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October 9, 2016
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Need some info on this 1979 ? Custom built Winchester 94 Custom Cowboy Rifle in 30-30 Cal. Ser. # 4817037 that I have … The barrel appears to be stainless steel …. It is not Nickel Plated for sure and has been confirmed not Cerakoting … I am told Winchester Proof Steel which is stamped on the barrel , is a nickel steel alloy. It is an early form of stainless. The receiver I am told is glass bead ( sand ) blasted. This has been a technique used for texturing SS by gun makers for many years .
This is 1 of 2 known Winchester 94 Rifles that are Special Order ( that I know of ) , and the other is all stainless and is shown in last 3 pictures …. I am told that Winchester would make these on request for special events ??? Don’t know for sure …. Anyone out there know anything about these …
Mine is in correct box , is new / old stock and has not been shot ( other than the factory ) … The other is without box …
I am talking with Winchester and showed them my pictures . They say it looks all original . I am told that the WACA can give written proof that the gun is Winchester made for a fee , and I would be glad to pay it , so other collectors would quit telling me this Model 94 is a fake made in some gun shop , other than Winchester …..
Any info or where to look for more info would be FANTASTIC !!!!
THANKS DOUG
December 23, 2012
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I sure would have thought that Winchester would have done a lot better job on that cowboy stamp. other than that it looks real nice. terry
October 9, 2016
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I agree Terry … kinda messy , but if it was a custom , and I am sure it is . It may have been just a quick job to get done and shipped ??? Its the only thing on the whole rifle you look at and go .. WHAT ???
April 15, 2005
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Doug,
The serial number indicates 1979, but there are no records to positively confirm the DOM.
Winchester Proof Steel is not nickel steel alloy. Instead,, it is a chrome-moly steel alloy. Stainless steel was introduced at least 6-years before Proof Steel.
Whomever it was that told you that the WACA could provide you with written proof of the gun was manufactured as it is today, is sadly mistaken/mis-informed.
As a rule of thumb, the WACA deals with pre-1964 production Winchester models & variations only. Post-1963 production Winchesters are for the most part, “shooter” or “hunting” tools (there are a few exceptions, but not many).
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
October 9, 2016
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Thanks for the info …. where do I go for written proof it is a Winchester made gun ?
December 21, 2006
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I don’t know. everything there is to know about a 1979 Winchester but You would have a hard time convincing Me this gun came out of the factory in this configuration or finish, even in ’79 they did better than that. I have never seen a stamp so shoddy on a Winchester ,except maybe for some of the early guns ser. numbers. I have a Wyoming Diamond Jubilee about the same vintage, with a similar crude stamp, problem is they were actually made in 1964, someone made it up. The Cowboy commemorative and the Cowboy Hall of Fame Presentation guns were made in 1970 and had a nickel plated receiver finish. My opinion only, sorry but that gun has been made up. Over the years I have run into several of these (custom made for an employee, or whoever),guns, just to find out they were made up by someone other than the factory. P.S. it’s missing the front sight hood, the stock don’t fit and the tang screw don’t fit either. Good Luck finding verification of a factory build and if You do I’ll eat everything I’ve said.
W.A.C.A. life member, Marlin Collectors Assn. charter and life member, C,S.S.A. member and general gun nut.
April 15, 2005
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There is no place (or person) to go to that can provide the written proof you are seeking. I agree with Henry… it appears to be an aftermarket altered/modified gun.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
