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Winchester Model 94, 55, & 64 Survey update

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Bert H.
Hello all.

I am researching/surveying all of the pre WW II production through post WW II era production Model 94s, Model 55s, and Model 64s that I can locate. For those of you who are interested and would like to participate in a survey concerning several different production changes made to the Models 94, 55, and 64, please review the information that I am specifically looking for, and then post your information here on this topic, or you can send it to me directly at Win1885@msn.com.

5/24/202 Edit 4: Well, here I am again, and still at it. As of today, I now have logged (surveyed) just shy of 25,000 specimens, and I still looking for more. For the past number of years, I have been collaborating with Robert (Bob) C. Renneberg, and have written and published a number of articles of my own discussing the Model 1894(94), Model 55, and Model 64 production. I have added serial numbers 1 - 7499 to my survey list (looking for the semi-rare "First" models. Please get in touch with me via email if you have an interest in supporting the research survey.

12/8/2014 Edit 3: I have surpassed 10,500 total serial numbers in this research survey, and I am still working towards reaching the 16,000 mark. Due to a welcome increase in the number of people who are actively assisting me with this research, I plan to continue this survey well beyond my original goal. Sometime early next year (2015), I will post the current results of the survey in an easy to read format.

9/24/2011 Edit 2: I am rapidly closing in on (5,000) total serial numbers in this survey, and I would like to surpass that mark before the end of this month. The various production numbers represented in the survey have firmed up considerably in this past year, and I do not believe that they will change by any significant % as the survey continues to progress. Still, it is my intention to keep this survey alive and growing until I reach the (16,120) total serial numbers surveyed mark (1% of the total numbers in the survey range). At that point, I will publish a statistical analysis reference document detailing my findings.

Edit 1: I have come to the realization that I need to ask all of the following questions...

1. The complete serial number (please, no partial serial numbers).
2. The exact caliber stamp marking.
3. The specific type of butt plate, e.g. Carbine, serrated steel shotgun style, flat checkered steel, hard rubber, or the checkered steel plate with the widows peak and diamond surrounding the lower screw hole.
4. The type (style) of the upper tang marking, e.g. type 5, 6, or 7, or if it is blank.
5. Is the left side of the receiver factory drilled & tapped for a peep sight?
6. Does it have U.S. martial or Canadian PCMR markings on the receiver frame?
7. Does it have a Nickel Steel or a Proof Steel marked barrel?
8. Does it have a saddle ring?
9. If in the 1,200,000 - 1,270,000 serial range, is the bottom of the receiver marked with a "W"?
10. If in the 1,260,000 - 1,330,000 serial range, does the leading "1" digit look like an "L"?
11. If in the 1,370,000 - 1,560,000 serial range, does it have a flat-band or a milled front barrel band?
12. If in the 1,700,000 - 1,770,000 serial range, does it have the long or the short forend stock?
13. If it is a Model 55, is it a Take Down or Solid frame?
14. If it is a Model 64, is it standard Rifle, a Deer Rifle (deluxe), a standard Carbine, or a deluxe Carbine?

More specifically, I am trying to determine the serial number transition points for the caliber markings on the barrel...

(1) "30 W.C.F." versus "30-30 WIN" marked barrels,

(2) "32 W.S." versus "32 WIN. SPL."

(3) "25-35 W.C.F." versus "25-35 WIN."

(4) The transition point from the traditional curved steel carbine butt plate, to the steel shotgun style with the horizontal cut lines (serrated), and again the later transition to the flat checkered steel plates.

(5) Upper Tang roll stamp types (e.g. Type 5, 6, 7, or blank)

(6) Those guns that were factory drilled & tapped for a receiver mounted peep sight (Lyman or Redfield).

(7) The transition from the milled front barrel band to the flat-band, and then back to the milled band.

(8) The exact serial range for the "W" stamped guns...

(9) The exact serial range for the leading "L" digit serial number stamped guns...

And finally, I am attempting to determine the precise serial number transition points for the Models 55 and 64.

