In my collection, I have # 1,327,444. PR date 4-1-1942. Now, for all I have read, this is a pre WW2 M94, but the war started in Dec. 1941. My carbine is a 32 Special with the M55 buttplate and has the tang sight hole. 22H sight I believe, with the 3-C elevator. A good 98% carbine. Big Larry
January 26, 2011

Tedk said
It is my understanding that when PRR exist, the date that a gun was serialized and entered into the ledger is also considered to be the date that it was manufactured.
I would agree with that statement, especially when its the only date you have to work with.
~Gary~
In most cases, the time interval between the PRR date and the received in warehouse date (as a fully assembled, ready to sell item) was 3-weeks. Yes, there are instances when it was much longer, but the majority will fall in that 3-week window.
The reason an early 1942 production Model 94 is considered a “pre-war” is simply this… the production features and methods did not change as a result of the U.S. declaring war shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack. An April 1942 production Model 94 was/is identical to a November 1941 production Model 94. The same can not be said for a September 1945 production Model 94. Winchester implemented several production changes when the hiatus was lifted, and then continued to rapidly make additional changes.
Bert
WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
Bert H. said
In most cases, the time interval between the PRR date and the received in warehouse date (as a fully assembled, ready to sell item) was 3-weeks. Yes, there are instances when it was much longer, but the majority will fall in that 3-week window.
The reason an early 1942 production Model 94 is considered a “pre-war” is simply this… the production features and methods did not change as a result of the U.S. declaring war shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack. An April 1942 production Model 94 was/is identical to a November 1941 production Model 94. The same can not be said for a September 1945 production Model 94. Winchester implemented several production changes when the hiatus was lifted, and then continued to rapidly make additional changes.
Bert
Yes, and don’t forget to include the flat band carbines after WW2. New hammers, no drilling and tapping of the tangs, no strain screw, and, according to a friend of mine, who is a retired Master Machinist, the fit and finish of the internals was poor at best. Big Larry
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