1965 Winchester 94 Classic 30-30, 20" octagon barrel

kidneyboy · Mar 26, 2021

Next week I'll be taking a look at one of these and looking tor some tips on what to look for and what to look at. It's being offered to me by a couple of the most honest people (2 brothers) I know. It is their Dad's, who I also know. The short history I have on the gun - it has had 2 owners. The Dad has had it for 40 years, has never shot it. The first owner, who has long since passed, supposedly never shot it either. I have seen pics of it and it appears to be in excellent condition.
I own and have owned more than a few lever action rifles but never a Winchester. So any Winchester 94 specific things to look for would be appreciated.
A serial # search determined it as made in 1965. A search for what it's value may be was a bit frustrating but that is probably because they made 7+ million of them.

Bronco72 · Mar 26, 2021

Do you know a good gunsmith ?? If the price is low , compared to like Gunbroker, snag it up. Checking there will give you a rough idea what they are worth.

Good luck

kidneyboy · Mar 26, 2021

Bronco72 said:
Do you know a good gunsmith ?? If the price is low , compared to like Gunbroker, snag it up. Checking there will give you a rough idea what they are worth.

Good luck

I know an excellent gunsmith.
They are asking me about it's value and trusting my opinion. It's kind of a conundrum.

Poper · Mar 26, 2021

On Guns International they appear to be running from $875 to $1400 for similar condition specimens. Pre-64 and commemoratives for more $. https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...hester-rifles-model-94-post-64.c558_p1_o6.cfm

I hope this is helpful.

Edited typo. $875 not $975. <Damn dumb fingers.....>

IdaD · Mar 26, 2021

I can't help you on value but I think my 1950's vintage 94 is my favorite lever rifle. It's the only rifle I ended up getting from an uncle I was close to, and he bought it new back in the 50's, so part of that is sentimental. Even aside from that it's just such a slim and handy little lever gun and it's a lot of fun to carry and shoot. I have a JM 336 that's probably a better rifle in most objective ways, but it feels like a tank compared to the 94.

d2wing · Mar 26, 2021

The Octagon barrel is a big plus. I assume the wood and bluing are nice. I don't know. If I ventured to guess at least $1000.

d2wing · Mar 26, 2021

IdaD said:
I can't help you on value but I think my 1950's vintage 94 is my favorite lever rifle. It's the only rifle I ended up getting from an uncle I was close to, and he bought it new back in the 50's, so part of that is sentimental. Even aside from that it's just such a slim and handy little lever gun and it's a lot of fun to carry and shoot. I have a JM 336 that's probably a better rifle in most objective ways, but it feels like a tank compared to the 94.

I feel the same way about mine.

kidneyboy · Mar 28, 2021

Bumping to the 1st page.

garandsrus · Mar 28, 2021

The Win 94 Classic doesn’t seem to be a very common rifle. It was only made for a couple years. I have one that I bought a year ago. I think I paid around $600 which I thought was a good deal. I really like the octagon barrel. The wood is very nice also. The ad I linked shows some of the unique features of this model, such as the scrolling on the receiver and gold colored loading gate. A couple prices are listed also.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...4-classic-carbine--30-30.cfm?gun_id=101271889

https://www.gunauction.com/buy/8316851

Pic of carbine and rifle version:
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2023/988/two-winchester-model-94-classic-long-guns

https://www.bradfordsauction.com/au...l-94-classic-commemorative-30-30-r_7EF4E21BF2

I shoot mostly cast loads at around 1600fps and had to lower the front sight height. Not a big deal, just letting you know.

kidneyboy · Mar 28, 2021

garandsrus said:
The Win 94 Classic doesn’t seem to be a very common rifle. It was only made for a couple years. I have one that I bought a year ago. I think I paid around $600 which I thought was a good deal. I really like the octagon barrel. The wood is very nice also. The ad I linked shows some of the unique features of this model, such as the scrolling on the receiver and gold colored loading gate. A couple prices are listed also.

https://www.gunsinternational.com/g...4-classic-carbine--30-30.cfm?gun_id=101271889

https://www.gunauction.com/buy/8316851

Pic of carbine and rifle version:
https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/2023/988/two-winchester-model-94-classic-long-guns

https://www.bradfordsauction.com/au...l-94-classic-commemorative-30-30-r_7EF4E21BF2

I shoot mostly cast loads at around 1600fps and had to lower the front sight height. Not a big deal, just letting you know.

Thanks!!

Hokkmike · Mar 28, 2021

kidneyboy said:
Next week I'll be taking a look at one of these and looking tor some tips on what to look for and what to look at. It's being offered to me by a couple of the most honest people (2 brothers) I know. It is their Dad's, who I also know. The short history I have on the gun - it has had 2 owners. The Dad has had it for 40 years, has never shot it. The first owner, who has long since passed, supposedly never shot it either. I have seen pics of it and it appears to be in excellent condition.
I own and have owned more than a few lever action rifles but never a Winchester. So any Winchester 94 specific things to look for would be appreciated.
A serial # search determined it as made in 1965. A search for what it's value may be was a bit frustrating but that is probably because they made 7+ million of them.

Check the weight on the trigger pull. Some of them are notoriously light.

1965 Winchester 94 Classic 30-30, 20" octagon barrel

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