Skip to main content

Originally Posted by John23:

Years ago Winchester made a Golden Spike Centennial commemorative Model 94, with at least two steam locos engraved on it.  I imagine that those would be definitely pricey now.

 

The Winchester 94 Golden Spike Commemorative was issued in 1969 to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the event at Promontory Summit, Utah.  Issue price was $119.95 with a production of 69,996 according to information available from the Winchester Arms Collectors Association.

 

The steam engines on the Winchester 94 are included in a medallion embedded in the stock, they are not engraved in the wood stock like the Henry.  I found one advertised for sale that included a box in less than perfect condition for less than the MSRP of the Henry.

 

The Winchester is a nice rifle but I prefer the Henry, even if it is chambered in hard to find (but getting better) 22LR.

Originally Posted by laz1957:

I was to the Harrisburg Pa. Gun Show yesterday.  Looked all over for this gun and no one had it.  There was a gun dealer there that had a nice display of Commemorative Henrys there, one for Farmers, Cowboys, Marines, etc. but no RR one.  The prices on those other ones were about 550 bucks.  So hopefully the RR one will be close to that?

 

Laz, I have a friend that has a FFL.  I checked with him regarding this rifle.  He can't even order it yet.  I have been quoted prices just under $900 for the rifle from a couple different dealers.

The new Henry rifle company started in 1996 and despite their hype have no relation, either in design or business connection, to the original henry rifles made by New Haven Arms.  NHA was later bought out by its largest stock holder, Oliver Winchester and became the Winchester arms company. 

 

Not putting the new guns down (I own two .22s and bought one for my grandson) because they are a quality product and have the slickest lever action I've ever seen, but they are not historically significant... yet.  The engraving and stock work is all done by laser or a photo-etching process, probably laser.

 

Most manufactured collectibles do not increase in value and are way over priced, be they guns or trains or anything else.

Last edited by Forty Rod

I just reread this entire thread, I did not read that anyone was going to buy this gun in the hopes of making money on it.  Yes, it is expensive, probably more than many people are willing or able to spend, but it is American made, while most of the trains available today are imported.  The constant drone that "manufactured collectables aren't collectable" has no bearing in this case.  The reason this rifle is garnering so much attention is just that people like it and want to own one, nothing more.

As I noted earlier, I already have a couple of Henry's and will be getting the RR commemorative rifle for rather (I feel) obvious reasons.

 

Henry firearms are beautifully made and smooth operating, and every component is of American origin or manufacturing, including the wood used for the stocks. Their customer service and direct contact with customers is something you'll not often see from any manufacturer, regardless of product. They also are very big advocates and supporters of proper firearms training for young and old alike.

 

I don't view this as a "manufactured collectible." Rather, I see it as a commemorative item honoring something (railroading, in this case) that has meaning for me as an individual, just as would be the case with other commemoratives Henry has made for the armed forces, police, truckers, farmers, and others.

 

I'll be getting one, and will be putting that order ahead of a couple of other Henry rifles that I already have on my list.

 

By the way, earlier today I sent the folks at Henry a couple of American locomotive images that they might want to consider using as replacements for the ones currently on their product page.

Judging from these posts, Henry has upped their game considerably. I've only handled a Henry once, back in the 90's when the company was fairly new. The action was rough, metal finish was indifferent at best, and wood to metal fit was no better. Sounds like they've pulled up their socks. 

 

There's no way I'd pay that kind of money for a "commemorative" like that. (Honestly, I wouldn't bend over to pick it up).The gold plating adds considerably to the manufacturing cost, but the engraving is laser and mechanical. The stock wood is straight grain, not upgraded at all. An engraved gun in this price class should have better wood. On the whole, I think it's grossly overpriced.

 

Finally, there's a question of personal taste here. I find the design garish to the point where I don't even want to look at it. I have a couple of engraved guns, hand-done in a much more conservative style. The Henry won't be joining them.  

Last edited by Southwest Hiawatha

For family sentimental reasons, my wife and I purchased a N&W Y-6b from 3rd rail, and it is pretty much a shelf queen (my only one).

