1903 Model 94 30-30, Ideas on Value?

[col_temp]

Hi all,

I have a trade possible for some equipment of mine. Offered in trade is a 1903 30-30 Model 94 Winchester Saddle gun. (I have the serial number, http://www.savage99.com/winchester1894_dates.htm shows dated in 1903)
Other party is thinking its worth around $1300. Seems a bit high to me but thought I would seek the advice of the great members here!

Full-Length
Looks to be in pretty good shape, Barrel, crown, etc all are good. No rust from what I can tell. Haven't yet gotten my hands on the real thing so can't tell yet if it was refinished. From the photos can anyone tell if it was?

Looking for ball park figures and range to see if the offer for trade is really reasonable. Thank's for any suggestions.

 

[rcmodel]

I can't tell much from those pictures.

But it isn't a 'saddle gun' or a 'saddle ring carbine'.
Or even a 94 carbine at all.

It's what is known as a 1894 Short Rifle.

The steel forend cap & crescent butt-plate makes it a rifle.

Saddle ring carbines didn't have a steel forend cap, and had a slightly curved steel butt-plate.

It is possible it started out as a 24" barrel, and has been cut back to get rid of a muzzle worn slick by cleaning rods.

So Beware of that before paying top dollar for it.

rc

 

[dprice3844444]

http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=94+winchester

 

[Onmilo]

Nothing extraordinary that I can see on the rifle.
Looks about as standard as one could order direct from Sears or Montgomery Ward at the turn of the century.
I think if the gun was put at auction on a good day when the birds are singing and the sun is shining and the room is filled with well heeled bidders that rifle might fetch $1300 including the auction fees.
In the real world of economic uncertanties it is one of six million produced and like it or not, the guns aren't all that uncommon, even today.

It is a long rifle, not a carbine, of which fewer were produced= adds value.
It is a standard 26" round barrel, more common than octagon in .30/30 caliber, no monetary advantage there.
It is a .30/30, again, very common chambering. Actually, the most common. No monetary advantage there.
The sights appear to be standard buckhorn and blade, again, no real show stoppers.
Stocks appear sound, no cracks, cresent buttplate, not terribly rare on a rifle but that being that, a small premium would be added.
Bore condition, you don't know but if it looks sound, not pitted and shootable, a small premium would be added.
Just looking at the pictures, it appears to be original finish on wood and metal.
From what I have seem moving in my area I would value the rifle between $900 and $1000 at full retail and it would probably set a while before being sold... HTH

 

[col_temp]

Thanks RC and Onmilo,
Thanks for the clarifications and details. Will have to think about the trade anyway.
He is trading a bit short as I had my equipment up for $1900.
Thanks for the inputs. I'll dig around some more...

 

[jim in Anchorage]

Man keep us current on this. I would love to see you get 1300 for that gun. I wonder what that means my 1901 half oct round factory tang sight is worth? In 32-40?

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[eastbank]

here that rifle would bring 800-1000 if the bore is very good and not refinished and no cracked or split wood. eastbank.

 

[TIMC]

Hmmm

Making me wonder what my 1896 model 94 is worth?

 

[witchhunter]

I think it should be marked .30 WCF at that vintage though.

 

[Onmilo]

Early Winchester 94 rifles and carbines with special order features can easily realize $2000-$4000
Antique classed weapons made prior to 1898 will also realize a premium of around $500 or more depending on condition.

 

[CraigC]

here that rifle would bring 800-1000 if the bore is very good and not refinished and no cracked or split wood.

That's what I'm thinking. I also agree that the barrel looks to be its full "rifle" length.

 

[Searcher4851]

Value is a very subjective thing. I'm a levergun nut, so my inclinations lean toward leverguns, but the real measure of value is if it's worth that much to YOU.

It's really hard to tell from the pictures. From what I can see, I think I'd rather be on the side receiving the $1300.00 for that rifle, than the one paying it, but seeing and handling it in person could easily change that opinion for me.

 

[Onmilo]

Yeah,
I imagine finding a W. Earp business card from Alaska with a handwritten and signed acknowledgement under the buttplate attesting that the rifle belonged to him MIGHT add a bit of value,,,,