Help with valuation of 3 vintage .22 rifles

[dpop24]

My buddy got a call from his Dad tonight about some rifles he's had in his closet since 1979. The rifles could be older than that, but haven't been touched since then. Condition is unknown but I'm hoping to see them this weekend to help with valuing them. Any ideas what kind of range of value he can expect if we assume at least decent, operable condition? I did a little Googling and checking on Gunbroker but looking for some guidance on better info.

Dad doesn't want them so if my buddy decides he also doesn't want them, are any of these worth me trying to get first crack at them?

1. Browning T-Bolt
2. Savage .410/22lr O/U combo (model 24 probably?)
3. Armalite AR-7 Explorer

[omnitravis]

The Armalite, as far as I can tell, inst worth more than $150. Not even that much, really. You can buy a brand new one for $200. Unless it is rare, or something else.

[rm1911]

It doesn't matter what we think they're worth. It's what someone is willing to pay. That's all that matters

[Joe Register]

The T-Bolt is the prize of that bunch, more so if it has the mag and original sights, more so still if it is the grade II. It is an outstanding .22.

The Armalite is cool from a historical perspective if it was made in Costa Mesa.

[ViciousJellyfish]

The Savage is a model 24. They run about 250-400 I believe. Discontinued, however there is a new model 42 out with the same calibers, for about 400 new. I've been looking for a model 24, but in .22/20g, or .223/20or12g. Depending on what you guys price the Savage at, I may be interested.

[Izzy43]

Originally Posted by Joe Register

The T-Bolt is the prize of that bunch, more so if it has the mag and original sights, more so still if it is the grade II. It is an outstanding .22.

What he ^ said. The Browning name adds a premium to almost any firearm made by the company although alot depends on condition and whether it has any "Bubba" modifications. Even a re-finished stock can de-value a quality firearm.

[covingtonhouse]

2nd on the savage.

[jyo]

Depends entirely on the condition, i.e. rust, wear, etc.

[Excaliburr]

Browning T-Bolt new at LGS can be near $800 in my neck of the woods. Sometimes a bit more. Depends on condition. If you cold get it for around $400 that would be a steal IMO. The Savage is worth a bunch these days too because of the survival hoarders. The AR-7 back then weren't made by Henry and many were considered junk. Still I think it has a better market these days and BTW I saw a camo version of the Henry AR-7 in a LGS for like $369.99 the other day. The shops are getting high prices for the new ones these days. Personally, I wouldn't own one over the Ruger 10/22TD. Get that Browning if you can.

[sephy]

The Armalite may be worth more these days than you think. Check out gunbroker.com and search for "armalite ar7" "armalite ar-7" "armalite ar 7" or any combination you can think of. Some are going for $400+ with several in the 300's.

Luckily it is a good time to sell since people are stocking up and things are in short supply. Also, since it is an older model the barrel will be different which some may desire. The Armalites should have a steel liner with an aluminum sleeve. There was a time when AR7's came with full steel barrels. Currently they are steel liners with ABS plastic covers.

Good luck!

[Excelsior]

Originally Posted by Joe Register

The T-Bolt is the prize of that bunch, more so if it has the mag and original sights, more so still if it is the grade II. It is an outstanding .22.

The Armalite is cool from a historical perspective if it was made in Costa Mesa.

Older Browning T-Bolts can also be next to worthless if they were built with stocks made of salt-cured wood.

Check the interface between the wood and steel on your Browning. Even better, remove the stock. If there is heavy corrosion you likely have a salt-cured stock. Browning (Miroku?) did this to accelerate the seasoning of the wood.

[AJAX22]

It depends on variant for the ar7

I might be interested in it

[CSACANNONEER]

I might be interested in the O/U if the price is right.

[dpop24]

I'll update the thread after I actually see the rifles this weekend. I still have no idea on condition but my buddy did tell me that his dad wants to sell them as he has no use for them.

[Remus]

Originally Posted by Excelsior

Older Browning T-Bolts can also be next to worthless if they were built with stocks made of salt-cured wood.

Check the interface between the wood and steel on your Browning. Even better, remove the stock. If there is heavy corrosion you likely have a salt-cured stock. Browning (Miroku?) did this to accelerate the seasoning of the wood.

What he said, T-Bolts were part of the salt stocks debacle in the 70's(?). The guns were manufactured by FN though at the time.

[Joe Register]

Originally Posted by Remus

What he said, T-Bolts were part of the salt stocks debacle in the 70's(?). The guns were manufactured by FN though at the time.

I was waiting to see how long it took for someone to trot this out. Guns are near 50 years old. If it was a problem you would know it straight off.

When was the last time anyone here actually saw a salt wood Browning?

[Remus]

Actually that was the second response, secondly the salt gun era ended closer to 40 years ago... Prudence would dictate that a Browning gun stored in a closet since 1979, which dates it a maximum of 7 years following the salt gun era, should be checked for date of manufacture and corrosion. Real simple - real quick. Insofar as when the last time someone saw a salt gun - there is your time capsule .

