I knew him for 48 years, he died, his family want to sell Marlin 94

[Clark]

This is Marlin 94 made in 1904 in 25-20.
What do you think it is worth?

[clum553946]

Look on gunbroker & see what one in similar condition is bringing. That's a cool gun by the way!

[gandydancer]

Looks like a 93 to me.

[Clark]

It says 94 on it.

[tdoyka]

if i only had the money.....i'd buy it!!!

[rintinglen]

Not quite enough detail in the pics, but in my neck of the woulds that would probably go 1000-1200. The bore looks a little rough, but it may clean up, which would boost the value.

[jethunter]

If I knew the history and the owner I'd likely be tempted to pay a bit more than I would for an unknown rifle, for mostly sentimental reasons. Seems like I'm getting soft headed in old age.

that's a nice rifle and 25-20 is a very desirable chamberoing. I'd be ready to go well over $1000 if I came across one like that.

[pertnear]

Clark,

Since it was a good friend & you are dealing with the family & the gun has some sentimental value, I suggest you get a written independent appraisal or two. Present the written appraisal to the family & then let them decide or then make your offer. Safest, most comfortable way when dealing with friends & family since you're not really "horse-trading".

FWIW

[BrentD]

$800-1100, and probably closer to the lower number. Here is one I bought a couple years go, very good to excellent bore
http://www.gunauction.com/buy/12433066/rifles-for-sale/lever-action-rifle/marlin-.38-40-wcf-lever-action-rifle-ca.-1910-c-and-r-ok

[Clark]

I am not buying nor selling. Someone I know has been offered the rifle. The estate already has an offer from a gun store, that is so far, a secret. I am helping the guy who is offered the rifle.

So we are trying to guess what the gun store offered and offer 2 plus cents more... or the trustee may reveal that amount, but has not yet.

My advice in that situation is to low ball offer and walk away.
So I need to know, "What IS low ball?"

[BrentD]

$700.

[historicfirearms]

I bought a similar one in 32-20 last year from a local gun shop for $450. Mine has a good bore and half round barrel.

[wrench man]

The furniture on that one is a little better than mine, the metal is about on par, mine was made in 1909 and I bought it about 3 1/2 years ago now, I gave $200 for mine from one of the LGS's, so??

[hpdrifter]

The way I feel about it is: You knew him for 48 years so the family ought to think he would like you to have it. On the other hand, you knew him for 48 years so it is probably invaluable.

[yooper]

You can bet that a gun shop isn't going to offer squat. I'm not a Marlin guy and don't know prices on them, but I'd look at the responses in this thread, take one of the lower ones, and offer $50 more. I'd bet you get the rifle.
yooper

[50target]

that is so far, a secret.

My advice in that situation is to low ball offer and walk away.

If you knew him 48 years, you knew them and looks like you have some valuable insight. The gun store bid is secret because it is low. If it was high they would be shouting it from the rooftops. Unless the interested buyer is a reloader or he wants a wall hanger, he picked the worst caliber. 25-20 ammo unless you reload it would break Bill Gates. I have a few Marlins, a 94 in 25-20 that is a sweet heart both in condition and performance. I didn't give what some of these estimates are telling. That gun is rough and used hard. Look at the dings at the muzzle. My take is that it is a $750.00 gun straight out. Spend more if want a better condition specimen. LOW Ball in my opinion for a shooter is $450.00 to $500.00 in todays market, not several years ago. I reason that because a Marlin 39A would cost you that or more today. Then again, it is just an opinion. Depends on the motivation of both seller AND buyer.

[runfiverun]

I looked at one yesterday at cabela's they were asking $999.00
I wouldn't pay that for sure, but that's what they wanted.
I'd offer in the $700. area

[Clark]

I showed the seller that it has had the firing pin bushed.

I read this thread to the prospective buyer.
He offered $300 to the estate executor and it was accepted.
Now we will see if they can do the paperwork.

[garym1a2]

Gun stores really must have low balled it in this case.

I showed the seller that it has had the firing pin bushed.

I read this thread to the prospective buyer.
He offered $300 to the estate executor and it was accepted.
Now we will see if they can do the paperwork.

[Geezer in NH]

No paperwork needed when same state.