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How do I know it's a Pre-64?

ktbunger
I posted here the other day regarding an old Model 94 Winchester that is now a wall hanger. I appreciate all the timely responses I received. I was very disappointed to learn the gun was not repairable, but that's just the way it goes sometimes. I have decided I would like to replace it with a pre-64 Model 94. I just want to make sure I don't get taken advantage of in my purchase. I have called around town (San Antonio) and there are several to choose from. What's the easiest way to tell right off the bat if it is really pre-64? Is there a magic serial number cutoff?

Also, if I buy another old gun with a 6-digit serial number, what are the chances it too will develop problems that will render it unusable? Any other buying tips that that anyone can provide?

Thanks in advance.
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Comments

15 comments

Date Votes
  • Bert H.
    Hello ktbunger...

    Generally speaking, serial number 2,700,000 is considered the cut-off for pre-64 made Model 94s. I however, prefer and recommend the pre-war (WW II) made Model 94s (circa serial number 1,300,000).

    As for any of the older Model 1894/94s developing the problem your old rifle has... not very likely, unless it has been or is being abused. I highly suspect that your old rifle was subjected to moderate to severe abuse by shooting substantially "hotter" than factory loads in it over an extended period of time. If you stick to factory ammo (or properly reloaded ammo that mimics factory pressures and velocities) you should not have a problem like that develop. The venerable 30-30 cartridge is not conducive to "hot rodding", nor is the action it was designed for.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • TRAP55
    The post '64 model 94 ser# began at 2,700,000.

    "Aim small...Miss small"
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  • only winchesters
    Hi Kt: the easiest way, look for guns with serial numbers below about 2500000. Most sellers key on this and are up-front, because they know pre-64 will bring more money. Regards Dave
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  • ktbunger
    Thanks Bert,

    Can you give me an idea of what a pre-war model in decent shape might go for? This is a gun I will be using so it doesn't have to be in mint condition, but I also don't want it to look like total crap either.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by ktbunger
    Thanks Bert,

    Can you give me an idea of what a pre-war model in decent shape might go for? This is a gun I will be using so it doesn't have to be in mint condition, but I also don't want it to look like total crap either.


    It really depends on exactly what you decide to buy... If you want to buy a true Rifle (versus the more common Carbine), then figure on at least $700 (for a plain jane Sporting Rifle in 30-30 or 32 WS... more if you want one in one of the other calibers). If you are looking for a plain Carbine, then those can be found for $500 - $600.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • TRAP55
    Bert, I just passed on a 1930 30-30 in good condition for $350. I think I'm going to go cry now.[:(]

    "Aim small...Miss small"
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  • ktbunger
    Bert, you are a true wealth of knowledge! [:)]

    Do you know when they stopped making the 94 with a crescent buttplate? How about the saddle ring? And do you happen to know anyone that is looking to get rid of a good pre-war Model 94 carbine in 30-30 cal. in the $500 range?
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by ktbunger
    Bert, you are a true wealth of knowledge! [:)]

    Do you know when they stopped making the 94 with a crescent buttplate? How about the saddle ring? And do you happen to know anyone that is looking to get rid of a good pre-war Model 94 carbine in 30-30 cal. in the $500 range?


    First Question - 1924.
    Second Question - 1939
    Third Question - No, but if you check the auction pages on this website, I feel confident that you will find one that catches your eye. Happy shopping[:p]

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by TRAP55
    Bert, I just passed on a 1930 30-30 in good condition for $350. I think I'm going to go cry now.[:(]

    "Aim small...Miss small"


    Do you want to borrow my hanky[?][:D]

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • Throckmorton
    I've noticed that some model 94's have a screw in front of the trigger gaurd,on the linkage .Is this an idicator of being a pre-64 model?

    Throckmortons' the alias,cas is the game.
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  • sharpshooter039
    there are a very few exceptions to the serial # cut off,I dont know how many but my very first post on gun broker was about my dads old 94,it has serial # 27966xx and was made like a pre-64 but engraved with a saddle ring,after many more questions and no answers I had it lettered from cody and it came out of the custom shop in 63
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by Throckmorton
    I've noticed that some model 94's have a screw in front of the trigger gaurd,on the linkage .Is this an idicator of being a pre-64 model?

    Throckmortons' the alias,cas is the game.


    Hello Throckmorton...

    No, it is not. The primary difference is that the pre-64 Model 94s have a milled steel frame and assundry parts, while the post-63s have a sintered cast steel frame, and stamped steel parts.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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  • THINMAN
    I HAVE BEEN TOLD AN EASY WAY , RATHER THAN REMEMBERING THE S.N. CUTOFF IS WHEN YOU DROP THE LEVER AND LOOK WERE IT PIVOTS , PIN OR SCREW ?
    PRE-64'S HAVE A SCREW AND POST-64'S HAVE A PIN.

    CAN SOMEONE CONFIRM THIS IS IT 100% OR EVEN CLOSE WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS , MAYBE DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD.

    THINMAN
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  • ZERODIN
    quote:Originally posted by TRAP55
    Bert, I just passed on a 1930 30-30 in good condition for $350. I think I'm going to go cry now.[:(]


    I think I'm going to kick your butt now! You could've at least told me about that gem!

    On a side note: Why do people care about pre-64 non-model-70's? I am only really addicted to the model 70, so I don't know what features the other pre-64 guns would have to make them desirable. I do like the model 94 quite a bit, just don't know as much about it.
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  • Bert H.
    quote:Originally posted by THINMAN
    I HAVE BEEN TOLD AN EASY WAY , RATHER THAN REMEMBERING THE S.N. CUTOFF IS WHEN YOU DROP THE LEVER AND LOOK WERE IT PIVOTS , PIN OR SCREW ?
    PRE-64'S HAVE A SCREW AND POST-64'S HAVE A PIN.

    CAN SOMEONE CONFIRM THIS IS IT 100% OR EVEN CLOSE WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS , MAYBE DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD.

    THINMAN



    Hello Thinman... it is not even close to being 100% true. Pre-64 Model 94s use a pin that is 11/64" in diameter by approximately 5/8" long, and it is slightly beveled on one end. The pin is retained with a small stop screw.

    I personally do not own or collect post-63 Model 94s, and as a result, I do not know if they use a pin or a screw to retain the lever. Hopefully somebody with a Modern 94 will join the discussion.

    Bert H.

    Real Men use a SINGLE-SHOT!
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