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Although not in the market for an 1894 takedown I have encountered one in a local gun shop. It was manufactured in 1895 the first year of production for the .30 WCF. Unfamiliar with the model I checked The Winchester Handbook and if I’m correctly reading the “Special Feature” section of the 1894 chapter only 2,758 were manufactured. At first I thought that might be an annual number but it appears to represent the entire period of 1894 production.
And so, to the historians in the Association, does that number seem plausible? If so, I would assume that the rifle I’m looking at is “rare.” Any thoughts would be appreciated.
John,
I cannot say or determine how George Madis came up with the number of just 2,758 Take Down Model 1894s, but he was way off the mark. The ARMAX survey conducted by the Cody Firearms Museum documented 26,934 Model 1894 Take Down rifles listed in the factory records for the serial number range 1 – 353999. The research survey that I am conducting (that begins at serial number 354000) has revealed that there many tens of thousands more of them that were manufactured through late 1931. Winchester discontinued manufacturing Take Down Model 94 (and Model 55) rifles at the end of the year 1931. Based on the number of them in the ARMAX survey, and the extrapolated number based on my survey, Winchester manufactured just over 100,000 Model 1894 & 94 Take Down Rifles, not including the 16,800 Model 55 Take Down rifles.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
If it is a standard take-down rifle in .30 WCF, then no, not really, unless it has a longer or special length barrel and or magazine. And depending on its configuration more likely a better term would be “Scarce” and not “Rare”.
Of the first 354,000 serials, which is the only surviving warehouse records currently known. 1 in 2 1894s was 30/30 and with Rifles 1 in 10 was a take-down.
So unless its a two or multiple barrel set with a special length barrel and / or magazine, and special finish i.e. case hardened. Then no I wouldn’t put in the category of “Rare”.
Now if it has a low serial number, that will help boast its valued price, along with what condition its in.
Too many variables at play to give a good idea on value and rarity. Need more details.
Sincerely,
Maverick
WACA #8783 - Checkout my Reloading Tool Survey!
https://winchestercollector.org/forum/winchester-research-surveys/winchester-reloading-tool-survey/
Bert and Maverick – Many thanks. Glad my intuition kicked in reacting to that number. The details are appreciated and will be invaluable if/when I pursue the rifle.
As an aside, and as a member, I need to get my status changed from “Guest”. I’ll check in with Trish.
Best wishes!
John
John,
What is your membership number?
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert – My number is 10851. If your question has to do with my membership status on the Forum site, Trish and her tech team has looked into my situation but I don’t know if it’s resolved as yet.
John
[email protected] said
Bert – My number is 10851. If your question has to do with my membership status on the Forum site, Trish and her tech team has looked into my situation but I don’t know if it’s resolved as yet.
John
John,
I just fixed your membership status on the forum. I can also change your user ID to something other than your email address if you prefer.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
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