winchester 94 guru's I need help

[OldHermit]

Ok I am looking at a win 94 30-30. I dont know much about these guns I own one but its a 82. This one im looking at the #1595xxx says it was made in 49. The guy that has it is completly wrong because he says it was made in 1922. I have tried researching it but with no luck have I been able to figure out this gun and how much its worth. What are some key features of this gun I should be looking for? I cant remember what butstock it had. the barrel had the PWT stamp on it wich if I remember right (not sure though) that was when the son or somthing took over the company.? wich would be after 49 correct? so the barrel might be changed.? and unlike from what I found online the 49 forearm should not be capped but this one has it. Give me any info you got. I will go back and take a look at the gun with whatever you guys give me and bring back more info to help with some of these Q's

also dont know if it matters but the metal plate that the lever closes against has DB in it. IDK guys just trying to figure out if this gun is worth buying. It has the walnut stock I do know that much. oh and looking at some 49's online... I noticed one with a peep sight up front just like my 82 and the one I looked at had old school iron sights but no tang sight.

 

[Jim K]

Well, a picture would help. I can tell you that if that mark is the WP Winchester Proof, it has nothing to do with any change of management - Winchester used it for years to show that the gun had passed a proof (overload) test. The letters DB mean nothing to me.

While a special order or a gunsmith modification can't be ruled out, the standard 94 carbine of 1949 would not have a metal foreend tip, just the regular band. If you believe the gun is unusual or some rare piece, that is possible, but unlikely. As I said, we would need good pictures to get beyond general information.

Jim

 

[OldHermit]

no im not thinking rare piece at all just wondering if its original or if somone screwed it all up by changing things. is there any specific things on the gun I should look for era wise? I will also see if I can get some pics tomorrow. Although I dont want to make this guy think he's might be holding a piece of gold by stoping by to take pictures or what not. But ill give it a shot. right now I can get the gun for $300 for sure possibly $250. But I will try to get as much info or pics to post.

 

[chevyforlife21]

i would buy it no matter what it is, if its that cheap. a post 64 beat winchester is cheap at 300. that is just a plain good deal.

 

[OldHermit]

Somthing I havnt come across since I researched my 82. Is why do some websites or people value these guns as good and as crap? You take a 1937 rifle that shoots but isnt NIB and its worth 200 somone else says its worth 700 or 1000. Like I said I will try to get some pixs or examples but so far I havnt been able to get any good pics of similar ones online. again though does anyone know when the peep sight up front was introduced?

 

[rcmodel]

The serial number dates to 1949.

The forearm iron means it has a rifle barrel & forearm, not a carbine.
Carbines had a barrel band holding the forearm on, and no barrel dove-tail for the forend cap attachment.
Rifles did not have a barrel band.

A carbine made in 1949 should have a hooded ramp front sight.
Tang sights were never standard but were an extra-cost option up until at least WWII.

Carbines without a hooded ramp front sight would also have a saddle-ring as made prior to WWII.

The first thing to check if you want it for shooting is to see if it still has all the rifling in the muzzle.
Many older lever-actions have a lot of cleaning rod wear at the muzzle, won't shoot worth a darn, and there is nothing you can do about it short of replacing the barrel.

rc

 

[Jim K]

Chevyforlife, are you sure you don't mean a PRE-64? Post 64's are not thought highly of and usually bring less than $300.

Jim

 

[kdave21]

IMO, short of being a severe basket case, I would probably buy a 1922 or a 1949 94 for $250 any day of the week, you could always unload it at that price if you decided for some reason you didnt want it. You can always research it more once you have it. Otherwise, while you are thinking about it, someone else will help themselves to it. If you really want to get into when what sights were used on what variations etc, I would suggest Madis "The Winchester Book." I bought it and have browsed through it. He has a lot of details for the reader.