Question on a Winchester '94 trade.

[Shootist45]

Have an opportunity to trade for a Winchester '94 in 30/30, but have some questions on the rifle.

It is the trapper configuration, 16 1/4" barrel, but not marked "Trapper". It's also marked as Winchester, Made in New Haven, Conn.

It's a '94, but not an AE, it ejects almost straight up and back, slightly to the right but NOT like the AE's do.

The serial number is 4,9xx,xxx so it's not an oldie. But, still I wonder, is it a pre-"Trapper" model with any real value other than the $250.00 the guy's asking?

It also has a Williams peep, recoil pad and sling swivel studs. I'm looking at it as a shooter and truck gun. It's in good to excellant condition.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Jim K]

That gun was made in 1981. Winchester made several models in that period with 16"+ barrels, some marked with a fancy name, some not. AFAIK, none have any special collector value.

It is basically a hunting rifle and the price is about right if it is in near new (98%) condition, otherwise it is high.

Even with the lowly .30-30, noise and muzzle blast from a 16" barrel is, shall we say, impressive.

Jim

 

[Johnny Guest]

Yeah, forget collector value opn this one.

You describe a good, solid, USING gun. The price is probably a decent retail price, depending, as Jim indicates, on condition.

In my area, I see short barrel .30-30s for around $200 fairly often. The Williams aperture sight, sling studs, and recoil pad are definite plus-points. I don't think I ever saw a factory short-barrel 94 with these installed. I can't picture seriously using one without the first two. Drop off a carbine at the 'smith's and tell him to install all three, and you're looking at a minimum of $100, probably a good deal more.

I have a short 94, sans recoil pad, and it is a very nice truck gun - - easy in and out of the vehicle, and handy as a walking stick. Mine is a pre-64, but the alterations which make it BETTER in my eyes have reduced any collector value. Even if it were a later vintage, I would not sell it for $250, 'cause I'd just need to replace it, and could not do so for much less money.

As Mike Irwin recently wrote to a question I posed about a revolver,

Does it speak to you? If so, then get it. I'd likely grab it in a heartbeat.

Another consideration: A representative lever action, Winchester or Marlin, especially in .30-30, is just one of those things a firearms fancier probably ought to have. Like a good bolt action rifle, a Remington shotgun, a 1911, a heavy revolver - - - Maybe not all at one time, but such is part of the American shooting experience.

Best,
Johnny

 

[Shootist45]

This '94

Well, I went ahead and gave the guy an offer and he took it. Got it for $210 and 3 boxes of ammo. Now, to find time to shoot it.

Thanks for the replies. We'll see ya next time!!

Shootist 45