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Hey all, new guy here with a question I can’t seem to get an angle on, so last resort, ask a pro. Please, no need to beat me up, I’m just a firearms enthusiast.
First, I used the search function to look this up, but the search function is insanely detailed for a broad search.
I want to get a Winchester 1894, for collector and intrisque value, on a budget of $2k. I collect high end war rifles, but not a lot of civilian weapons.
I can’t seem to understand what is a collector piece of the 94 vs the Johnny average version.
Can I get input on this. I realize there are a million different variables. Generally speaking, is a near mint early 1900’s 26” rifle more valuable/collectable than a 20” carbine with a saddle ring, etc. Prices seem to vary considerably. I get condition is everything, but for 2k or so, what model or attributes of the 94 is the most likely to retain and increase in value.
Thanks all!!
There are simply way too many variables to list them all here. That stated, and generally speaking, you will be looking for a Pre-1964 production Model 94. If you want a Model “1894”, it will be a pre-1920 production piece.
My best advice to you, is to purchase a copy of “The Red Book of Winchester Values, 4th edition”. It will help you to understand the many different variables that cause the prices to vary so much from individual gun to the next individual gun.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
As Bert says, its hard to judge based on the multitude of configurations, the calibers, when manufactured, etc.
The below rifle is an 1894 rifle made in 1895 in 38-55. Overall its probably 70-75% condition, others may call it more or less but thats where I place it. I bought it about 5 years ago for $2,000 (also some sentimental reasons behind the purchase). Its a standard rifle with octagon barrel. Could you buy the same gun today for $2,000, probably not. You might be adding another $400-600 (also depends on who’s selling and markup margins). Maybe its worth $2,800 to some folks today. Hard for me to say.
I much prefer rifles to carbines. Just an opinion, they seem to hold their value better. In the end its boils down to a matter of preference and what has eye appeal to you.
And if your into arms used in war, the 1894 carbine may have some options to offer. Mr. Bert could probably expound on what you would need to be looking for.
1892takedown @sbcglobal.net ......NRA Endowment Life Member.....WACA Member
"God is great.....beer is good.....and people are crazy"... Billy Currington
November 7, 2015
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I can’t give you a good answer, I’ve only been at this for a few years but it probably isn’t as different from your military rifles as you may think. All I can say is look at lots of Winchesters, spend time doing research and ask lots of questions. Someday you’ll find the Winchester(s) YOU like. Like an old auctioneer once told me; “buy what you like, like what you buy”. There are so many variations and niches it’s impossible to say what will appeal to you at this point. If you want investment grade guns focus on 80% or better guns and learn to recognize original guns and features. The Red Book Bert mentioned has been very helpful to me for identifying and evaluating collectible Winchesters.
If you’re unfortunate like me you’ll discover that you like sporting rifles, carbines, short rifles, rimfires, muskets, semi-autos, leverguns, single shots, bolt guns, shotguns, rimfires, pump guns, special order rifles, pre-war or post-war rifles, antiques, octagon, round or half-round barrels, rimfires, deluxe rifles and the occasional tool, mould or other knickknacks. Did I mention rimfires? 
Mike
Online
If you are a true military collector, you may want to research a M1894 Spruce Gun. A SRC in 30-30 with US markings. Now, you won’t find a 98% or even much less, carbine, but in keeping with your collection, they are US marked. Lots of fakes out there too, so seek the advice of an expert like Bruce or our resident expert in this field, Mr. Hill. Big Larry
For a true military collection, you would want Winchester marked- Model 1914 British Enfield, model 1917 US Enfield rifle, model 1917 Trench Gun shotgun, M1, and M1 Carbine. Those models complete group No. 28 as outlined in Bill West’s “Winchester For Over A Century”.
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
November 7, 2015
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Big Larry said
If you are a true military collector, you may want to research a M1894 Spruce Gun. A SRC in 30-30 with US markings. Now, you won’t find a 98% or even much less, carbine, but in keeping with your collection, they are US marked. Lots of fakes out there too, so seek the advice of an expert like Bruce or our resident expert in this field, Mr. Hill. Big Larry
rwsem said
For a true military collection, you would want Winchester marked- Model 1914 British Enfield, model 1917 US Enfield rifle, model 1917 Trench Gun shotgun, M1, and M1 Carbine. Those models complete group No. 28 as outlined in Bill West’s “Winchester For Over A Century”.
What, no love for the 1897 and 1912 Trench Guns?
Mike
Larry, I think rwsem is referring to the 1897 trench gun as the Model 1917 trench gun. Some of the old government publications like the Nov. 1918 Handbook of Ordnance Data refer to the 1897 trench gun as the “U.S. Riot Shotgun Winchester design with Bayonet, Model 1917”.
Tom D said
Larry, I think rwsem is referring to the 1897 trench gun as the Model 1917 trench gun. Some of the old government publications like the Nov. 1918 Handbook of Ordnance Data refer to the 1897 trench gun as the “U.S. Riot Shotgun Winchester design with Bayonet, Model 1917”.
Yep. I don’t think they were ever called Trenchguns. Just Riotguns with a bayonet attachment. In any event, they are some of the most expensive US military weapons if correct and in good shape. Very hard to find the US marked shotguns. Many are fakes. Originals are a collectors prize. Big Larry
Tom D said
Larry, I think rwsem is referring to the 1897 trench gun as the Model 1917 trench gun. Some of the old government publications like the Nov. 1918 Handbook of Ordnance Data refer to the 1897 trench gun as the “U.S. Riot Shotgun Winchester design with Bayonet, Model 1917”.
I’m too much of a newb to Winchesters to come up with that myself. I was simply listing what was in the volume 2 encyclopedia….
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
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