Pre '64 Winchester 94

[BluegrassDan]

A lot of those early post-64 through the early 70s look like beaters because of how they changed the blueing process. I've seen many of them with the receiver finish totally worn off and cruddy. I have a 1956 model 94 that looks way better.

You can certainly find a pre-64 in great shape anywhere from $400-$600. Even a used-looking one can be found in the $300-400 range.

 

[essayons21]

That is a post WWII, Pre-64.
I'd guess late 40's early 50's.

How can you tell w/o the serial number range?

 

[baylorattorney]

It's surprising how many "oficionados" shoot from the hip in here and are totally incorrect. A little, I mean 5 minutes research, before a post is advisable. I'm just as culpable as any. I've edited many a post with my "quick draw."


Mark, esquire

 

[rcmodel]

How can you tell w/o the serial number range?

Because it has a ramp front sight, barrel band behind the front sight, a flat buttplate, and a walnut stock.
It isn't a post-64 because it has the rounded bottom receiver edge, and the stock isn't stained birch near as I can tell from the photo.

One older then WWII would have a dovetail front sight, carbine rear sight, barrel band in front of the front sight, and a carbine curved steel butt plate.

The exact year is just a WAG based on the amount of wear.
It could be anywhere from right after WWII until they stopped making them in 1963.

rc

 

[essayons21]

Thanks. You learn something new every day.

Do you happen to know exactly when those changes went into place? I have a pre-64 that is in great condition that the serial number indicates was made between 1941 and I believe 1946, a period of time in which the records were either lost, destroyed, or never kept due to the war. It has all of the "post-war" features, but I'd like to know the earliest possible date that it could have been manufactured.

 

[rcmodel]

I seriously doubt if Winchester made very many 94's during WWII.

They were up to their azz in alligators trying to make M1 Garands & M1 Carbines by the cargoship load.

More then likely, yours was made immediately after WWII if it has the post-war changes I mentioned.

It is also possible your receiver was made & serial numbered pre-war, or early in the war, and laid in a warehouse until things returned to normal in 1946-47 when sporting arms production returned.

I can't guarantee it, but I think there should be an assembly date stamp (like 46, 47, 48, whatever) on the bottom of your barrel near the receiver when it was actually assembled into a complete rifle.

You would have to slip the magazine tube out partway to read it, if it is there.

rc

 

[essayons21]

Thanks! Learned 2 new things in one day, a new record.

Mine has a 48 date stamp on the barrel, which jives with the serial number ranges. Probably serialized in 1946 or 1947 where no records exist, then assembled in 48.

The gun looked pretty much unfired when I got it last year. 99% bluing all over, including the receiver which seems rare for the vintage.

Happen to know what the original wood finish was like?

 

[rcmodel]

The original finish would have been the old Winchester red lacquer or varnish, or whatever it was. Kind of a medium gloss, grain not filled, etc.

rc

 

[essayons21]

The buttstock looks a bit shinier than the forend, but the color is an exact match. I'm wondering if someone waxed it at some point.

Its the middle gun in this picture

 

[rcmodel]

Maybe.

Rub it down lightly with 0000 Super Fine steel wool & Lemon Oil Furnature Polish.
Then follow with a soft cloth.

If it is waxed, it will take it off + any old oil & dirt, without harming the factory finish.

PS: Nice collection!

rc