Urgent Winchester 1894 Pre-64 info needed!

[RippinSVT]

Hey guys, I have a chance to buy a pre-64 Winchester Model 1894, in 90+% condition, all original, for $525. I'd rate the gun at VG, Very Good. Is that a good deal? My latest 2009 Gun Values book has the standard Sporting Model has them in the $1500-3000 range for one in such condition. This one is relatively later though, a 1958 manufacture. I would love some insight about what you guys think the gun is worth, and if I am getting a good deal, since I deal with old Marlins, not Winchesters, and thus am completely uninformed about them.

Thanks!

 

[Horsemany]

1894 typically refers to the earlier guns called "rifles" that had 26" barrels. The carbines are usually referred to as model 94's(although technically 1894's). Not a big deal but you may confuse someone calling the carbine an "1894".

That said, that sounds like a pretty good price but not a steal. 90% can mean different things to different people. Remember 94's are not rare and collectors want condition in guns that are not rare. I'd need to see pictures to tell you anymore but that sounds pretty close to what the gun is worth IMO.

 

[RippinSVT]

Damn, I was hoping I had really found a steal. Oh well, I did get that Sig 228 with Tritium sights and Lasergrips from the same place for $575, so I've got no gripes. Thanks for the clarification, Winchesters aren't my forte, and it's a good thing too, because I hate shooting them compared to Marlins.

 

[Kman]

Caliber is everything, if it's standard .30WCF .30-.30 than the price is probably fair, I just sold a 1950 in about 80% for $600 it was .30WCF. The grade is secondary to the caliber in many ways until pre-war models. Good luck!

 

[Heck]

I bought a 1942 manufacture in about 90% condition a few weeks ago for $599 and was happy to get it.

 

[Kman]

That is close to a steal..for an original rifle.

 

[davera]

Not a bad price in my opinion. If you see it and 90% looks good enough for you then it's worth it.

I paid 600 for a 1956 model 94 last year that is in nearly perfect condition other than some buggered screws and sling swivels installed. It looks good and shoots just fine too.

 

[Malamute]

That isnt a bad price in todays market. I've seen similar guns priced higher.


Rifle or carbine doesnt have any bearing on wether its an 1894 or 94. Time period does. Winchester dropped the 1894 description in the 1920's I believe. Some of the dies used to stamp the tangs were damaged, and modified to remove the 18 in 1894, and not long after, it was made common nomeclature for the model, it seeming more modern, apparently. Barrel markings were added about then, and they were "model 94". Tang markings continued for a while, but were dropped later. The last tang markings just had the Winchester name, and trade mark.

 

[Horsemany]

Rifle or carbine doesnt have any bearing on wether its an 1894 or 94. Time period does. Winchester dropped the 1894 description in the 1920's I believe

Correct....but typically the older guns that were stamped 1894 were the older full length barrel guns. The 1894 carbine the original poster described does not exist.