1926 win 94

[wd113]

I just aquired a 1926 (according to the net) win94 in .32 special. Can anyone recommend a good book or website to determine what I have. My uncle (who gave it to me) seemed to think that it was rather valuable. I know nothing about lever guns and would like to find some reference now that I have joined the lever crowd. If pics would help, let me know what areas to take a snapshot of and I will get them. I appreciate all the help, thanks

 

[Rugdoc]

You pretty well answered your own question. It is a 1926 Model 94 in 32 Special.

Is the front barrel band missing?

I find the crescent butt plate with the trap opening in it interesting.

Hard to tell from the perspective. Is it a rifle or carbine?

A rifle with that butt plate if nothing is altered from original might make it interesting to a Winchester enthusiast, but don't forget there have been over 7,000,000 Model 94 rifles and carbines made so it is not a rare item by any means.

It may have been drilled at some point for the receiver sight. I have a 1927 Model 94 and it did not come pre-drilled from the factory.

Your uncle thought it was worth a lot of money? Like what? $500? $1000? $2000?

Not to be a smart aleck, but people often think old guns are "worth a lot of money" when really what they are is old guns.

 

[Matt74]

It is a late Model 94 standard sporting rifle. The good is that it appears to have a buttstock with trapdoor. The trapdoor was available as a special order option for the 94, but is rarely seen. While too late to letter, it could be determined original or not by a good hands on by the right person. However, the bad. As alluded to above, the receiver has been drilled for a receiver sight. Winchester did not start drilling and tapping later 94 carbines until circa 1951...ish. Drilling and tapping was available on special order from the early 30s on some models, if requested by the customer. Those two extra holes are indeed detrimental to collector value, but still a good looking rifle. While scope and receiver sights were golden to those old timers at the time in increasing the range, etc, of those old guns, it hurt the "value" (and I use quotes) of many fine old guns.
Matt

 

[450yukon]

It's a rifle, didn't come with barrel band. Tube hanger is dovetailed into bottom of barrel.

 

[norland]

i think most rifles ( not carbines) had crescent butt plates I have one in 38 55

 

[Philthy1]

They probably don't fetch as much as they should these days.....but she's a beaut. I've become a huge fan of the .32 and its 1-16 twist. Best "cast calibre" there is in my opinion and a blast to shoot.

 

[wd113]

Thanks all, I wasn't sure if there was some obvious difference that would set it apart, or like said above, because its old it is assumed valuable. That's the great thing about CGN. There is always someone knowledgeable to help out. Anyways, its valuable to me as a family hand me down.