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May 5, 2021
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Recently I happened upon a four digital serial number (8319) 1894 Winchester and was wondering if the production date was indeed December 1894 and if this was a desirable rifle or if it was just your run of the mill 94? My assumption is that it is a black powder rifle due to the absence of “Nickel Steel” markings on the barrel. Thanks for any help you can provide.
April 30, 2023
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Until the 30 WCF (30-30) appeared in 1895, there were a couple of black powder calibers available, but the gun was designed for smokeless from the beginning is my understanding. Is the one you found a 38-55 or 32-40?
April 15, 2005
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Agent1911 said
Recently I happened upon a four digital serial number (8319) 1894 Winchester and was wondering if the production date was indeed December 1894 and if this was a desirable rifle or if it was just your run of the mill 94? My assumption is that it is a black powder rifle due to the absence of “Nickel Steel” markings on the barrel. Thanks for any help you can provide.
Model 1894 s/n 8319 was actually manufactured in September of 1895 per the original factory records. While you did not mention the caliber, I will assume that it is a 38-55 or a 32-40. Regardless, it was designed for the early low pressure smokeless powder cartridges.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
November 7, 2015
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Mike-
There were very few 1894’s built in 1894, 1674 according to the Red Book. Your 1894 is most likely a Second Variation and as mentioned above is likely a. 38-55 or. 32-40. I’m very proud of my 4-digit 1994 (#5310) but quite honestly there are approximately 899 others, including yours. Some collectors place a premium on a 4 digit serial number, some do not. I have four Winchesters with 4 digit numbers but none of the four are remarkable in any other respect. IMHO it is somewhat more valuable than a 5 or 6 digit rifle or carbine but condition or features will have more influence on most collectors. In my eyes, it will never be a “run of the mill” Winchester but that’s probably just me.
Mike
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