A used, but unfired 1866 Winchester (EMF/Uberti), Saddle Ring Carbine in .44-40, became mine today.
It is kind of sad to see widows bring their late husbands firearms in to the local gun shop, putting them on consignment.
I found a 1866 Yellow Boy Saddle Ring Carbine setting in the gun rack, at a friend of mines shop. It wasn't there the day before yesterday. I started looking at it and it has not been fired. The action feels like some one smoothed it up. The trigger is also smooth, with no creep.
There was a couple of areas that looked like rust was trying to get started. I looked at the price tag and was very much surprised by it. The asking price was $495.00 for an unfired firearm in practically as new condition. That is an extremely good price. I felt, I eventually would have to pay something over a thousand dollars to acquire a Uberti 1866 Winchester.
I brazenly asked for $50.00 off because of the rust starting. The consigner agreed to it. I paid for the rifle and went into the back room, I stripped the forearm off. Using 4 ought steel wool and a rust removal compound, five minutes of careful labor removed all of the areas where rust was trying to get started, without removing any of the blueing.
It has an ugly rear barrel sight on it, which I will replace as soon as the California waiting period is over.
This looks like it is going to be a fun rifle. I have two 1873's one in .38-40 and one in .44-40 to pair with the ANIB 1866.
This leaves me with one more rifle I want to acquire. I want to acquire a Steel framed 1860 Henry. When I acquire the steel framed 1860 Henry, I will be set me up for pistol cartridge rifles, when including my 1894 Marlins.
Bill