Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors Featherweight with plastic/aluminum

How much off a value add is an aluminum butt plate over the plastic? Year is 1959 if that would matter.

I personally think the aluminum with inlet is cooler but did not know if value/desirability changed much.
Thanks for any insight.

Aluminum plates are generally more desirable and command a premium, how much of a premium is subjective. Same holds true for the Standard Rifles with steel plates.

Adamsguy: In comparable condition and caliber I would surmise the ones I have seen sell, have a premium of $200.00 to $350.00.
I agree the very nice condition aluminum buttplates look nicer on a Featherweight.
YMMV
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

It's really hard to put an exact price on it. Maybe even impossible, as it really doesn't work that way: I'd think it's more of a percentage, not an actual price. For example, a 30-06 fwt made in 1956, may be worth $1,200.00-$1,500.00, while a 1959 in the exact same condition may be worth $900-$1,100.00. A 270 fwt made in 1956, may be worth upwards of $2,000.00, while one made in 1959, may bring $1,100.00-$1,300.00. Like anything pre 64, rarity dictates value. So, if my figures are right, an aluminum butt plate 30-06 may be worth 25% more than a plastic butt plate model, where a 270 fwt with the aluminum butt plate may be worth 35% more than a plastic butt plate model. That's more like what I've seen, so you can't say it's a definite "$200.00-$350.00" more", because it's all relative and more loosely based on rarity. IMHO..

I’d tend to agree bsa.

Same as above. I'll always pay a few extra bucks for the aluminum over plastic myself.

IMO, it’s not just the aluminum vs plastic buttplate, but rather the overall quality drop in the last 4-5 years of pre-64s. The plastic buttplate to me signaled start of the “let’s make everything cheaper” philosophy.

Agree with the above. The aluminum buttplate often (but not always) comes with nicer wood, etc

"Value" as hinted to above is in the eye of the beholder.

"Users" tend to value function in general vs "collectors", traders, and hoarders who tend to value things like rarity, "condition", and as "artwork."Some of us are suckers in both camps!

Decide what fits you, with your budget, goals and reality in mind!!! Don't buy recklessly and you will probably end up satisfied. The "Rifleman's Rifle" has stood the test of time for a reason and will likely continue that trend in the future if we remain free to pursue our passions.

Yes, and that is part of the reason guys in the know search those particular models (aluminum butt plate) out. Part of the reason they are worth more money. It's not just because they are prettier.