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June 26, 2013
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I have 90% condition 1894 semi-deluxe takedown, I-checkered pistol grip stock, crescent butt, half magazine in 30WCF. The serial number was applied to the receiver in 1897. I removed the forearm to verify the date code on the underside of the barrel. It has a date code of “94.” How could this be? I thought the 30 WCF wasn’t offered until 1895. All barrel markings are absolutely correct and not re-stamped or re-chambered/re-lined. Any thoughts?
Don
April 23, 2012
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Bert will know details , but as I understand , the actual 2 digit date system right next to the the receiver under forearm didnt start untill the 1920’s, so your ’94’ stamp just refers to the model
Phil
June 26, 2013
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25-20 said
Bert will know details , but as I understand , the actual 2 digit date system right next to the the receiver under forearm didnt start untill the 1920’s, so your ’94’ stamp just refers to the model
Phil
Thanks Phil. That makes sense. Didn’t know that the 2 digit date system started so late.
April 15, 2005
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Don,
Phil nailed it. For the lever-action models, Winchester began marking them on a regular basis in 1924. I have not ever seen a barrel date earlier than “21”.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
January 24, 2013
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The “94” is not the barrel’s DOM, it designates model number; Model 94
Winchester did this to ID 94 barrels from 92 barrels, which are nearly identical.
Most often it’s found on 25 and 32 cal 94 barrels: 32-40 & 32 WS, but sometimes on 30 and 38-55s
