Log In
Members
Home
Add Reply
Add Topic
I’m seeking some clarification, and more accurate detail, on Winchester Model 94 serial numbers in the 1930’s and 40’s. The tables I’m able to find, all apparently from the same source data, seem to be “official” and indicate that the *ending* serial number in 1942 was 1,221,289, that data was lost for years 1943-47, and that the ending serial number for 1948 was 1,500,000. However, I am seeing various references the serial numbers in the 1,300,000 range that are purported to be manufactured in 1942 (including the Canadian PCMR rifles).
I’m assuming these alternate interpretations for serial numbers in 1,300,000 are based on individual rifles that are accompanied by retail purchase records. I’m wonder whether there is a revised table or set of ranges to replace the apparently-incorrect data in the “official” Winchester Arms tables?
I have model 94 serial number 1,330,045 (*not* a PCMR rifle) and am trying to determine if it was manufactured ~1942 or more like post-war 1945 or later.
Offline
Doug,
You are correct in that the erroneous tables you are finding are from the same source… George Madis. With rare exception, most websites used his published data (from the early 1960s), and unfortunately, it is not accurate.
The actual ending serial number for 1942 (August 23rd, 1942) was 1343183. Further, the records for the years 1943 – 1947 are not “lost”. The Cody Firearms Museum research office has the records from 1894 – 1945 (December 29th, 1945), ending at serial number 1352066. Former Winchester Custom Shop employee Pauline Muerrle has the records beginning with the year 1946 and going forward.
In regards to your Model 94 S/N 1330045, it was manufactured in April 1942. For future reference, the WACA website has the only known accurate Winchester serial number look-up tool that can be found on the internet – https://winchestercollector.org/dates/
Is your Model 94 a 30 WCF ?
Bert – WACA Historian
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Thank you for the information!
Yes, mine is a 30 WCF version, which I gather the vast majority are. Unfortunately, I don’t have any other history for it. But at least I now know the manufacture date. The barrel is quite bright, so I suspect it has not been used much. But the stock gives me the impression it was at least carried around a lot. Or bounces around a bit in a gun cabinet.
Thanks again!
Doug,
Winchester manufactured 29,882 Model 94 Carbines & Model 64 Rifles in the year 1942. Thus far, I have surveyed (977), of which (848) are Model 94 Carbines. Of the (848) Model 94s, (751) or 88.77% are 30 WCFs.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
So glad I saw this post about serial numbers. I have a Winchester 94 that belonged to my dad. He always told me he bought it when he was 15 and used it for deer hunting in Michigan . The serial number is 1146727. When I looked on Winchester site it says it was made in 1941 which conflicts with my dad’s story. He graduated hs in 1941 and went into USMC. According to Winchester the gun wasn’t made til end of 41. I’ve been suspicious of the dates so when I checked with the site you mentioned it was 1937. That would line up my dad’s account almost perfectly; he was 14 in 1937 and bought the gun used. This info solves a mystery I’ve been wondering about for years! Thanks!
Jerry Sprague said
So glad I saw this post about serial numbers. I have a Winchester 94 that belonged to my dad. He always told me he bought it when he was 15 and used it for deer hunting in Michigan . The serial number is 1146727. When I looked on Winchester site it says it was made in 1941 which conflicts with my dad’s story. He graduated hs in 1941 and went into USMC. According to Winchester the gun wasn’t made til end of 41. I’ve been suspicious of the dates so when I checked with the site you mentioned it was 1937. That would line up my dad’s account almost perfectly; he was 14 in 1937 and bought the gun used. This info solves a mystery I’ve been wondering about for years! Thanks!
Per the Winchester factory records, S/N 1146727 was manufactured in October, 1937. Is it a 30 W.C.F., or a 32 W.S. ?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Online
Hi, Bert,
A little info please. My 1894 30 WCF has serial no.1175394. This is an Eastern style carbine
I am told because no saddle ring (sling ring?).
