Model 94-30WCF serial number 1304763 |Winchester Rifles|Forum|Winchester Collector

Dave Barnes said

I just purchased this winchester 94. Serial number shows production in late 41 is this correct?

Very good condition overall. Does have a peep site installed. Question is this model and production year very collectible/valuable?

Thank You

As Mr. Hartman said. If the peep has been added by drilling and tapping, it loses it’s collectability and seriously devaluates the gun. A 98% 1941 carbine, with no added holes or modifications may be worth $800, especially if it has the small “w” stamped into the bottom of the frame.   Big Larry

Hi Guys,

Oddly enough, I just received a ’94 SRC 30-30, serial# 1249603, made in 1940. Probably 75% condition based on receiver bottom edge wear. Great bore.     It does have the ” W “.  No tang sight, no saddle ring.

What’s the story on the “W” ?  When started and was it model specific ?

Bill

Bert H. said

Bill,

Your Model 94 serial number 1249603 is not a “SRC”, nor is it an Eastern Carbine.  As listed in the catalogs, it is a standard “Sporting Carbine”.

Based on my extensive research surveys, Winchester used the “W” marking from February 1939 – February 1941.  It was used as a quality control check for the new Dulite bluing formula that Winchester began using in the late 1930s.

The “W” mark is not model specific.  Thus far, I have documented its use on the following Models; 12, 55, 63, 64, 65, 94, and 97.  It was not used on the Models 70 & 71.  It is always found marked on the bottom of the receiver below the serial number.

For the Models 55, 64, and 94 (which shared the same serial number sequence), the serial range in which I have documented it use is 1203590 – 1267492 2/28/1939 – 2/17/1941.  In that serial range, I have verified (336) guns with the “W” mark stamped on the bottom of the receiver frame, versus just (12) that were not marked.

Bert

Bert,

Not sure if you have mine in your survey or not:

Model 94

Serial number 1252952 (W below serial number)

32WS

Al

I have seen the W on at least one model 42 and maybe more.    I recall reading in one of the books that the W indicated rework in the blueing process for the 42.  Does that seem correct and does it mean the same for all the other models?

The Model 61 slide action .22 caliber rifles are also marked with the “W” stamp below the serial numbers.  Rifles which were produced starting in 1939 until early 1941 are marked as such.

Michael

twobit said
The Model 61 slide action .22 caliber rifles are also marked with the “W” stamp below the serial numbers.  Rifles which were produced starting in 1939 until early 1941 are marked as such.

Michael

  

Bert H. said
Winchester drilled & tapped the upper tang for a tang sight right up to June 1942.  The tang sight will add some value, depending on which type it is.  The “W” marking was discontinued in February 1941, in the 1267400 serial number range.

Bert  

Bert H. said
That brings the list up to the following;

12, 42, 55, 61, 63, 64, 65, 94, and 97.  I suspect that the Model 62A was also marked with it as well.

Bert  

I have a M62 sans the “A”. # 93239A with the “w” mark.  8-39 PR date. Had this rifle for 10 years and never noticed the “A”. Big Larry

Bert H. said
That brings the list up to the following;

12, 42, 55, 61, 63, 64, 65, 94, and 97.  I suspect that the Model 62A was also marked with it as well.

Bert  

G’day Bert. I have a nice 62A made in 1940 that has the W stamp on the receiver, serial 103041.

Hope this helps your research. Thought it was about time I made some input instead of lurking in the background 🙂

Chris