Winchester 94 experts.

[ACfixer]

I do not think the factory offered this checkering on a 1960 model 94, do you?

Seller says 100% original, I have my doubts. Pretty rifle, but let's be honest right? In fact I'm sure I have seen many, if any factory checkered pre-64 94's but that's why I am asking the CG brains because I am no expert, just a fan.




In fact looking at the checkering on the barrel on the right side, almost looks like it's not quite parallel with the barrel while the left side looks perfect.

[bigbossman]

The only 94's I've ever seen with checkering are the 94/22 XTR's and a few early "special order" or "fancy sporting" model rifles. Post some pics HERE, these guys know everything about Winchesters.

[ACfixer]

The only 94's I've ever seen with checkering are the 94/22 XTR's.

Post '64 there were some XTR and Deluxe models I think... but the best info I can find is that no pre '64 guns had factory checkering unless a special order.

[bigbossman]

Post '64 there were some XTR and Deluxe models I think... but the best info I can find is that no pre '64 guns had factory checkering unless a special order.

Yeah, I was speaking in general about pre-64's...... I know little about the "modern" ones. You could special order checkering on a carbine back in the day, but not sure about 1960. Also - for what it's worth, Winchester never used "Deluxe" in their descriptions, they used the term "Fancy Sporting" in their catalogs. See this discussion in the Winchester Collector's Forum, post 18:

https://winchestercollector.org/forum/whats-new/1894-checkering/

It appears that some model carbines came with checkering post-64, but the carbine in question is claimed to be from 1960. Did you verify the serial number to be sure it is pre-64?:

https://www.homestead-service.com/appraisals/1894post64/1894model-configurations.htm

https://www.homestead-service.com/appraisals/1894post64/1894variations.htm

[ACfixer]

You can tell it's pre '64 by the receiver screws being slanted.



I'm about 100% convinced (as I think you are) that this is not factory checkering. Unless he has a letter or sales slip showing a factory order then I say it's aftermarket.

[kendog4570]

If Winchester did checker late pre 64 94 carbines, it damn sure would not look like that.

[Garbcollector]

I'd like to find a old clean model 94

[Spyder]

ACFixer, excellent photo. That information has been logged in the memory banks. Thanks!

[ACfixer]

ACFixer, excellent photo. That information has been logged in the memory banks. Thanks!

Yeah it's any easy guide on spotting them on the fly with the model 94. In fact I was just at the gun show here in Gray, TN this morning and a guy had a 94 saddle ring he was selling as pre-64 and I questioned him on it based on that knowledge. While i was there an old-timer walked up and said the same, and he knew his serial numbers... 27XXXXX was 1964 on the dot and not pre-64. Still a cool gun, but not what he said it was.

Same as my OP here... I'm no expert but I didn't think that was factory checkering and kendog4570 solidified my hunch.

Calguns is great for this stuff, thanks guys.

[ACfixer]

I'd like to find a old clean model 94

They're out there, but people are starting to get wise and hanging on to them. The sweet spot if you want a shooter but a pre-64 will be post war until 1963.

I found a beautiful 1947 at the gun show a couple months back, chambered in 32 Win Special. Got it for $1,000 or $1,100 I can't remember. Notice the longer forestock in front of the barrel band, I think they shortened it a bit in 1950. I've shot this gun and it is an absolute joy.



These guns are sexy as hell IMO.

The angled screws on the receiver.

[bigbossman]

If Winchester did checker late pre 64 94 carbines, it damn sure would not look like that.

No kidding. If I ever found out that Winchester let that example out of their shop, I'd quit collecting Winchesters.

As an aside, another quick way to identify the pre-64 '94 is to look at the link. If it has a screw, it is pre-64.

[ACfixer]

^^^ Excellent.

And yes the more I look at that checkering, the worse it looks.

[bigbossman]

If you don't mind my asking, what does he want for that gun? I ask, because if the price is low enough, you can get it re-stocked with a repo set of wood.

[ACfixer]

If you don't mind my asking, what does he want for that gun? I ask, because if the price is low enough, you can get it re-stocked with a repo set of wood.

Open bid, five days to go. The seller told me he thinks it's going to go for $2K, I say he's smoking dope. If someone buys that based on his "100% original" claim he's going to have a mess.

https://www.gunbroker.com/item/905355886

[ironhorse1]

Looking through my R.L. Wilson book on Winchesters there are no examples that are checkered in that manner.

Forearm checkering in several pictures is much higher on the wood sides.

There are no stocks with a simple diamond in the grip area.

Checkering in the OP's picture looks very crude compared to Winchester factory work. See link below for examples.

irh

https://winchestercathedralsong.blogspot.com/2019/03/winchester-checkering-patterns.html