Tips on Buying an old Winchester|Page 4|Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

GTHWM94C said
Hi Bert,
Thanks for the tips on what to look out for when looking for old Winchester 94s.
I am currently on the hunt for a pre-war model 94, preferably in the 20s or 30s given the significance of those decades in our history (and the fact that these models were manufactured better than their postwar counterparts). It’ll be awesome to have such an icon that is also a tangible piece of history. 
I have found so many examples online from numerous dealers and everyone seems to have their own opinion as to condition, blueing percentage, bore/rifling, etc. It’s also challenging to truly tell the health of the bore and rifling given descriptions alone, and its difficulty to know what is trustworthy, especially to my untrained eye. 
The bottom line is I am after a model 94 that I can enjoy as a shooter and appreciate for its historical value. I also want to be certain what I’m getting is correct for the era especially given some of these hefty price tags! 
Do you have any recommendations about sources to trust online? Is it best to wait for a gun show and get my hands on one before deciding? If so, are prices of pre war or pre 64 winchesters at shows generally more competitive or still high? 
I’m glad I’ve leapt down this incredibly deep rabbit hole! Thanks for your advice! 
-Grant 
  

It is always a better option to inspect and handle the gun in hand versus buying a gun from an internet seller.  

Bert

GTHWM94C said
Hi Bert,
I have some questions about a saddle ring 16” trapper carbine from 1932 I found. 
Was 1932 a transition year for this configuration of carbine? The serial number of this rifle is 1087278. It has a flat, checkered steel butt stock with the buckhorn rear sight and an interesting front sight that appears to be fashioned to the front barrel band which I haven’t seen before, and it is just a simple blade sight. Is this configuration correct to this era? Are these types of carbines relatively rare? 
The barrel is nickel steel and the stock is in good shape. The original blueing is present on the barrel but the receiver has a silver patina. It is my understanding that proof steel was introduced in 1932, but I realize that Winchester  didn’t just do away with old parts. 
I also have an email from the Cody Museum that verifies the serial number on the firearm is from 11/7/1932, but no other information. I also had an independent gunsmith look at it to verify that it is in good working order with a smooth action and solid rifling. Is there any point in obtaining an official letter from the Cody Museum to verify original specifications about manufacturing, or is that not possible for this production year? 
Lastly, is there any way to tell if this was an original 20” carbine that was cut down later?
I appreciate your thoughts and expertise! 
-Grant 
  

Please send pictures of your Carbine to me – [email protected]

In answer to your first question, Yes, 1932 was the transition year, and s/n 1087278 is near the tail end of the transition.

The configuration you describe is not correct.  With a Nickel Steel barrel, the front sight should be post/block with a pinned blade that sits directly behind the front barrel band.  The butt plate should be the traditional carbine style. The falt checkered steel butt plates were not introduced until Post-WW II.

The CFM does not have any records other than the serial number application date.  With good pictures I can very likely determine if your Carbine is factory original or if it has been altered after the fact.

Bert