Win 94 age.

Conan_568

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I've recently come into possession of a Win 94, 30-30 with an octagon 26"nickel steel barrel.
The rifle has been in the family for decades, and I'm wondering how old it is.
The serial no. is around 48000.
Is there a site with this type of information that I could check?
Thanks,
Conan.

old3030.jpg
 
To be sure, contact the Cody Firearms Museum (CFM) in Cody, Wyoming, USA for a factory letter. You will need to provide them with the exact serial number for this service. Chances are good you will be able to get one as they do have factory records up to serial number #359,999. The letter will be $55 USD or so, but will detail the original factory configuration of your rifle and confirm its authenticity. Typical details included in the factory letter include: date received at the Winchester warehouse (this date is nominally the year of manufacture), date shipped from the Winchester warehouse, caliber, type of barrel (round, octagon or ?), length of barrel, type of trigger, type of butt stock, and special features.

From your picture, it's hard to say if the rifle is completely original as it is difficult to see if the wood is just showing normal wear or if it was at any time refinished. Other parts may or may not be authentic. The top tang should state "Winchester Model 1894", not 94 as it wasn't until 1919-1920 or so that Winchester started to change how it described the gun. Only a good examination and evaluation by an experienced Winchester 1894 collector in person will be able to get you that information unless you're able to take lots of very good, close in digital pictures.

A good source of information is the Winchester Arms Collectors Association website (WACA) which has a forum where you can ask further questions as well as learn about specific reference sources including books regarding the Winchester Model 1894/94 lever action rifle.

If planning to shoot this old rifle, I strongly suggest having it examined by a competent gunsmith who is knowledgeable about Winchester 1894s to ensure that it is safe to do so. Get that finding in writing from the gunsmith. Bore condition should at least allow you to shoot modern 30-30 (30 WCF) ammunition. Part of the pleasure of owning one of these wonderful old Winchesters is being able to shoot them the way the old timers did, back more than 100 years or more ago.
 
is that black paint on the stock??

I think that's gun oil that's worked it's way down through the wood.
This gun may have spent 40 years in a closet, more than enough time for that to happen.
I've polished the wood and it's not bad looking walnut.
The butt-stock has shrunk quite a bit over the years, but the fore-stock is fine.
I'm going to ###xfine steel wool the magazine, but beyond that I don't know.
It would sure look cool with a nice new bluing and case colored receiver.
We'll see how she shoots.
 
Hell that is old! A friend in Moose Jaw inherited his grandfather's 30-30 rifle, just like yours. It was made in 1923, from what we found out, on line.

PS: Be careful with these old nickel steel receivers & screws, they are soft compared to modern chrome-moly steel!
What I love about old Winchesters, is that we have a glaring representation of transitional technology. From the by-gone days of blackpowder, to modern hand-held firepower.

VERY Nice Olde Repeater...........;)
 
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I'd suggest holding off on any further refinishing until you have a better idea of this rifle's worth as any further refinishing will drop its value more. As it is, you may have lost $250, possibly more, off the value of this rifle already by polishing the wood.
 
I agree with John....hold off on the restoration. Just altering any part of the gun devalues it to a collector. If you intend to retain it in your family, then the restoration is worth it. but if you intend parting with it, a little hint....an altered gun is considered a "shooter" and despite the age...it becomes worth $250-$350. I have a few winnies but left them original but I enjoy shooting them every chance I get. many are within 10 years of your date of manuf.
 
carefull, the more research you do on the old gun, they will start to multiply in your gun locker and you bank account goes down;)
 
carefull, the more research you do on the old gun, they will start to multiply in your gun locker and you bank account goes down;)


Oh it's way too late for that.
I've had antique guns since I was a kid.
My Dad's fault, he gave me a minty George Gibbs SXS 12 gauge when I was 17.

I saw a similar Win94 to mine for sale in the US for $2995 US.
 
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