Winchester Collector - Forum: Winchester Rifles

epoletna on Prewar 1937 Model 70 22 Hornet Carbine - bird in hand!

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 22:59:42 +0000

Edward: I agree about needing to make a shorter action for short cartridges in the M70. My M43 in .218 Bee has a trigger that is shameful. Sure wish I could put an aftermarket trigger on it.

Henry Mero on 94s

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 22:46:37 +0000

These 2 must have traveled down the line together

Gunsnfishin on 94s

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 22:13:27 +0000

Bert H. said

Gunsnfishin said

Bert H. said
Very nice! The fact that it is the last "true" first yeear production Model 1894 makes it all the more special.
It is one of the (292) documented 1st Variation Model 1894s in my research survey. Based on current survey results, there were an estimated (3,410) 1st Variation Model 1894s.
Bert


I have serial 3135 also - round barrel 38-55- she’s rough but a 10 o’clock screw gun


Do you have a Factory letter for it? I have it documented in my survey, but I do not have the associated dates and order number.

I will send it you when I get it I have about 10 guns to send for

Bert H. on 94s

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 22:09:16 +0000

Gunsnfishin said

Bert H. said
Very nice! The fact that it is the last "true" first yeear production Model 1894 makes it all the more special.
It is one of the (292) documented 1st Variation Model 1894s in my research survey. Based on current survey results, there were an estimated (3,410) 1st Variation Model 1894s.
Bert

I have serial 3135 also - round barrel 38-55- she’s rough but a 10 o’clock screw gun

Do you have a Factory letter for it? I have it documented in my survey, but I do not have the associated dates and order number.

Gunsnfishin on 94s

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 22:07:40 +0000

Bert H. said
Very nice! The fact that it is the last "true" first yeear production Model 1894 makes it all the more special.
It is one of the (292) documented 1st Variation Model 1894s in my research survey. Based on current survey results, there were an estimated (3,410) 1st Variation Model 1894s.
Bert

I have serial 3135 also - round barrel 38-55- she’s rough but a 10 o’clock screw gun

Bert H. on 94s

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 22:01:05 +0000

Very nice! The fact that it is the last "true" first yeear production Model 1894 makes it all the more special.

It is one of the (292) documented 1st Variation Model 1894s in my research survey. Based on current survey results, there were an estimated (3,410) 1st Variation Model 1894s.

Bert

Gunsnfishin on 94s

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 21:20:24 +0000

I made an auction buy today -1894 - 38-55- serial 1674- last gun made first year - I rate it very good condition - what’s everyone’s thoughts ? Guess at value ?

BillWyo on Question on Cody Letters and Browning Brothers Shipments

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 20:12:07 +0000

Bert, I will know after I receive the rifle. Will let you know. Thanks again; Bill

Edward Southgate on Prewar 1937 Model 70 22 Hornet Carbine - bird in hand!

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 16:18:26 +0000

Those are two beautiful rifles that anyone should be overproud to own . I always wished they would make a mini model 70 for those of us who love the Hornets , .218 Bee's and maybe even the .25-20 , .32-20 and .256 . I love my m43 but it is as everybody knows , slightly under built (engineered) and is prone to issues if you load hot and shoot much, though mine has passed a proofing that Winchester would not have put it through and was not harmed .

Congratulations to you both .

Louis Luttrell on Model 70. 1936 or 1937 ? #2318

Sun, 08 Nov 2026 00:12:09 +0000

Hi BriMac-

It looks like you may have an exceptional example. What is the caliber?

I have one sort of like it, s/n 2577, a 30 GOV'T'06. My earliest M70 Carbine... Like Bert said, the only "solid" DOM number is the PR date (b/c the records exist). Assembly date, sale date, ship date are all guesses if for no other reason than b/c Winchester did not use serialized receivers in numerical order...

What receiver sight is on your rifle? Maybe a Lyman 57W (not 57WJS)...

Lou

Bert H. on Model 70. 1936 or 1937 ? #2318

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 23:29:11 +0000

September 1936.

Bert

Jim F in CT on Trying to determine . . . .

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 23:28:47 +0000

OK! Gents . . . .Thank You!

Burt Humphrey on Trying to determine . . . .

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 23:16:06 +0000

Bert H. said
Jim,
The levers, hammers, and crescent butt plates were case color finished up through 1914, so Yes, the lever on your 1908 production Model 1894 is case color finished.
Bert

good example - see hammer and lever.

BriMac on Model 70. 1936 or 1937 ? #2318

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 23:12:13 +0000

I purchased this a few months ago at a local gun shop and during my research to find the approximate year of manufacturing it comes back 1936 or 1937 due to the lack of Factory records Feed back welcome

Bert H. on Trying to determine . . . .

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 22:59:02 +0000

Jim,

The levers, hammers, and crescent butt plates were case color finished up through 1914, so Yes, the lever on your 1908 production Model 1894 is case color finished.

Bert