If you own (or know of) a Model 94, 55, or 64 in the 1,000,000 - 2,700,000 serial range, please take a close look at it, and then either post, or send the information directly to me. Your name and information will remain anonymous if you email the information to me. I will post updated results in this Sticky topic as the survey progresses.

In closing, I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to this survey, and to all who particiapte in the future. [:)].

Bert H.
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Comments

571 comments

Date Votes
  • jchiar
    model 94 serial #15805xx model 94 32w.s. Complete serial # is 1580554 checkered but plate no drill holes or taps
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by jchiar
    model 94 serial #15805xx model 94 32w.s. Complete serial # is 1580554 checkered but plate no drill holes or taps


    Thank you[:)].

    Edit: The DOM is actually early 1949 versus late 1948.
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  • big trucker
    Model 94 s/n 1,386,xxx 30wcf flat cross hatch butt plate no drill holes. Good luck[^]
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by big trucker
    Model 94 s/n 1,386,xxx 30wcf flat cross hatch butt plate no drill holes. Good luck[^]


    The partial serial number tells me that it is an early 1946 vintage gun, and that it should have the flat style front barrel band. If you do not mind, please contact me at Win1885@msn.com with the complete serial number.
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  • longspur rider
    Bert- I have a model "94" 30-30 (that's how the barrel is marked) ser. # 2002341. I believe it's a 1953. Has rounded barrel band, & flat checkered steel butt plate. I didn't look last night specifically at whether it was factory drilled for a peep sight, but I don't think that it is. Tom
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by longspur rider
    Bert- I have a model "94" 30-30 (that's how the barrel is marked) ser. # 2002341. I believe it's a 1953. Has rounded barrel band, & flat checkered steel butt plate. I didn't look last night specifically at whether it was factory drilled for a peep sight, but I don't think that it is. Tom


    Hello Tom,

    Thank you for the information. Based on my estimate, your Model 94 Carbine was manufactured mid year 1953. It should be drilled & tapped for a receiver mounted peep sight, as Winchester did so as a standard feature starting at circa serial number 1,920,000.
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  • longspur rider
    Bert - I'll look at it again tonight. Didn't pay spacific attention to that part. Couldn't remember all the things to check last night.
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  • longspur rider
    Bert- You were right. my reciever is pre-drilled for a sight. Tom
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by longspur rider
    Bert- You were right. my reciever is pre-drilled for a sight. Tom


    Thanks for the update[:)]
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  • big trucker
    Bert, full s/n is 1386057. yes it does have the flat band.Didn't know manufacture date. It was my fathers gun, born 11-11-1946. Cool!
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by big trucker
    Bert, full s/n is 1386057. yes it does have the flat band.Didn't know manufacture date. It was my fathers gun, born 11-11-1946. Cool!


    Thank you for the update[:)]. The gun is no more than 3-4 months older than he is[8D].
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  • toadtown
    I have a 94, sn 1524815. It has the checked buttplate and is marked -30WCF as seems appropiate for its number. The barrel band is flat. It appears all correct escept for the part which elevates the rear sight blade, which part is simply a flat piece with notches in it, no checkered part sticking out the end.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by toadtown
    I have a 94, sn 1524815. It has the checked buttplate and is marked -30WCF as seems appropiate for its number. The barrel band is flat. It appears all correct escept for the part which elevates the rear sight blade, which part is simply a flat piece with notches in it, no checkered part sticking out the end.


    Hello toadtown,

    Your Model 94 flat-band was manufactured in 1948. Can you post (or send me) a picture of the rear sight elevator?
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  • eastbank
    model 64 in 30wcf #1575428,with lyman tang sight mounted. with minor blueing wear,but had sling stud put in butt stock. eastbank.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by eastbank
    model 64 in 30wcf #1575428,with lyman tang sight mounted. with minor blueing wear,but had sling stud put in butt stock. eastbank.


    Your Model 64 was manufactured in the early part of the year 1949. Is the receiver drilled & tapped for a peep sight?
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  • eastbank
    yes it,s drilled and tapped for a receiver type peep sight. eastbank.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by eastbank
    yes it,s drilled and tapped for a receiver type peep sight. eastbank.


