Winchester Model 94

[beehn]

hi
Just bought a used 30-30. Made in USA (New Haven). Is there a way to tell what year it was manufactured? The rifle is in near perfect shape and the wood on the stock does look older even though near perfect.

Also, the receiver is almost a copper color as if someone attempted to re-blue it and failed horribly. I actually like the new color even though it is not original. Should I have it professional re-blued or is it ok to leave it alone.
thanks
Kev

[rromeo]

It sounds like a '70s built gun, they're known for terrible finish. What does the serial start with? There's a good list of years, you can search "Winchester serial number date" and find it relatively easy.

[ironhorse1]

Without further information no one can help.

Just a thought that it may have a case hardened receiver.

It will appear multicolor,copper, wheat, blues.

Google search for images or post a photo of your rifle.

irh

[elmontemike]

Have an Old Winchester?

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=410211

[pacrat]

Have an Old Winchester?

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/subscription.php

Funky linky.

I think you want this one to TRAP's sticky in Curio-Relic Forum.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=410211

[beehn]

Thanks to all. I don't actually have the rifle yet. I bought it last week on a Dove hunting trip to Yuma. Hope to have it this week sometime. Is there a trick to inserting a photo? It asks for URL and I just have it saved on my desktop. Sorry for being such a novice
thanks

[beehn]

Hopefully I have attached a couple of photos

[pacrat]

A "shooter", rifle, Not a "collectible", rifle. Refinishing it as you choose, will not harm the value.

Your rifle, your choice.

[NapalmCheese]

Post '64 the model 94 went through a few changes, including 3 different finishes. None of them are well liked as they all seem to wear pretty quickly.

Figuring out the year of your rifle will help determine what the original finish was, as the stuff used to make the original finish is still around. The only caveat is that some of the 70's guns (IIRC) made before the change over to USRAC were essentially iron plated alloy steel receivers. The idea was that the iron plating could be blued in a traditional way. This worked, but the iron plating eventually wore off. Rebluing those rifles is usually not in the cards.

[Oceanbob]

First....welcome to Cal Guns..!

It appears to be a Case Hardened receiver. I think you're going to have fun
Shooting her.

Enjoy

Bob

[beehn]

A "shooter", rifle, Not a "collectible", rifle. Refinishing it as you choose, will not harm the value.

Your rifle, your choice.

thanks very much. I plan to use if for pig and deer hunting. I think i'll leave it as is and it is kind of cool they way it looks
kev

[beehn]

First....welcome to Cal Guns..!

It appears to be a Case Hardened receiver. I think you're going to have fun
Shooting her.

Enjoy

Bob

Thanks Bob, I'm looking forward to the first range visit!
Kev

[beehn]

Post '64 the model 94 went through a few changes, including 3 different finishes. None of them are well liked as they all seem to wear pretty quickly.

Figuring out the year of your rifle will help determine what the original finish was, as the stuff used to make the original finish is still around. The only caveat is that some of the 70's guns (IIRC) made before the change over to USRAC were essentially iron plated alloy steel receivers. The idea was that the iron plating could be blued in a traditional way. This worked, but the iron plating eventually wore off. Rebluing those rifles is usually not in the cards.

Thanks very much for the info. I'm happy that it was made in the USA and I plan to hunt with it.
Kev

[ironhorse1]

I believe that I see the serial in the photo making the year of manufacture 1971.

It has the type of steel which does not finish very well. Notice the nice blue on the lever and barrel.

As stated, it is a shooter, enjoy.

irh

[beehn]

I believe that I see the serial in the photo making the year of manufacture 1971.

It has the type of steel which does not finish very well.

As stated it is a shooter, enjoy.

irh

Thanks for that! Nice to know that it's at least a pre 1980's gun which leads me to believe that although the appearance may not be original, the guts are quality
Kev