Log In
November 28, 2024
Offline
This short barreled model has always intrigued me. About 12-years ago I just missed (by a few hours) of getting an original for a reasonable price. One of these now would probably be outside of what I could afford to spend.
I have just run across a very nice/clean Model 94 in .30-30 with the 16″ barrel, manufactured in 1980 with the original box. Box says made in U.S.A.
I have (3) Winchesters Model 94’s (all pre-64’s) and a 1907 S/L (very low 3-digit s/n). I have heard all the quality issues with anything made from ’64 on, but would this 1980 produced Trapper be back up to earlier standards?
Also, what years were Winchesters actually manufactured in Japan?
Thanks for any guidance here — Randy
April 15, 2005
Offline
Randy,
A Model 94 manufactured in the year 1980 would be a “last year production” Olin (Winchester) production gun. Olin (Winchester) ceased production late in the year 1980 in preparation for the sale and transfer of their firearms manufacturing division to the newly formed U.S. Repeating Arms Company (who then began production in May 1981).
Prior to 1981, the only Winchester model that was manufactured in Japan (Miroku) was the Model 101 O/U shotgun. I do not know when (or if) the U.S.R.A.Co. contracted with Miroku to manufacture any firearms other than the Model 101. After the U.S.R.A.Co. was shutdown in March 2006 (by FN Herstal), FN transferred most of the “Winchester” production to the Browning Arms Company (BACO). BACO then contracted with Miroku to manufacture a number of the modern variants of the “old” Winchester models, e.g. Model 1886, 1892, 1894, 1895, etc. and they are still manufacturing them today.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
1 Guest(s)
