But I don't really care for all those tribute rifles.
Neither do I typically.
Regardless of the brand a lot of them are ovestarted and do not offer a very good 'artistic' representation of the tribute or commemoration they were designed to. Personally I find the worst to be those that have additional coloration that is not typical of any original gun design EG, blue, brass, gold, nickle, CCH etc.
History has proved most commemorative or 'tribute' guns have not appreciated in value and in some isolated cases actually reduced a guns value from what it might be in original,condition. A few have appreciated but its a niche market with only the best and complete examples being desirable.
That being said with regard to Winchester many of their commemoratives from the 60 s & 70s are relatively 'mild' by comparison with simple and tasteful artwork that does not detract from the basic design of the gun itself. Also many of these can be found very reasonably priced even if in 'unfired' and relatively NIB condition.
Several years ago I wanted to add an 'original' WInchester in a rifle caliber to my collection. I did not simply want a basic Mod 94 carbine (as I wanted one with an octagon barrel) and I did not want a new Miroku at the time.
I began to do my research and looking into what might 'fill the bill' and shortly thereafter found a 1968 Winchester mod 94 'Buffalo Bill' commemorative which I got through a trade and have been very happy with it. It's commemorative artwork is essentially limited to some engraved scrollwork on the receiver and tang, an inletted (not surface mounted) medallion on the right side of the stock and a nickel plated nose cap, trigger, hammer and saddle ring. It is distinctive yet a subdued design and is for all intents and purposes a regular 'shooter'
A few years after this I wanted another Winchester with a 26" Octagon barrel and one came to me in the form of a 1966 100 year commemorative.
It too is relatively simple artistically with only a gold plated receiver, trigger, buttplate and a very nice engraving on the barrel in cursive that says 'A Century Of Leadership 1866 - 1966'. Unfortunately this rifle had been restocked by the original owner an the crescent buttplate replaced with a basic steel, 'carbine' style but this resulted in my getting it for a very attractive price - and it included the original box and wrapping.
As such I even find Winchester's 'Lone Star' Commemorative to be relatively tasteful in design and not something I would relegate unfired to the safe!
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