Winchester 94, .30-30, glossy blued finish, Pre 1964 ?

[Sean S. Sulminers]

My grandfather introduced me to the Winchester .30-30 when I was a boy and I'm interested in owning one. I remember sitting and staring at that gun thinking it was perfect. The feeling and the sounds as I worked the lever -- a beautiful machine. I've handled a few since and a couple of friends have the Marlin in a .357 but, nothing I've seen stands up to my memory of the smoothness, of the fit and finish of that Model 94. Perhaps it's like the fish that keeps getting bigger each time you talk about it and my memory of that rifle is bigger than life.

His .30-30 had a glossy blued finish. Does that mean that it was made before 1964?

Anyone have some words of wisdom or an idea of where I should be looking to find a gun that will stand up to my memory?

 

[davera]

Odds are it was a pre-64 from your description. I have a 1956 vintage 94 and the fit and finish is superb. The metal is nicely polished and the blueing is glossy. In comparison to a recent 94 it is much nicer. Not that the newer 94 is bad compared to other same vintage rifles ... just that the 1956 is nicer still.

As for finding one ... the online auctions almost always have them but be prepared to pay. Gun shows also often have them. Mine was purchased for $600 this year and I regarded that as "market rate" for one in that good of a condition. Not a great price, but not a really bad one either.

 

[Sean S. Sulminers]

Thank you Davera. I'll tell the local shop owners that I'm looking for a pre 1964 version and look around on the auction sites. There is also a gun show in my area each year so, I can check that out as well. I shouldn't be in too much of a hurry because it's more important to get the right one than it is to just get one.

Thanks again.