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30 WCF barrel date

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deerhunter

Troutdale, OR

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July 31, 2015 - 5:16 pm

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

25-20

Ontario Canada

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July 31, 2015 - 5:25 pm

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

deerhunter

Troutdale, OR

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July 31, 2015 - 5:29 pm

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.

Bert H.

Kingston, WA

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July 31, 2015 - 5:52 pm

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