What to Look For in a Winchester 1894?

mtlenway

I have fallen in love with the model 94 winchester but do not know a whole lot about what makes a good shooter and what makes it a good collector. I want to get both a shooter and collector, any recommendations? Commemorative models worth investing in? Would appreciate recommendations as to production years to look at, caliber etc...

Bert H.

It would take me the better part of the day to "fully" answer all of your questions. Instead, I will briefly answer each, and can expound on this topic at a later time.

What makes a good shooter is simple... find one that is in perfect mechanical condition and a very good to excellent bore, but has seen considerable use and has little original remaining finish, or, one that has been non-factory altered.

What makes a good collector is more complicated, but it basically boils down to this... find one that was manufactured pre-1964, is 100% factory original (NO alterations allowed), and has 70% (or better) original factory finish remaining. My personal preference is for the pre-WW II manufactured Model 1894/94s.

In my opinion, the Commemorative Models are a waste of time and $$$.

As for what production years to look at, the Model 1894/94 in order of preference is;

(1) Pre-1899, which are bonafide "Antique" per BATFE regulations
(2) 1899 - 1919 (Those that are marked "Model 1894")
(3) 1920 - 1941 (Pre-war)
(4) Post WW II
(5) WW II production (flat-band)

Caliber desirability in order is as follows;

(1) 32-40
(2) 38-55 (this is a very close second to the 32-40, and some collectors place a higher value on the 38-55. However, if you consider the production numbers, the 32-40 is considerably less common than the 38-55).
(3) 25-35 W.C.F.
(4) 30 W.C.F.
(5) 32 W.S.

yankee bob

I have a Winchester Model 94,Ser.#205372, 30-30 saddle ring carbine, think it was Mfg. in 1953? Has at least 80% of the factory finish. Only problem has a 2" in. crack in the butt stock. [been repaired] some time in the past. My question is with out a picture, do I keep it or trade it off??? Can you give a ball park price if I decide to sell it, or trade it off. Thanks in advance, yankee bob.


Edit: Hello Bob,

In the future, please start a new topic with your specific question(s) versus adding your post to an existing topic. We limit the number of replies to just (10) per topic, and by jumping into the middle of an ongoing topic, you have used up some of those replies. Thanks for your cooperation.

Bert H.

yankee bob

Ser# is 2053072, sorry missed a "0" in first post.

jimmie collins

hello i have a 94 #1501358 I bought it from the man who purchaced it in 1946 or 47 when he returned to the states after ww-ll at maces in new york city he said the hardware dept was in the basement and they had the guns there. it has a couple small scratches on one side of the reciver I stored it where I should not have and it got some minor spots from condensation on the side it layed on I could have cryed. was near mint . he sold it to me to stop his sons from fighting over it and another rifel I purchaced from him. it is a 32-WS. I have no idea why it would be lower as collectable. shotes sweet never had any thing done to it I am going to sell it and a 1873 32-20 oct barrel #407606 1b blue worn but solid and shotes exelent it has a notch on each side of the forearm thet my great grandfather put there for identifacation .at a glance he was Boyd Robinson from mingo WVA. Babtest preacher . he prosided the funeral for Devel ance Hatfield. also at the battle of Matewan. when I was young I thought the notches were a count of kills he told me why. Hard times have touched my life to force me to sell every thing dear to me.most A- HOLES want to offer you 600- 700 $ for it I got on here to find the real value cant agree more these are the greates guns



Edit: Hello Jimmie,

In the future, please start a new topic with your specific question(s) versus adding your post to an existing topic. We limit the number of replies to just (10) per topic, and by jumping into the middle of an ongoing topic, you have used up some of those replies. Thanks for your cooperation.

Bert H.

Bert H.

quote:Originally posted by yankee bob
I have a Winchester Model 94,Ser.#205372, 30-30 saddle ring carbine, think it was Mfg. in 1953? Has at least 80% of the factory finish. Only problem has a 2" in. crack in the butt stock. [been repaired] some time in the past. My question is with out a picture, do I keep it or trade it off??? Can you give a ball park price if I decide to sell it, or trade it off. Thanks in advance, yankee bob.


Are you sure that it has a saddle ring? It was manufactured very late in 1953, or more likely, very early 1954. At that time, Winchester did not install a saddle ring (at least as a standard item).

yankee bob

quote:Originally posted by Bert H.
quote:Originally posted by yankee bob
I have a Winchester Model 94,Ser.#205372, 30-30 saddle ring carbine, think it was Mfg. in 1953? Has at least 80% of the factory finish. Only problem has a 2" in. crack in the butt stock. [been repaired] some time in the past. My question is with out a picture, do I keep it or trade it off??? Can you give a ball park price if I decide to sell it, or trade it off. Thanks in advance, yankee bob.


Are you sure that it has a saddle ring? It was manufactured very late in 1953, or more likely, very early 1954. At that time, Winchester did not install a saddle ring (at least as a standard item).

yankee bob

Yes Bert H it does indeed have a saddle ring.