I have talked to somebody previously about the butt stock that doesn’t look like walnut. The forestock is definitely walnut. I have several Winchesters to compare and this seems different. The receiver is completely devoid of bluing but the 20″ barrel and full mag are nicely blued (looks like original blue to these old eyes) the lever and trigger retain bluing. Madis” book indicates DOM in 1939 but I am sure you can disprove that. Thanks for any info, Don
Don,
May, 1938. Both stocks should be Walnut. It should have a straight grip butt stock fitted with a serrated steel shotgun style butt plate.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Hello all,
I am in possession of a Model 94 (pre 64) serial number 1014560. I am told this was manufactured in 1927. The rear sight has been removed and a Redfeild peep sight installed. Very nice rifle in decent shape… but when I try to find replacement parts for it, they don’t seem to match up with the info I have for it. The replacement (aftermarket) mag tube (19-1/4 inch) doesn’t seem to have the same key locations.. and when looking up parts like buttplates and front sights… they are different.
Also, I am still unclear what the difference between the 30 WFC and 32 are… any clarification is appreciated!
Hello William,
Model 94 S/N 1014560 was actually manufactured in January, 1928. You did not mention which variation it is (the configuration), and in early 1928, it could be a Sporting Rifle, a Take Down Sporting Rifle, a Saddle Ring Carbine, or an Eastern Carbine. Depending on which variation you have, the various parts are different. If you can provide clear pictures of your Model 94, I can positively identify which variation it is.
In regards to the difference between a 30 WCF and a 32 WS, it is simply the bullet diameter (.308 vs. .321). The two cartridges use the exact same case (the 32 WS was created from the 30 WCF by enlarging the neck diameter).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Could you tell me when Win 1894 #1501003 was manufactured?
My Father & his Father bought it new, supposedly for the 1948 hunting season.
The Madis lists put it in early 1949, but the link you gave in post #2 gives 1948, but not what month.
Thanks in advance.
Your Model 94 Flat-band Carbine was manufactured in May, 1948. Which caliber is it?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
.32 Special… which we load using the Herter’s single press he has used since before I was born (1962).
We still have over 100 Herters brand cases from “back when” that have yet to be loaded for the first time, as well as a bunch of reloaded cases from various makers (and about 200 new Federal rounds).
I might need to get a bunch more cases though… I have a “1907” Win M94 in .32-40 on layaway… #429235.
I understand that that is supposed to still have the “soft” steel barrel (and thus fires black powder or light-load smokeless, not high-power smokeless rounds). I do have the dies… but cases are virtually unavailable, so I’ll have to resize .38-55 or .32 spcl or .30-30 cases.
As an aside, we also have a “1909” Win M92 rifle in .25-20. #340164. With dies, ammo, new cases, and bullets.
Unfortunately, my .32-20 is a Marlin 1894 (1991). Sigh. With dies, etc, etc.
Bert,
Would you please tell me when the .30-30 M94 SRC, s/n 931516, was mfd. ?
Many thanks,
David
August 1921. Is it a standard SRC?
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
August 1921. Is it a standard SRC?
It is a standard SRC, Bert. Thanks very much for the info!
David
I just picked up a model 94 the only serial number i found was on the lower and its 3939054 can anyone decipher this I’ve been looking and cant figure it out I’m really just looking for the year but id be interested in all info i can get
Josh,
Model 94 serial number 3939054 was manufactured in the early months of the year 1974.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
My step brother and I were going through his deceased father’s guns and he has a Winchester 94 30×30 Serial Number 2085111. Wondering what year this was built and approximate value. Can you help?
Thanks
Mick Beckwith said
My step brother and I were going through his deceased father’s guns and he has a Winchester 94 30×30 Serial Number 2085111. Wondering what year this was built and approximate value. Can you help?Thanks
Your Model 94 Carbine was manufactured in the year 1954. The potential value is based almost solely on its graded condition.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
1 Guest(s)
