A few questions for The Winchester 94 crowd.

[HChammer]

I picked up this gem from a buddy for a song....bit of traded work to be exact. I ran the serial number it's made in 1925.

There's no cracks, bluing is worn off for the most part and it has some custom ivory inlay lol

My question is should I: - A replace the stock and refinish the rifle? - B replace the stock and leave the rest alone or C don't touch anything.

Does the rifle have any value?



Sorry for the crappy pics!

Luke

 

[AlexG]

Depending on what you paid. Would be nice restored but also tells a story the way it sits.

 

[HChammer]

Probably around $300 worth of work.

 

[tiriaq]

I'd use it as is.

 

[Canuck Bob]

To my eye it is a shooter. The age is nice if sound and the custon work adds to its charm but not its worth. Is the bore nice? Does it shoot well? I wouldn't invest a cent until it is tested and found safe. It appears to be the rifle version. The 20" barrel carbine is much more common. Check your barrel length.

If the barrel and mechanics are good or better I would consider a refinish if the rifle appealed to me. Seek lots of advice before doing that. They are a really outstanding deer rifle.

What calibre is it?

 

[H4831]

I too, would use it just as it is. The shooters from the era of the rifles age liked to fancy up their rifles, sort of a personal thing. Keeping it like it is would be retaining a bit of history. Cherish it.

 

[Robert Nicholson]

I'd use it as is.

I too, would use it just as it is. The shooters from the era of the rifles age liked to fancy up their rifles, sort of a personal thing. Keeping it like it is would be retaining a bit of history. Cherish it.

Plus one! These rifles aren't worth while to restore, just have fun with it as is.

 

[mossyhorns]

I recently bought a 1952 model 94 that some old timer carved a bear on one side and a deer working a sapling on the other side. I have a replacement stock for it but just can't bring myself to change it out. Every time I look at it I think of whoever used to own it and the adventures he would have had with it. I see the same thing in your rifle.

 

[HChammer]

It's a 32 spec, it was my buddy's uncles rifle. It's safe it was used a lot but the bore is very nice.

 

[rci2950]

I would leave it. Looks cool with the stuff on it and the aging. That's just me

 

[H4831]

I recently bought a 1952 model 94 that some old timer carved a bear on one side and a deer working a sapling on the other side. I have a replacement stock for it but just can't bring myself to change it out. Every time I look at it I think of whoever used to own it and the adventures he would have had with it. I see the same thing in your rifle.

Maybe Mike K would come on here with a picture of his Marlin. It is a work of great folk art.

 

[Mike Webb]

To my eye it is a shooter. The age is nice if sound and the custon work adds to its charm but not its worth. Is the bore nice? Does it shoot well? I wouldn't invest a cent until it is tested and found safe. It appears to be the rifle version. The 20" barrel carbine is much more common. Check your barrel length.

If the barrel and mechanics are good or better I would consider a refinish if the rifle appealed to me. Seek lots of advice before doing that. They are a really outstanding deer rifle.

What calibre is it?

Why would you say it is a rifle? Obviously a standard carbine for the period. Personally I would leave it as is. If you spent the money on a replacement original stock you are looking at $250 or so for a good, unsanded butt stock. Looks like a typical "grey gun" carbine 94 with a little personalized wood. If it shoots good I would use it. Probably worth around $500 if the bore is good.

 

[Trimmer 905]

Collectors will all tell you to leave it alone. They only want firearms that still operate and that are in original condition to get top dollar. Re-furbs are worth less than half. My son-in-law intended to refinish an original Winchester '73 built just before the fire which destroyed decades of Winchester serial numbers. He had it previously appraised in Dallas by a museum at approx $8500USD. He told them of his intentions and they expressly warned against it.