Winchester .32 WS-- HELP--PLEASE

[ia1727]

Back in 1970 I was stationed at Eilson AFB in Fairbanks ,Alaska. While there I took it all in and was fortunate enough to work/guide for a guy in Chugiak, just north of Anchorage.

While stationed there I ran into a guy at our base that new I loved to hunt and wanted to know if I wanted to buy a rifle from him, he was from Pennsylvania.

It turned out to be an 1892 ( or 1894--I CAN'T REMEMBER) Winchester in .32 WS. It had a 24 or 26" ( never measured it) Octagon barrel with a full length magazine and a Lyman flip up peep sight.

While in Alaska I used this gun to shoot a lot of Caribou and absolutely loved it. Came back to the states and to make a long story short there was a house fire and I lost all my guns. This is the one however that I miss the most.

So, over 30 some odd years later I'm still looking for one. I have seen some on some sights for over $2000 and I simply can't afford or justify that. The one I originally bought I paid $65.00 for--yeah--I know--ouch.

I'm just looking for a good shooter grade that I can shoot and enjoy.

If anyone has one or knows where I might find one that's priced reasonably I would be forever grateful. Please let me know.

Thank you,

Steve

[Char-Gar]

The long rifle model 94's in 32 WS are not very common and hence the collector's price. However the later carbine models are not hard to come by and not too pricey. About 6 years ago I bought a 99% Winchester 94 carbine (1959 vintage) in 32 WS for $350. I am certain it would cost more now, but nowhere near the price you are talking about.

You should be able to locate on without much problem on GunBroker or Auction Arms. Lots of guys on this site have them.

[John Boy]

Start bidding on this '94 Winchester 32 WS if you want it bad enough ... $1100 should buy it
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CD0QFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.auctionarms.com%2Fsearch%2Fdi splayitem.cfm%3Fitemnum%3D10108475&rct=j&q=32%20ws%20rifle%20%20&ei=OzSaTdSNCozqgQewhYDFCA&usg=AFQjCNGWgE-2FgPngN59T-vK-KBYQEOyXA&sig2=EcReMqaM6zyun0dJ2g6LPA&cad=rja

[semtav]

I bought a 94 carbine and a 64 rifle for under 500 ea. last year.I think the 94 was in the $300 range.

Look for a Model 64. they are a little more than the carbine, but probably as close to the long barrel 94 you had as you will get for a reasonable price..

[onceabull]

If you can be happy without a winchester,you could do well by expanding your search to include either the 1893( or 93) and the 36(336) Marlins..Round barrel Marlin 336-A( 24" barrel) might well be the econ.choice for a user..If you have to pay over $600 for one of these,STOP, and call me.!! Onceabull ( a Canadian Pacific Commemerative win.94 that someone just had to take afield shouldn't cost much,if any,more than that,either,,) Onceabull

[northmn]

I can appreciate the problems as sometimes that one gun seemed to work. Sometimes it seemed like I would not see game unless I took a particular rifle afield. One problem with Winchesters is that they have a high collector value. Also a 32 Special is kind of an orphan for bore size and rebarreling a Winchester would be difficult. Best you can do is to keep shopping. I had a 35 Remington 336A go through my hands with a 24 inch barrel and really wonder if I should not have kept it instead of worrying about the cost of reloading. So few deer so many rifles.

DP

[crazy mark]

I know where there is/was 2-model 1894 carbines for under $300 each. They both look pretty good. $299 ea. Ace buyers in Albany Oregon.

[ia1727]

Start bidding on this '94 Winchester 32 WS if you want it bad enough ... $1100 should buy it
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=6&ved=0CD0QFjAF&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.auctionarms.com%2Fsearch%2Fdi splayitem.cfm%3Fitemnum%3D10108475&rct=j&q=32%20ws%20rifle%20%20&ei=OzSaTdSNCozqgQewhYDFCA&usg=AFQjCNGWgE-2FgPngN59T-vK-KBYQEOyXA&sig2=EcReMqaM6zyun0dJ2g6LPA&cad=rja

John Boy,

Thanks for the link--looked at it--something must be wrong--that auction closed on Jan. 13, 2010

Steve

[ia1727]

Thanks for the replies everyone--really want to try to stay with the long barreled Octagon if I can find one--more for sentimental reasons than anything. This is something I want to pass on to my son some day along with the stories that go with it.