 

I would really love to display this rifle and the Y-6b together in a beautiful, specially built, wood wall rack/shelf of some type.

 

(Just like I have to do with many of my model train purchases these days ..... I have to sell a gun to be able to buy this gun.  lol  )

 

 

Allan Miller : "By the way, earlier today I sent the folks at Henry a couple of American locomotive images that they might want to consider using as replacements for the ones currently on their product page."

 

Thanks, Allan

Last edited by CNJ Jim
Thanks GREG for the info.  Maybe I'll see it at the June Gun Show in Harrisburg?  If not then maybe in September?
 
Originally Posted by GregM:
Originally Posted by laz1957:

I was to the Harrisburg Pa. Gun Show yesterday.  Looked all over for this gun and no one had it.  There was a gun dealer there that had a nice display of Commemorative Henrys there, one for Farmers, Cowboys, Marines, etc. but no RR one.  The prices on those other ones were about 550 bucks.  So hopefully the RR one will be close to that?

 

Laz, I have a friend that has a FFL.  I checked with him regarding this rifle.  He can't even order it yet.  I have been quoted prices just under $900 for the rifle from a couple different dealers.

 

 

"I would NEVER display a working firearm."

"Jim, I agree. Norm"

 

Why is that guys? Or, is this a joke I don't understand.

 

I have no guns displayed, everything is in the gun safe. But, the idea of displaying this rifle, along with a really nice steam engine, really appeals to me. I have just the spot in my "train basement." And, I'm sure going to shoot it sometimes.

 

As far as safety, I'll consider a trigger lock, but I'll probably pop open the rifle's side plate and disable it by removing components.

 

Jim Soriano

Last edited by YardGoat
Originally Posted by YardGoat:

 

"I would NEVER display a working firearm."

"Jim, I agree. Norm"

 

Why is that guys? Or, is this a joke I don't understand.

 

I have no guns displayed, everything is in the gun safe. But, the idea of displaying this rifle, along with a really nice steam engine, really appeals to me. I have just the spot in my "train basement." And, I'm sure going to shoot it sometimes.

 

As far as safety, I'll consider a trigger lock, but I'll probably pop open the rifle's side plate and disable it by removing components.

 

Jim Soriano

 

I think it depends what state a person lives in whether they would display a working gun or not.  Many states place the blame on the owner of a gun if it is stolen and used in a crime.  Some require all guns to be locked away in a safe.  Not really a subject for this forum, but I assure you, it is not a joke.

 

I think maybe it is time to lock this thread.

Last edited by GregM

Folks, let's not go off the deep end here.  This is nothing different than a plate or a glass or a mug with a train on it, it has collectors interest for some folks, but not all.  The replies covered a bit of history and opinions on the quality of the item and it's exorbitant price.  Let's not degrade into discussion of political views on what the commemorative is based on, just appreciate it as a train collector item.  If you are a collector, have the free cash to spend, and are not a felon, this is something to add to your stuff.  Anything with a train on it catches our eye, heck if you saw a beauty with a Decapod tattooed along her arm, we'd check out the loco first.

To each his own,  but I have so many issues with this sort of collectible :

-first off,  there is nothing  I would buy out there for $900 just to hang on my wall.

-a gun like this will probably never get used.   It's just too pretty.

-living in probably the most gun-unfreindly state (NJ), I would never feel comfortable with leaving an operable firearm out on display. Even with a lock. Although,  if stolen,  I doubt it would be used in a crime.

-I also think it's a bit garish. Reminds me of the George Patton quote when asked about his pearl-handled revolver.

But,  if you enjoy it,  I'm happy for you.

Okay, I believe we've had enough discussion on the topic so those who may be interested in the Henry RR Commemorative rifle can look into getting one and those who have no use for firearms have also had their say.

 

If the folks at Henry Repeating Arms change the prototype images that are on the product page, I'll feel that this forum has done it's "good deed" in terms of getting the info as accurate as possible.

 

Closing this thread now.

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×
×