Need dates on a Winchester '94.

[Deer Hunter]

No pictures, sorry, it's not my gun. A friend of mine showed me an old 94 that he was given by his grandfather. It's an old gun, make no mistake, I'm thinking maybe 1930s vintage in perfect condition. He wanted me to find out how old it was, and he's given me the serial number.

The serial number is 1901*** (left out because I think that's how this works?)

Anyone care to help me? I know next to nothing about these guns.

 

[Cosmoline]

I get 1952, but why are you leaving off three numbers instead of two?

 

[Deer Hunter]

No idea, I'm new at this, remember.

19017**, if that's any better.

 

[Cosmoline]

It's 1952. If you leave off too many numbers and it falls near the year division it may be a problem, that's all. One of the all-time classics, and worth a fair chunk of change these days if it's not been messed with. Tell your friend not to put a scout scope on it, hack the wood or anything like that. Is it a .30 WCF or something else?

 

[SaxonPig]

Here's one (number 2,066,000) that is nicely broken in and cost me $165 off GunBroker.

 

[Deer Hunter]

The gun is in amazing shape, and I've told him not to mess with it in any way shape or form. I'v even advised him not to shoot it (I know, it's a sin for me to say that, but what other choices?), and that it will only appreciate in value.

Thanks for the help. I'll give him the good news as soon as possible.

It is a 30-30, yes.

 

[Cosmoline]

If it's intact I don't see why he couldn't shoot it. Maybe if it's a genuinely mint rifle, but otherwise it's not going to be hurt by shooting it. The .30-30 is a nice low-pressure round and it takes about a century to wear out a Model 94 with regular use.