Author Topic: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop  (Read 829 times)

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Offline stewmagoo

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Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« on: February 18, 2014, 10:31:08 AM »
Found a decent factory 30-30 at the pawn shop.  I have always wanted one but its an older Topper 158.  I would say its a 80 percent rifle any suggestions on the value of it.  I kinda thought the 180 price was a little steep though.

Offline Doublebass73

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2014, 10:45:59 AM »
Not a bad price, that seems to be the going rate these days. I'd grab it if I were you. Those are nice and light compared to the new ones. I foolishly passed on a 30-30/20 gauge combo a couple years ago for $250 so $180 is fair I'd say.
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Offline Trophy Tom

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2014, 10:53:53 AM »
Does it have the profiled receiver?
I saw a 410 go for 157 on gun broker a few days ago + shipping that would put it at the same price range.  I also saw a model 58 with a straight stock in a pawn shop a week ago he had it marked 275. He came down to. 225 but I decided I didn't need another 30-30.  I do love the old H&R Inc barrels. Like double bass said the are at least 30% lighter the the more modern barrels


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Offline gcrank1

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2014, 11:17:04 AM »
Buy it (I am NOT the epitome of restraint here).
If you decide you dont like it I predict somebody here will.
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Offline Jeff H

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2014, 11:56:38 AM »
That's a terrible price.  Walk away.


So,.... where's this pawn shop?


 ;)

If it's in decent shape, I'd buy it.  Finding anything under $200 buck today is difficult.  I have over a twenty mile drive to the two closest shops and either would ask more than that if it's not trashed.  One of those two shops would likely have over $300 on it - he's just that way.

Offline rdlange

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #5 on: February 18, 2014, 12:20:33 PM »
Not too bad price if it's in good shape, tight action lockup and clean bore.  They are very lightweight and well balanced.  I'd pay that for a good one.  Try to negotiate it down anyway.  If it has a profiled barrel worth more.  Some think they are then nicest H&R rifles.  You could always rent the AI reamer... JMHO
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Offline YRUpunting?

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #6 on: February 18, 2014, 12:35:30 PM »


If you can get it for $180 out the door it will part out at break even or better here or other places.  I know I'd be interested in a slim barrel 30-30 just in case Indiana DNR finally realizes it's folly on deer firearms regulations.

Offline jaysouth

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #7 on: February 18, 2014, 01:04:06 PM »
That's a fair price.  Last year I bought a 30-30/20 ga combo 158 topper for $250.  The barrel was cut to 16 1/2 inches.  I put a Bushnell red dot sight on it.


This is my .22 rf equvalent.  I load a 113 cast bullet over 7 grs. of Greendot for less than a .22 LR goes for these days. 


How many .30-30 factory loads will this receiver take?  The receiver appears to be cast iron.  I do not shoot many full pressure loads through it.

Offline Spanky

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #8 on: February 18, 2014, 06:39:53 PM »
How come every time someone asks this question there's the inevitable "part it out and you can make money on it" answer? For the love of God can't a guy just get a good deal on a nice old rifle and enjoy it? We don't all buy 'em just to turn a buck. ::)
Now to answer your question... That price seems more than fair for a good condition Topper 30-30. Like the other guys said they are much lighter than the current crop and a pleasure to carry. If you've got the extra money go for it. ;)



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Offline stewmagoo

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #9 on: February 18, 2014, 07:43:02 PM »
Well I am going to inquire a little more about it. I am not for sure about the "contour" you guys are talking of. IIRC it had a crappy weaver scope mount on it.  I try to gobble these up from time to time and try to offer here for a very small profit most of the time 10 bucks for my gas, with no avail but then I try to do what Dan says and split it up and sell. I hate busting them up, but I guess I am sheltered here in wv and my FFL offers 10 transfers. I will keep y'all updated


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Offline 44 Man

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #10 on: February 18, 2014, 10:22:30 PM »
Buy it!  My 158 is my all time favorite rifle, period!  The lighter contour barrel makes it a joy to carry (as opposed to the medium/heavy barrels that the modern 30-30's have).  And they ARE accurate!  Check my avatar for 3 shots at 100 yds.  That's Sierra's 125 gr pro hunter bullets over H4895.  The odd hole on the left is a factory Rem 150 gr fp.  I would jump on the chance if I were you, they are a great little rifle.  44 Man
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Offline cudatruck

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #11 on: February 19, 2014, 02:56:47 AM »
Stew you are right about the transfer fees. shops around here are charging 100 plus the state fee! makes buying an inexpensive gun and shipping it into the state not cost effective.

Offline gcrank1

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #12 on: February 19, 2014, 03:29:28 AM »
That is just stinkin' robbery  >:(
"Halt while I adjust my accoutrements!"
      ><   ->
We are only temporary caretakers of the past heading toward an uncertain future
22Mag UV / 22LR  Sportster
357Mag Schuetzen Special
45-70  SS Ultra Hunter with UV cin.lam. wood
12ga. 'Ol' Ugly OverKill', Buck barrel c/w  SpeedStock  and swap 28" x Full bird barrel, 1974

Offline stewmagoo

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Re: Topper 158 30-30 found on consignment at pawn shop
« Reply #13 on: February 19, 2014, 07:33:30 AM »
That is ridiculous!  Most of the shops won't even charge you if you are a frequent customer. But 10 is the going price. No wonder I have to bust things up here and keep a bunch of receivers.


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