Avatar
Search
Forum Scope




Match



Forum Options



Minimum search word length is 3 characters - maximum search word length is 84 characters
Lost password?
sp_Feed sp_PrintTopic sp_TopicIcon
What to look for when considering a 1894
Avatar
Abe Stamper
New Member
WACA Guest
Forum Posts: 2
Member Since:
June 27, 2023
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
1
June 27, 2023 - 1:00 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

I have many lever actions but looking to start my venture down the Winchester 1894 path.  I am looking at one this evening that is chambered in 30wcf and was made in 1913 (I called and confirmed with Winchester).  It is certainly used but in good condition.  No cracks in the wood, no rust or pitting on the receiver or barrel, tight action, the screws all look good, etc.  I didn’t measure the barrel yet but it looks to be a 26″ barrel maybe.  The steel plate is on the butt. Has a full octagon barrel. It doesn’t appear to have been refinished.  

Being new to looking at these, my question is……………..what should I be looking for when considering this one and others in the future?  Anything to stay away from, length of barrel needs to be measured?

When looking at the sell prices of these on Gunbroker, in this condition, they seem to be in the $900 – $1200 range typically.  Seem right?  

Avatar
Bert H.
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 12908
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
2
June 27, 2023 - 2:08 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Hello Abe,

What is the serial number on the Model 1894 you are looking at? The current entity that is calling itself “Winchester” is not the same company that manufactured the original Model 1894, and the information they have and use is erroneous in regard to dates of manufacture.

The standard barrel length for the Model 1894 Sporting Rifles was 26-inchs. A decent condition Sporting Rifle with a 26-inch octagon barrel should be approximately 2X the dollar amount that you mention (somewhere in the $1,600 – $2,500 range). In regard to your question “what to look for”, that is a rather long list. There are simply way too many variables that can affect the collector value of those old Winchesters. My recommendation is to find and develop a friendship with someone who can mentor you while you gain the knowledge needed to not get taken to the cleaners when you find a Model 1894 that interests you.

Bert

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Avatar
Abe Stamper
New Member
WACA Guest
Forum Posts: 2
Member Since:
June 27, 2023
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
3
June 27, 2023 - 3:16 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Thank you Bert, I appreciate it!  The serial number is 667226

Avatar
Bert H.
Kingston, WA
Admin
Forum Posts: 12908
Member Since:
April 15, 2005
sp_UserOfflineSmall Offline
4
June 27, 2023 - 3:49 pm
sp_Permalink sp_Print

Abe Stamper said
Thank you Bert, I appreciate it!  The serial number is 667226  

The correct date of manufacture is April 1914.

WACA Historian & Board of Director Member #6571L
High-walls-1-002-C-reduced2.jpg

Forum Timezone: UTC 0
Most Users Ever Online: 4623
Currently Online: 426crown, Anthony, Doc Lane, Pwog, David Smith
Guest(s) 179
Currently Browsing this Page:
1 Guest(s)
Top Posters:
clarence: 7119
TXGunNut: 6419
Chuck: 5832
steve004: 5184
1873man: 4701
deerhunter: 2701
Big Larry: 2550
twobit: 2497
mrcvs: 2199
Maverick: 2037
Newest Members:
David Smith
Jimmykilgore
Habeas
Davecrum65
Janusdbm
AndrewC63
schmoopy
Mpowered94
kalli
JSB
Forum Stats:
Groups: 1
Forums: 18
Topics: 14762
Posts: 131990

 

Member Stats:
Guest Posters: 2057
Members: 10012
Moderators: 3
Admins: 4
Administrators: Mike Hager, Bert H., JWA, SethJ
Moderators: Rob Kassab, Brad Dunbar, Heather
Navigation