Whats it worth?

[gordyboard02]

So I bought this Wards Western Field 14m 497b s-l-lr on an impulse when the guy wanted to get rid of it for $30...All thats wrong with it is that it needs a new trigger reset spring. Finish is good on wood and metal but you'll see in the pictures what surprised me...the entire trigger guard is made of wood! I have no familiarity with these rifles but I can only imagine this is a "custom" addition. Any idea about what I got here? Thanks for your response!

[Kmullen]

I don't know what it is worth. But I can tell you it is a Mossberg M42.

http://www.wisnersinc.com/additional_info/store_brand_house_guns.htm

[RANGER295]

You made a find there. The wooden trigger guard I believe is aftermarket, possibly a very high quality home-made part. The stock actually does not quite look correct but it may be. I am not very familiar with this specific model. Your rifle appears to be in very good condition, far better than most of its time that I see. Does it appear to be refinished? Normally I never pay more that $75 for a .22 rifle of this vintage. You may be able to get in the $100 or $120 if you are lucky on Gunbroker. This rifle BTW, was made between 1940 and 1944. I hope this helps.

[novabrian]

At least $12,000!!

[gordyboard02]

haha thanks novabrian I accept money order and gunpal !

[bigthaiboy]

I don't know what it is worth. But I can tell you it is a Mossberg M42.

http://www.wisnersinc.com/additional...house_guns.htm

It is indeed a Mossberg M42 made for department store, Montgomery Ward. If this rifle had been all original, it would have been worth the same as a Mossberg M42, minus 25-30%. House brand rifles are less collectable, but tend to be as good quality as the equivalent model made and sold under the manufacturer's name.