting it to .357 mag or .256 win mag. It is in .32/20. What say you?
By the way, I understand it already has been refinished once. If I were to get it, who would do the conversion and/or refinishing if I was to go the whole route? So. Whats it worth as is, whats it cost to rechamber and rifle, bush the fireing pin and fit, how much to refinish if I go that far, and what would the rifle be worth when done? I know you couldnt get a fraction back if resold!
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d20/a ... rifle2.jpg

[rjohns94]

that would make a real nice .357

[Rusty]

+2 on the .357 mag. It would be real handy.

As an aside what's he figure a shot out M53 is worth?

[O.S.O.K.]

Hmm, looks good.

I'd get the barrel re-lined and leave it as the barrel is marked - 32 WCF

[Booger Bill]

I told the guy to me I would pay $400s. It has been refinished and bad bore. I also said I am sure it would go for more on auction than my $400 offer. I would have it rebuilt, would end up costing me a lot and I know I wouldnt began to get that money out of it. What do you think it really is worth as is?

[Pete44ru]

Jac - FWIW, It would take me less than a half-hour to sell that rifle for $1K.

.

[Kansas Ed]

That looks like Mike Hunter project potential to me. Reline, refinish and have yourself a very nice old rifle that is incredibly fun! Ask yourself this? What can you buy a NIB Old stock Browning 83 in, and then put the added money into the restoration.

Ed

[Sixgun]

I don't believe that barrel can be relined--too thin. I might be wrong on that, but my guy will not reline src's or lightweight barrels

Everybody has their own description on what is "shot out". You would be surprised what a "shot out " barrel will do will a gas checked cast bullet sized large.

As for value, it depends on whether it was buffed or not. If it was just a hot dip blue, no buffing, good original wood, sharp lettering, so-so bore, no extra holes---------$750 any day of the week. Its a GFO item--which means "Go Find One"-------Sixgun

[KirkD]

I have a very difficult time believing the bore is 'shot out'. The first Model 53 was made in 1924. This was not a black powder gun, and I doubt there were many mercuric primers used in it. I wonder if it isn't just leaded up. The wood looks original, which is a big plus. I think Sixgun's estimate is a good one. I just do not believe the bore is shot out.

By the way, I'm keeping a database on surviving Winchester Model 53's. I would be very grateful if you could pm me with the serial number.

[Booger Bill]

Thanks. It looks like I can quit stressing about it. As usual, other guys quickly posted it could be worth thousands of dollars. Of course, they werent offering to buy it for that either!