Snyd
.375 Atomic
The Last Frontier
Posts: 2,392
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Post by Snyd on Dec 15, 2017 14:50:24 GMT -5
So I've seen online and here in this forum FA guns that were requested by say a GunShop. For example there was an "Alaskan Guide Series" that was commissioned that had the back strap engraved, special grips, I think 5.5. 6" barrel and magnaport, express sights and maybe a couple other FA options. I think like 25-30 were made.
Here locally a shop has aModel 83 454 field grade, 6” barrel with laminated grips. It has “Interior Grizzly’ (referring to Interior Alaska and our griz) engraved on the back strap and “Alaska Wildlife” stenciled on the barrel. It also has a jeweled hammer and trigger. Overall very good condition, it has evidence of being shot and carried some but is still tight.
I emailed FA the serial number and here is what Lori said...
"There were 10 of those made 6/7/1993.
The had evergreen grips, express sights and the polish and jewel.
They are Field Grade models.
They were all ordered by an Alaskan dealer."
Do this so-called "special edition" guns have any higher market value?
Hmmm, it was born one day after the wifey and I got married and as far as I can tell, 10 years to the month that the first Model 83 was sold.
They had it priced too high I think, $1899 and have had it for quite a while. They recently dropped it to $1699. I'm considering trying to make a deal on it. Offer some cash and a trade. But, I've run across a 7.5 premier grade with 45 colt cylinder that from the pics and description looks new and is in excellent condition. I can get that one to my door for less than this "special edition". I don't know how "special" it is.
what see ye all? I kind of like the uniqueness of the one here but the other gun seems to be a better buy.
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Post by Ken O'Neill on Dec 15, 2017 15:04:56 GMT -5
In my opinion, having owned 23 FA's, such editions only have more intrinsic value to a particular owner, if the edition itself means something to him ( i.e. is he an Alaska Master Guide? for example). They are often more difficult to sell. In the case of an FA, it can be custom ordered with pretty much any options the buyer desires, so the buyer is not reliant on a special edition to get those options.
If it was me, I'd jump,on the Premier Grade with the extra cylinder so fast you wouldn't see me do it.
But that's just me.
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Post by mike454 on Dec 15, 2017 15:08:11 GMT -5
I'd much rather have a premier grade with a 45 Colt cylinder. I could be wrong, but I can't imagine a gunshop special edition having much of a premium attached to it.
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Post by cherokeetracker on Dec 15, 2017 15:12:53 GMT -5
In my opinion, having owned 23 FA's, such editions only have more intrinsic value to a particular owner, if the edition itself means something to him ( i.e. is he an Alaska Master Guide? for example). They are often more difficult to sell. In the case of an FA, it can be custom ordered with pretty much any options the buyer desires, so the buyer is not reliant on a special edition to get those options. If it was me, I'd jump,on the Premier Grade with the extra cylinder so fast you wouldn't see me do it. But that's just me. X2 on this! |
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Snyd
.375 Atomic
The Last Frontier
Posts: 2,392
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Post by Snyd on Dec 15, 2017 15:14:04 GMT -5
You guys are confirming my instinct. Ya, the LGS is really touting this a "Special Edition", but like Ken said, a guy could order one from FA right now with the same options and whatever you want on the backstrap.
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Post by seak89 on Dec 15, 2017 15:44:26 GMT -5
Plus you don't really have anything to trade as all your guns are keepers unless you have a junk drawer you have not shared.
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Snyd
.375 Atomic
The Last Frontier
Posts: 2,392
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Post by Snyd on Dec 15, 2017 15:54:54 GMT -5
Plus you don't really have anything to trade as all your guns are keepers unless you have a junk drawer you have not shared.  I've got some longarms that I am in the process of turning into short arms! |
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Post by bigbore475 on Dec 15, 2017 16:31:55 GMT -5
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Post by sheriff on Dec 15, 2017 18:08:00 GMT -5
In my opinion, having owned 23 FA's, such editions only have more intrinsic value to a particular owner, if the edition itself means something to him ( i.e. is he an Alaska Master Guide? for example). They are often more difficult to sell. In the case of an FA, it can be custom ordered with pretty much any options the buyer desires, so the buyer is not reliant on a special edition to get those options. If it was me, I'd jump,on the Premier Grade with the extra cylinder so fast you wouldn't see me do it. But that's just me. ME, TOO! |
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Post by bigbore475 on Dec 15, 2017 18:13:47 GMT -5
Ya, that's the thread where I read about the "Guide Series" guns. I'll repost the pics here. It looks like this one is an early Premier. It doesn't say Field or Premier grade on the frame.   Thank you for reposting the pictures, I wasn’t able to veiw it. |
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Snyd
.375 Atomic
The Last Frontier
Posts: 2,392
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Post by Snyd on Dec 15, 2017 20:34:57 GMT -5
In my opinion, having owned 23 FA's, such editions only have more intrinsic value to a particular owner, if the edition itself means something to him ( i.e. is he an Alaska Master Guide? for example). They are often more difficult to sell. In the case of an FA, it can be custom ordered with pretty much any options the buyer desires, so the buyer is not reliant on a special edition to get those options. If it was me, I'd jump,on the Premier Grade with the extra cylinder so fast you wouldn't see me do it. But that's just me. ME, TOO! ME THREE!! I just made the deal on the dual cylinder Premier. whoohoo! |
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Post by bradshaw on Dec 15, 2017 20:39:26 GMT -5
Snyd.... six inches is a versatile barrel length. But you can trim the 7-1/2 for less than the price of fitting the very fine .45 Colt cylinder. As for a marketing legend cut or acid-etched in the backstrap, you’d have to pay me to take it. Look at the hammer slot in the frame; you want a slotted firing pin bushing, so if you break the firing pin you can readily change it yourself. The .45 Colt cylinder is gold on a Model 83. You hunt with a Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter with 7-1/2” barrel, so you know its value afield. If you don’t know which one I’d reach for, you’d better have a drink.
David Bradshaw
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Snyd
.375 Atomic
The Last Frontier
Posts: 2,392
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Post by Snyd on Dec 15, 2017 21:53:47 GMT -5
Snyd.... six inches is a versatile barrel length. But you can trim the 7-1/2 for less than the price of fitting the very fine .45 Colt cylinder. As for a marketing legend cut or acid-etched in the backstrap, you’d have to pay me to take it. Look at the hammer slot in the frame; you want a slotted firing pin bushing, so if you break the firing pin you can readily change it yourself. The .45 Colt cylinder is gold on a Model 83. You hunt with a Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter with 7-1/2” barrel, so you know its value afield. If you don’t know which one I’d reach for, you’d better have a drink. David Bradshaw Thanks David. I pulled the trigger on the right one a couple hours ago. I'll have it next week. No need for me to start drinkin again! For me, One's too many and a thousand ain't enough. It does not have the new style firing pin. At some point I'll probably send it to FA and have it done. The price was so good on this one I couldn't pass it up. |
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dhd
.327 Meteor
Posts: 941 
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Post by dhd on Dec 15, 2017 22:11:11 GMT -5
You must have been leaning very far forward in the saddle here. Going from asking about the **** edition version to getting the Premier w/45 Colt cylinder in 7 or so hours. You just needed the barest nudge to push you over.
Take the last paragraph as complete approval, nothing else. When I want something bad enough, home it comes.
Does you yet to arrive 83 have the action job and the bushing? I'll guess it has the laminated grips?
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I've got some longarms that I am in the process of turning into short arms!
