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December 1, 2024
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I just bought a Winchester 94 chambered in .30wcf , it has a canadian militia marking on the receiver. I know the canadian government gave model 94 rifles to the pacific coast milita during ww2 but mine is from 1905 I believe, serial number 337xxx. I was just wondering if anyone knew if maybe they stamped old rifles as well and gave them to the militia?
April 15, 2005
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Model 1894 serial number 337000 was manufactured in February 1907 per the original factory records.
While it is possible that a PCMR Ranger recruit may have provided his own firearm, it is highly doubtful that the Canadian government would have taken possession of it, inspected it, and then stamped the Broad Arrow marking on it. Without any verifiable documentation (proof) as to the past history of your recently acquired Model 1894, it should be considered a “suspect” marked gun.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 1, 2024
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Thanks Bert , the full serial number is 337400 , I don’t pick the rifle up for 2 weeks so i will look a little closer at it then. I was just curious as when I looked at it quickly at the gun shop I noticed the markings and the serial number and knew it wasn’t the right era for that marking
April 15, 2005
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Holtminer said
Thanks Bert , the full serial number is 337400 , I don’t pick the rifle up for 2 weeks so i will look a little closer at it then. I was just curious as when I looked at it quickly at the gun shop I noticed the markings and the serial number and knew it wasn’t the right era for that marking
February 1907. The CFM records office has the original Winchester warehouse ledger record for that rifle.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 1, 2024
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I have pics of the rifle but can’t figure out how to post them lol I haven’t gotten the paid membership yet so maybe that’s why I can’t. I will be getting it soon after Christmas.
April 15, 2005
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Holtminer said
I have pics of the rifle but can’t figure out how to post them lol I haven’t gotten the paid membership yet so maybe that’s why I can’t. I will be getting it soon after Christmas.
You can send the pictures to my email – [email protected]
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 1, 2024
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I’ve sent you an email with the pics , thanks again. I really love the winchester rifles and plan on getting a few more lol. I got a good deal on this one i think , i got them down to $700 canadian for it and the action is nice and tight still , it was used as a ranch rifle for the last 50 years or so locally here in the canadian Rockies.
April 15, 2005
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Pictures received.
The serial number is actually “1337400” and dates the gun to June 1942. The “1” digit is simply poorly struck (not uncommon during that time period). The Broad Arrow marking is located precisely where it should be, and it is authentic.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
December 1, 2024
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Thank you Bert I really appreciate the clarification, exactly why i joined this group, I love finding out the history of stuff. I was hoping it would be authentic.
December 9, 2002
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Holtminer,
Thanks for posting this great historical model 1894, with the stamp showing it’s life’s use in a trade that demands a quality piece such as yours!
These we’re tools used during hard times as it was well needed I’m sure, with wildlife and the possibility of scoundrels trying to keep some from making a living.
Great find!
Anthony
December 1, 2024
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Anthony, thank you. It was a lucky coincidence I walked into the gun shop to waste some time and they just got it on consignment that morning and hadn’t put it out until I walked in. I haven’t been able to find a 94 for under 1300$ cad for a long time, they had a pri e tag of 750$ on it and i offered 700$ and that was that lol. My daughter and i plan on doing a good cleaning on it then using it for deer/elk hunting next fall.
December 9, 2002
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Holtminor, I’m glad you plan on using it as I feel you did well, on what appears to be, on a very nice original rifle, and I’m glad that you plan on using it as it was intended for. My suggestion is to not over clean it, as no finish,(bluing), appears on the receiver, and the wood, looks thirsty for some light attention, as it appears dry. Don’t use any thing abrasive on it, and be careful not to throw oil all over it. IMO! Some Renaissance Wax, on it wouldn’t hurt a thing. A drop of light oil on moving parts wouldn’t insult the weapon one bit. What I’m saying is you’re rifle shows good honest Character that many of us like, and enjoy. We’d love to see more pictures!
Thanks for posting and sharing,
Anthony
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