new rifle...model 94 winchester, pre 64?

K

k511

New member
Grandpas model 94 winchester was my first centerfire rifle i learned to shoot and hunt with...when he passed and my brother ended up with the rifle, nedless to say i have wanted one of my own for some time...yesterday i found one at an estate sale... .30-30 cal, top ejection, excellent wood, great finish, just great condition overall...got a it at a great price aswell:D serial # is 17309** any winchester buffs out there that can feed me some info on what i got here? thanks in advance
 
Congratulations! Definitely a Pre-64 which I think you already know. Looks to be a 1951 manufacture. Is yours a "long wood"? (Longer wood ahead of the rear barrel band than most post-50's 94s). With rare exception 1951 was the last Pre 64 year that *some* (not super rare but a minority) had that feature as regular (non-special model) production. This longer forearm was one aspect which characterized all carbines from 1894 through 1950. 1950 was the last year where--as far as I know--all were "long wood." No matter if it doesn't, but it's an added plus for some having an early 94 feature like that. In any event, sounds like a keeper! Pics required!
 
nickharp1
 
hmm my computer isant letting me attach files today :confused: and im not sure how to insert an image... i have pics on photo bucket, and the FTL faq says to enter the full url to the image :confused: and im not sure what that is..... still very much learning the computer, i swing a hammer for a living lol
 
Looks indeed like you have a long wood! Doesn't appreciably increase value necessarily or "officially" (the books don't distinguish "long wood" within the year that I know of), but for some increases desirability and hence value to them. Certainly not a minus and having that more antique "old west" or "Pre War" look separates it from the rest of the rather pupulous Pre 64 crowd. If you ever had to sell--and I wouldn't--I'd certainly list that aspect. A fine firearm you got handed down. Enjoy!
 
PetahW said:
" The "model" you have is a standard "Model 94 Carbine" "

...And that's just about all they made that I recall in the "Pre 64" period...versus "Pre War" when any number of rifle, combo and trapper (baby carbine) variants could be had, ...and Post 64 when a variety could be had or ordere of special editions, commemoratives and what not. Don't know if I've ever seen a Pre 64 rifle, and not even a special edition "trapper" that I can remember. Anything different available in the 40s?
 
K511, very nice 94. You are a lucky guy. I have a 94 made in 1952 in .32 Winchester Special that is a looker and a shooter. Nice find. Enjoy.
 
K511, you have one unusual feature on this carbine. The buttstock has what is known as Whelen flutes on the comb. Cornel Whealan designed this type of buttstock for the model 55 Winchester. While not exactly rare on standard carbines, this type of buttstock is uncommon.
 
30-30remchester said:
"The buttstock has what is known as Whelen flutes on the comb."

Good catch.
 
[And that's just about all they made that I recall in the "Pre 64" period...versus "Pre War" when any number of rifle, combo and trapper (baby carbine) variants could be had, ...and Post 64 when a variety could be had or ordere of special editions, commemoratives and what not. Don't know if I've ever seen a Pre 64 rifle, and not even a special edition "trapper" that I can remember.]

FWIW, there's only TWO (2) recognized genre's of Winchester Model 1894/94 leverguns, pre-64 & post-64.

ANYTHING else is a subdivision, like post-64 Model 94AE's, & BB94's, or Pre-War whatever.

Also, Winchester NEVER designated any levergun as a "Trapper", until the post-64 period.

Anyone who says they've never seen a Pre-64 Model 94 Rifle need only look through a few Winchester reference books, if they don't have access to the real thing.

.
 
Petah, you may be correct as to books, but as a working or practical definition most who indicate Pre 64 are referring to war-era on, and (more usually) post war up through 1963. Thus (of the top eject era) most collectors/owners refer to Pre War, Pre 64 and Post 64, subdivisions or not. If you say you have a Pre 64, 99% assume it to be 1941 or newer, and often--speaking of "subdivisions"--think in (generally) in terms of Pre 64s being post war (small case)r, just as a matter of common language used. Re "trapper" you are correct, but again it's a (more useful) working definition virtually everyone knows about. "Baby carbine" is another that was used. WWI was not called WWI at the time either.

SO, yes, you are technically correct. "Pre War" is *of course* Pre 64, but not often the terminology used to describe Pre 1941 guns. Distinction is usually made. Most folks (instead) skip "Pre 64" and take it a step further to your "subdivision" to be clearer. "Pre War" describes it so much better and why it is used.

SO, if you read my treatise, you know I was well aware of Pre War rifles, but was instead speaking of not knowing of any regular-production war-era forward (but could certainly be wrong there)...but more especially post-war Pre 64 rifles. Pre War, 'nother story, as I stated.

I usually agree with you, but not in picking semantics on this one. They're good historic and technical clarifications nevertheless.
 
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I have inherited my fathers Deer rifle, it is a Winchester 94 Rifle, with a 25 inch Octagon barrel, stamped 30 win. center fire smokeless powder only. Ser. # 202818
He bought it used from an old Indian guide around 1951, can anyone bring me up to date on this Rifle,IE: whats it worth approx. etc.
 
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