Value increase or decrease~?

[COLT45SA]

I have a really nice Third Model Winchester 1890 pump in .22 Short only. It was made in 1927 and apparently was well cared for during its life. It is mechanically excellent and the furniture is well above average with some slight gouges and shown very nice figure in the grain. The metal is smooth with no corrosion or etching on it's overall patina. I was able to get the bore quite clean but it shown some roughness.
My question is would having a new liner installed increase or decrease its value or have no impact at all.

 

[ken158]

Several thoughts - how does it shoot? Are you going to keep it or sell it? What is the cost of a barrel liner? Generally, anything done that takes away from originality no only costs but devalues the item.

 

[COLT45SA]

Several thoughts - how does it shoot? Are you going to keep it or sell it? What is the cost of a barrel liner? Generally, anything done that takes away from originality no only costs but devalues the item.

I haven't shot it yet and although the bore is very clean, I'm not expecting it to be very accurate. I have no thoughts about selling it at this time as I have two grandsons, age 6 and 5 that I think would enjoy it. It's a nice weight for a young person. I probably paid $75 to $125 to much for it but the nice wood, the mechanical condition, and the overall appearance was the best that I had seen in ages. I couldn't pass it up.
You have me thinking that I ought to shoot it before thinking about a barrel liner. After all. it's not a bench-rest rifle and at 25 yards the accuracy might be acceptable for off-hand shooting bottles and tin cans. I have both the 710 mv and 1050 mv ammo one of which could be better than the other.
Regarding cost of relining I can only make a wild guess. I've only had one barrel lined, but that was done along with other repairs and modifications. The total cost of that work was a little over $600, and I wasn't given an itemized bill.

 

[Larry Koch]

Go and shoot it. It may surprise you.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

It’s not like your going to be shooting competition with it, if it shoots good at all I would leave as is for now you can always made changes later
just my $0.02

 

[Infrequent Shooter]

I would leave it as is. Prices are crazy these days. I know you intend to keep it, but.... Like said above, it may shoot pretty good as is.

 

[jimmymac]

This thread is useless without pictures! It would be great to see it.

 

[jds holler]

I'd almost guarantee ya that "some roughness" in the bore, won't make a smidge of difference in it's original accuracy. jd

 

[Bill K]

Shoot it first and see how it does prior to any re-working of anything. It may well surprise you in how well it will shoot. Try several brands of ammo and see which it likes best.
I would hold off on any religning, etc. if you want to sell it. But if you want to keep it for passing on in family, then down the road maybe some work, may be in order.

 

[SSL]

I agree with leaving it alone. .22 Shorts are hard to find as well as generally costing more than .22 LR ammo when shooting much. Spend a few bucks for a newer, gently used bolt rifle for the grandkids and keep the 1890 as a keepsake. There are thousands of good inexpensive .22s out there. Shouldn't be hard to find your pick.