Log In
Members
Home
Add Reply
Add Topic
Offline
Hi everyone. I’ve always loved the Model 94, especially pre-64. I’ve bought a few on Gunbroker, but I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing, so I figure I bet ask you experts before I do something extremely stupid. I’d like to start collecting 94s over time. My budget isn’t unlimited, but I think I could afford to pay maybe $3,000 to $5,000 overall over the next year or two. I know I’m not giving you much to go on, but I was wondering if you could give me some ideas about where to even start. (ie where to find them, what years you think are undervalued currently, calibers, etc.) I currently own a 1950, a 1951, and an early 1960’s (can’t remember the exact year). I guess another thing I should add is that I like to shoot my guns, so I’m not looking for guns to just put in a display case. Thanks for you help! Ethan
Hello Ethan,
The Model 94 (1894) is a vast topic, and with a vast number of possible permutations and variables. I would take me more than a full week trying to explain them all to you. My suggestion to you is this… purchase a copy of Robert C. Renneberg’s superb reference book “Winchester Model 94: A Century of Craftsmanship”. Read it cover to cover, then decide what you specifically want to collect.
Bert
p.s. Would you be interested in having your Model 94s included in my research survey?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Hi Bert,
Thanks for your reply. Right after I posted my comment, I thought I’m being way too broad and probably asked an impossible question. I’ll try to find that book, but wow it’s expensive! Maybe I can find it on ebay. I’d be happy to have my 94s included in your survey. What information do you need? I only have 3 of them. Thanks again. Ethan
Ethan,
In the long run, the book is cheap compared to what you might spend chasing bad Model 94s. The most important thing you can do is to educate yourself about what it is that you want to collect.
For the survey, I need to following;
1. Serial number
2. Caliber
Depending on the specific date of manufacture, I may have additional questions.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert,
Good point about the book. I’ll order it asap. Here are 2 of my 94s:
2033334
1692915
They’re both 30-30. I don’t have the serial number for the other one handy, but I’ll get it to you as soon as I can. Thanks again.
Ethan
Ethan,
1692915 was manufactured in 1950, and as such, it is a “long wood” Carbine, and it is not factory drilled & tapped for a receiver sight.
2033334 was manufactured in 1953, and as such, it is a “short wood” Carbine, and it is factory drilled & tapped for a receiver sight.
Thank you for participating in the survey,
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
[email protected] said
I’ll try to find that book, but wow it’s expensive! Maybe I can find it on ebay.
I downloaded the Kindle app and bought the book digitally for a little more than $20 from Amazon. I wish Arthur Pirkle’s books were in the kindle format…
Technically, the glass is always full; half liquid, half air....
WACA #10293
4 to 5 thousand could buy you a really nice rifle. There aren’t many standard 94’s worth more than that. This kind of money could put you in a deluxe gun with moderate wear. Take some time to learn or get help with your purchase.
Chuck said
4 to 5 thousand could buy you a really nice rifle. There aren’t many standard 94’s worth more than that. This kind of money could put you in a deluxe gun with moderate wear. Take some time to learn or get help with your purchase.
Thanks Chuck. I’ll get the book and learn as much as I can. I’ve been burned on guns so many times in the past because I didn’t do my research beforehand. Hopefully I’ll learn from my mistakes. Thanks again. Ethan
rwsem said
[email protected] said
I’ll try to find that book, but wow it’s expensive! Maybe I can find it on ebay.I downloaded the Kindle app and bought the book digitally for a little more than $20 from Amazon. I wish Arthur Pirkle’s books were in the kindle format…
I think that’s what I’m going to do. Then maybe I can find a hardcopy on ebay in the future. Thanks!
November 7, 2015
Online
Books are cheap compared to mistakes. Some of my books have paid for themselves by helping me recognize bargains and undesirable specimens. A comprehensive reference library is very important to most collectors.
As for collecting 94’s, I like them all! I have “shooters” but I’ve finally learned to focus on better specimens. There are literally millions of 94’s out there but the best condition or fanciest or rarest make the best investments, IMHO. In short, buy the best you can afford. But above all, take the time to learn and enjoy!
Mike
TXGunNut said
Books are cheap compared to mistakes. Some of my books have paid for themselves by helping me recognize bargains and undesirable specimens. A comprehensive reference library is very important to most collectors.As for collecting 94’s, I like them all! I have “shooters” but I’ve finally learned to focus on better specimens. There are literally millions of 94’s out there but the best condition or fanciest or rarest make the best investments, IMHO. In short, buy the best you can afford. But above all, take the time to learn and enjoy!
Mike
Well said Mike. Collect what you like then do as Mike said.
Thanks everyone for your input. I bought the book and am going to learn as much as I can. Can I ask you where is the best place to find decent 94s? Now that gun shows are shut down, I’ve been watching Gunbroker. But I’m wondering where else I can look. Thanks again.
Ethan
Ethan,
Take a look at the listings on Guns International. After you have read the book cover-to-cover, it is always beneficial to ask questions here on the WACA forums before “pulling the trigger” (pun intended) before you purchasie one. You might also consider purchasing a copy of “The RED BOOK of WINCHESTER Values, 4th edition” (co-written by yours truly).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thanks Bert. Just ordered your book. Looks like I’ve got a lot of homework to do!
Ethan
I’d also buy a copy of Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values, and read up on Collecting Firearms, Values and Condition, etc. It is a very good learning guide for these short subject points whether the firearms are antique or not. I would not be without this publication for these reasons. I’d also spend a lot of time on this forum, the magazine archives, etc.
Good luck on your journey!!!
James
jwm94 said
I’d also buy a copy of Flayderman’s Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Values, and read up on Collecting Firearms, Values and Condition, etc. It is a very good learning guide for these short subject points whether the firearms are antique or not. I would not be without this publication for these reasons. I’d also spend a lot of time on this forum, the magazine archives, etc.Good luck on your journey!!!
James
Thanks James. The amount of information on these guns is really overwhelming. But now that I’m pretty much a prisoner in my own home, it looks like I’ll have a lot of time to get started on it. Thanks again.
Ethan
Ethan, I am also a new collector and found my interest to be Model 1894 rifles with half round, half octagon barrels. I have one in a solid frame with full magazine and one in a take down with 2/3 magazine.
I have a couple 1892 rifles with octagon barrels, which I prefer on that model. Go figure
Hi Mark, where have you bought your rifles? Online auctions, gunshows, etc?
[email protected] said
Hi Mark, where have you bought your rifles? Online auctions, gunshows, etc?
I’m not Mark….. 
But…. I like to touch and see a prospective gun before I purchase, and am willing to pay more to do so. That being said, I have bought guns online, with mixed results. Some disappointments to be sure, but a couple of real gems. I’d say stay away from auctions for now, as you really need to be able to decipher what you’re looking at when you analyze mostly mediocre pictures and descriptions. Also – by the time you add up the hammer price, the buyer’s premium (usually around 20%), shipping, and the FFL on your end you can easily end up upside down. If you buy an auction pig by accident, chances are that there is no real recourse unless it was grossly misrepresented. At least with online dealers, you get a 3 day inspection – but having the books as resources can be a huge benefit in this instance. The Madis book (and searching this forum) have saved me more than a few times.
1 Guest(s)