[Excelsior]

Originally Posted by Joe Register

I was waiting to see how long it took for someone to trot this out. Guns are near 50 years old. If it was a problem you would know it straight off.

When was the last time anyone here actually saw a salt wood Browning?

Last month.

You wouldn't know the problem right off if someone worked to hide it.

[stomach]

Yesterday, I've a 'salted' T bolt, picked it up years ago.
Great shooter!
In the process of finishing a new walnut stk on it, the old one cracked.
They've great barrel, easily hits palm size silhouette out to 80 yds w open sights.
Nice trigger too.

[Joe Register]

And it didn't blow up in your face, kick your dog and run away with your lady?

[PrivateGunCollection]

Originally Posted by ViciousJellyfish

The Savage is a model 24. They run about 250-400 I believe. Discontinued, however there is a new model 42 out with the same calibers, for about 400 new. I've been looking for a model 24, but in .22/20g, or .223/20or12g. Depending on what you guys price the Savage at, I may be interested.

Can do:

#136 Savage 24 O/U 410/22lr, color case receiver a little rough – oiled, 24” opened, VG

#137 Savage 24S-A O/U 20ga/22win mag, color case receiver, side open, great metal ugly wood SN

#138 Savage 24V- Series D O/U 20ga/223, color case receiver, few wood dings, AS NEW except for dings, Redfield Lo-Pro scope with see thru rings

Amy

[ViciousJellyfish]

Originally Posted by PrivateGunCollection

Can do:

#136 Savage 24 O/U 410/22lr, color case receiver a little rough – oiled, 24” opened, VG

#137 Savage 24S-A O/U 20ga/22win mag, color case receiver, side open, great metal ugly wood SN

#138 Savage 24V- Series D O/U 20ga/223, color case receiver, few wood dings, AS NEW except for dings, Redfield Lo-Pro scope with see thru rings

Amy

Cool. I just sent you a PM.

[dpop24]

Well, after a long delay I finally got my hands on these three rifles and I'm sad to report that they are not in very good shape. The T-Bolt particularly has a good amount of corrosion especially around the areas where the metal and wood are in contact (assume this means it's a salt cured stock?) The corrosion seems to be limited to the receiver with none along the barrel and only on steel parts, nothing on the aluminum trigger assembly.

Serial number is 15552X6 (the 5's are fake numbers to mask the S/N) - near as I can tell that dates year of manufacture to 1966, can anyone help verify? If that's so, it would put this rifle right smack dab in the middle of the salt wood era.

[Army]

As long as the rust isn't deep, the Browning can be refinished with minimal loss to value or safety. It's a much better shooter than a collectible. Magazines aren't easy to find, but they are out there.

Definitely worth picking up, despite the corrosion.

[dpop24]

Any advice on the best way to get the rust out of there? I've been working on it with a brass bristled brush soaked in oil but I wouldn't mind going a bit more aggressive if I weren't so scared or scarring the bluing.

[CSACANNONEER]

Coat the rusted area in oil and scratch off the rust with a nickel.

[Thefeeder]

[QUOTE=Joe Register;10812062]I was waiting to see how long it took for someone to trot this out. Guns are near 50 years old. If it was a problem you would know it straight off.

When was the last time anyone here actually saw a salt wood Browning?[/QUOTE]


You rang? Many in fact

[xrMike]

Originally Posted by omnitravis

The Armalite, as far as I can tell, ... You can buy a brand new one for $200. Unless it is rare, or something else.

Armalite stopped making the AR-7 in the early '70s. Henry is making them now, with some improvements on the original design. I don't think you can get a new one for less than $250.

[M1NM]

Originally Posted by sephy

The Armalite may be worth more these days than you think. Check out gunbroker.com and search for "armalite ar7" "armalite ar-7" "armalite ar 7" or any combination you can think of. Some are going for $400+ with several in the 300's.

+1 Armalite was the original - then went through several mfg with varying quality.

[Joe Register]

[QUOTE=Thefeeder;11331646]

Originally Posted by Joe Register

I was waiting to see how long it took for someone to trot this out. Guns are near 50 years old. If it was a problem you would know it straight off.

When was the last time anyone here actually saw a salt wood Browning?[/QUOTE]


You rang? Many in fact

I'll take it for $75 so I can be part of the salt wood club.

I will duracoat that sucker and put a stock on it that will make Bubba weep with joy.

[majtom94]

New AR-7 is $280 at Reed's. The old Armalite is one I am interested in so if you want to sale it, please PM me. Would really like to see that one.

[BigPimping]

The Savage OU. PM me.... cash, new bills, crisp and clean await you.

[majtom94]

Is this thread about hookers - I mean we are talking about "wood" and throwing money around?