    Thanks[:)]. It is exactly as I expected, and perfectly standard.
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  • myky653
    Hello, I have a Win.30-30 serial no 2156510 my Dad bought it on when he was in the military stationed in Japan in 1950's in the PX on base.
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  • eastbank
    thanks, eastbank.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by myky653
    Hello, I have a Win.30-30 serial no 2156510 my Dad bought it on when he was in the military stationed in Japan in 1950's in the PX on base.


    Hello Mike,

    Your Model 94 was manufactured in the very early months of the year 1956. It should have the flat checkered steel butt plate, and the receiver drilled & tapped for a peep sight.

    Thank you for the information[:)].
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  • CapnMidnight
    Bert,
    Two old 94s for your survey
    marked 25-35 WCF
    serial #285035
    1 magazine band dovetailed into bottom of barrel, old style concave butt plate, 26" barrel

    marked 30 WCF
    serial #82302
    Magazine, butt plate and barrel band and lenth are the same. Both are standard rifles with standard wood.
    Hope this helps.
    W.D.
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  • Sage
    Two more for you Bert #1 ; 1256061 32 W.S. Lined buttplate milled barrel band #2 1427964 30 W.C.F. checkered buttplate flat barrel band
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by Sage
    Two more for you Bert #1 ; 1256061 32 W.S. Lined buttplate milled barrel band #2 1427964 30 W.C.F. checkered buttplate flat barrel band


    Thank you very much for the information. I have one question for you concerning serial 1256061... does it have a "W" stamped on the bottom of the receiver between the serial number and the lever?
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by CapnMidnight
    Bert,
    Two old 94s for your survey
    marked 25-35 WCF
    serial #285035
    1 magazine band dovetailed into bottom of barrel, old style concave butt plate, 26" barrel

    marked 30 WCF
    serial #82302
    Magazine, butt plate and barrel band and lenth are the same. Both are standard rifles with standard wood.
    Hope this helps.
    W.D.


    Do you have a Cody letter for either one of these guns?
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  • CapnMidnight
    No letter, they came through Dans shop for cleaning and a rear sight elevator replacement on one. We are making an effort to record all of the info on old Winchesters that come through. Just trying to help out. Your survey has helped us answer alot of questions for customers, and helps in buying and trading. Knowledge is a good tool.
    W.D.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by CapnMidnight
    No letter, they came through Dans shop for cleaning and a rear sight elevator replacement on one. We are making an effort to record all of the info on old Winchesters that come through. Just trying to help out. Your survey has helped us answer alot of questions for customers, and helps in buying and trading. Knowledge is a good tool.
    W.D.


    Great... every bit of information helps, and I really appreciate your interest in my on going survey and any information you can provide.

    Please contact me at Win1885@msn.com as I believe that I have something you and Dan will be interested in.
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  • Sage
    Yes Bert it does have the W stamp. I had always assumed that it stood for Winchester, what does it mean?
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by Sage
    Yes Bert it does have the W stamp. I had always assumed that it stood for Winchester, what does it mean?


    It means that it was factory refinished prior to being shipped and sold. During the time frame your Model 94 Carbine was made, Winchester was struggling with a new "improved" bluing type, and many guns subsequently failed inspection (quality control) after initial finishing. Those that failed inspection were rejected, and sent back for refinishing. Winchester stamped a "W" on the bottom of the frame to indicate that fact.
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  • Sage
    Two more I had in the safe same era...1220095 32-W.S.- milled bb lined bp has the W, 1452535 32-W.S.- flat bb checkerd bp no W and thank you for all the information. Best regards
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by Sage
    Two more I had in the safe same era...1220095 32-W.S.- milled bb lined bp has the W, 1452535 32-W.S.- flat bb checkerd bp no W and thank you for all the information. Best regards


    Thank you very much for the additional information[:)]. Would it be possible for you to send me a clear picture of your "W" marked guns? I do not own one with the "W" mark to use as an example in this topic string, and I would like to post a picture for reference purposes.

    edit: I forgot to mention, the DOMs are 1940 and 1947 respectively for your carbines.
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