Help with valuation of a Winchester 94 .30-30 I just received

mgc1970

mgc1970

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Gentlemen,
I just got this gun today as a trade for a circular saw, from a friend who inherited it from his dad and didn't want it (he's not a gun guy).

It is a 100% mint, seriously mint, as in it was bought new in 1971, the year it was made (I checked year of manufacture via the serial #), put in an 'old style', wood and glass gun display case and NEVER fired,,,not once, Winchester 94 Carbine in‎ .30-30 Win.#

I'd love to put it up on the EE, but I don't have a clue what it might be worth, and don't want to ask a stupid outrageous, or stupid too little price for it. I've seen a lot of "Pre-64" talk about Winnie 94's mentioned, ,but again, not sure what it's in reference to? Or is mine no good because it was made in '71, and not "Pre-64"?

Please help a Win 94 noob out with what this gun might fairly bring in the EE.

Many thanks and regards,
Mike.
 
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In and after 1964, Winchester made some changes to the manufacture of their rifles for cost savings purposes. This applies primarily to the Model 70 line, but somewhat to the rest of their catalogue as well. That's where the 'hype' comes from.

I'm looking for a nice 94 right now to hunt with. PM me for my email if you have pics to share.
 
450.
There is no collector value to a 1971 30-30, so it is strictly a shooter.
Once it fires a box of shells it is no longer a new gun, so just a post 64 Model 94, made during the years before Winchester began to improve their quality, in excellent condition, which should go in the 450 range.
A pre 64 in excellent condition would likely be worth a hair more.
 
IIf the condition is as good as you say. I would not take less then $600. $500 is the average for a low end shooter. I have shot pre and post and they are both amazing.
 
H is getting a bit old and sentimental for the 70s. $450 is a big ask for a post-64 M94, even in mint condition. I would have said $375, maybe $400 but when you can get a pre 64 for not much more (if you're patient) then it seems hard to ask that much for the firearm equivalent to a Chevy Acadian, even a shiny Acadian. But maybe I'm a pessimist. I missed out on most of the 70's so there's not much for me to be nostalgic about.
 
I would agree with the $400 estimate. My brother has a 1972 vintage 94 that he bought new, that functionally is just as good as my pre '64, but it just doesn't have the panache of the pre 64's when it comes to resale value.
 
The EE has several immaculate pre-64 '94's in the $400-450 range. A post-64 is worth less, even if new in box.

Is there the one desperate soul out there who will give you $600? Maybe - if they don't know much about the product line. But there are pre-64's in nice shape that are not selling for $500 if that is any indication.

An in the 94, there are SIGNIFICANT differences after 1964. The cartridge lifter is the weak point in the cheapened guns, it's made of a cheap stamping that tends to fail a lot more than the older milled parts. The finger lever tips also tend to wear out, my local smith makes a good obeseness of re-welding and re-shaping the tips to repair those 94's. The screw layout is different because none of the internals are the same, they are not interchangeable. The wood is often stained birch or other hardwoods besides walnut too.

They work well for the average hunter, but if you shoot a lot, you'll want an earlier, more robust, 1894.
 
Claven2 hit the nail on the head. Major differences in materials between the Pre and Post. A new production 94 is selling in excess of a $1000, if someone gives you $450, go for it.
 
Excellent words of advice gents,,thanks very much. When I do get a chance today or tomorrow, ,I'll snap some pics and post'em for y'all to have a look at.
 
You won't know the words of wisdom typed in replies until you have one of each
in front of you.
Them each being pre and post 64's.
I have and can understand the penchant for lust of the pre's.
 
I bought a mint 94AE pre crossbolt safety rifle, for $450 shipped, and that rifle has the advantage of being able to mount a scope right over the action. I wouldn't pay more than $400 for a 1971 model.
 
People will pay more than $450 for your rifle. With the new Winchesters as expensive as they are, the prices have all gone up. Given the condition you should be able to sell for $600 and fairly quickly.
 
This is interesting. I did not know there was a quality variation based upon the year of manufacture, although that does make sense. I have inherited my Grandfather's Winchester 30.30. It was manufactured in 1950, I believe it was. According to my Father, the rifle had two boxes of ammunition fired through it. The wood has a few marks on it, but considering it is roughly 64 or 65 five years old, it looks pretty good. I take it out of the gun safe a few times per year and oil it. My Grandfather drowned before I was born and it is the only thing of his that I have. For me, it is pretty special, even if it were only worth $5.00.
 
Bought an angle eject 94 a few years ago from a fellow I met at a pawn shop (not the owner or an employee). Paid $100 for it. It functions and shoots nicely, hitting at point of aim at 100 yards. The guy knew what he had too, just didn't want the gun, the pawn shop was no longer in the gun business, and I had the money in my pocket. Sometimes even a blind yada, yada, yada!!!
 
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I won't deny being sentimental for some things, but certainly not for a post 64 Model 94!
I am well aware of the great hit in quality Winchester made in 1964 and how we all went Yuck, when we examined the post 64 models. However, in placing my value of 450 on the new, never fired and properly stored '71 Model 94, which some of you think is too high, I was going strictly by observation. I notice on the EE and other sales menus how there is often very little difference in price, whether the 94 is pre or post. You hear so often how they both shoot good and how people have had no problems with the post models.
Would I pay 450 for it? No way. But there are buyers out there who will pay a premium because it is 43 years old, but new and never fired.
Anyone who has taken training in appraisal will learn very early that the appraisers personal thoughts as to value, should not enter into the appraised value.
The appraiser has to figure out what a willing buyer will pay a willing seller in an arms length sale on the item involved and this is done by seeing what similar items have sold for in the recent past. There will be no recent sales of a new, 43 year old 94, so one has to guess a bit.
I'll stick to my appraisal of it at 450.
 
Well the CSC thinks we're both nuts so you're in good company. I hope the OP gets a good price for his rifle if he decides to peddle it. Either way he's done a helluva job trading a skilsaw for a minty rifle. But I know he won't be getting that price from me.
 
I recently bought an excellent condition pre-64 (1958) and paid $600 which I thought expensive but I wanted a good one so $450-$500 for a post-64 seems alright.
 
CSC is a dealer. when was the last time anyone here paid a reasonable price for a used gun at a DEALER with overhead? 'nuff said.
 
A pre 64 (True 98%+) cannot be had in the 500 range. I have a minty 1949 (Longer fore-end ) that I wouldn't
sell for 1000. Pre 64's in VG condition 80-85% are available in the 5-700 range.
 
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