I'll keep looking--the normal auction sites are just plain to few and far between and the prices are crazy. I know I won't find another for $65.00 or even close to it, but, I was hoping that I could find one in the 5-600 dollar range.

If anyone runs across one please keep me in mind.

Thanks,

Steve

[semtav]

Is this similiar to what you had?


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=223171807

Looks nice, but expensive.

[ia1727]

Is this similiar to what you had?


http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=223171807

Looks nice, but expensive.

Semtav--

That's it--mine had the original flip up tang sight also--like you said--pretty expensive for me.

Been looking at the Marlin 1893 and 93's and they would work also.

Thanks,

Steve

[Char-Gar]

If you really want a rifle model, you might consider getting a 30-30 in that configuration and having it rebored to 32 WS. There have been a number of 94s (30-30) that are reissues that won't break the bank.

Being cash poor all my life, I have had to come in the back door on several rifles. I always wanted a 1903 Springfield NRA Sporter, but could never pay the price for an original. So, I made one.

[ia1727]

If you really want a rifle model, you might consider getting a 30-30 in that configuration and having it rebored to 32 WS. There have been a number of 94s (30-30) that are reissues that won't break the bank.

Being cash poor all my life, I have had to come in the back door on several rifles. I always wanted a 1903 Springfield NRA Sporter, but could never pay the price for an original. So, I made one.

Charger--

Thanks for the info.--how does one go about doing something like you have mentioned ?

Steve

[Char-Gar]

contact JES at http://www.35caliber.com/2.html about a rebore job. If he can't do it, he will know who can. There is always the option of rebarreling a 30-30. Any number of folks can do that, but it will be a couple of hundred dollars more than a rebore.

[Rimfire]

Here is one for sale
http://classifieds.pennswoods.net/classifieds/viewad.cgi?adindex=1115364

[405]

Well, as they say, "a problem without a solution is not a problem". The 500-600 you're willing to pay might get you a good 94 carbine in 32WS. Since a standard rifle, octagon or round or half round, is going to be much older finding one in decent condition for the $ you're looking at isn't going to happen unless you find someone who doesn't know what they have. Looks like decent standard 94 rifles in 32WS are running anywhere between 1500 and 3500. The real problem with any of the older guns is going to be bore condition. I've been in your position. If I decided to "cheap out" and get something that wasn't the same as what I used-to-have and wanted to replace- I usually regretted it later.

[BruceB]

........and, don't give up hope!

I walked into Scheels' store in Reno NV one day, and (as usual) headed straight for the used-guns department.

I found a Model 64 Winchester, 95% condition, pistol grip, half magazine, 24" barrel.... in .32 Special. My enablers (NVCurmudgeon and CobbMtn Mac) INSISTED that I buy it, so I did...for $650.

This was only a year or so back, so the rifles are out there.

[ia1727]

Well, as they say, "a problem without a solution is not a problem". The 500-600 you're willing to pay might get you a good 94 carbine in 32WS. Since a standard rifle, octagon or round or half round, is going to be much older finding one in decent condition for the $ you're looking at isn't going to happen unless you find someone who doesn't know what they have. Looks like decent standard 94 rifles in 32WS are running anywhere between 1500 and 3500. The real problem with any of the older guns is going to be bore condition. I've been in your position. If I decided to "cheap out" and get something that wasn't the same as what I used-to-have and wanted to replace- I usually regretted it later.

405--

My exact feelings and my dilemma--just can't get enthused at all about anything other than what I had and can't justify the cost of what they appear to be going for.

Steve

[ia1727]

Here is one for sale
http://classifieds.pennswoods.net/classifieds/viewad.cgi?adindex=1115364

Thanks Rimfire--

Just checked the link and all 3 guns were already sold.....de ja vu anyone ?


Steve

[FromTheWoods]

Stand your ground! Get a Winchester Model 1894, 32WS, 26" Octagon Barrel, Full Magazine, Crescent Buttplate.

You might have to pay closer to $1000 for a shooter, but they are out there--many with good bores.

I shopped for the same rifle a few years ago. As a memorial for my Father, I bought one for each of my three sons--only I bought the takedown model.

There are very good rifles out there. Just spend a few more dollars and skip settling for a carbine (though they have their advantages in some ways.) Get the rifle you want, and don't look back. You will not miss the extra $400 in the long run.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=223843361
--But I would not purchase this one (The missing screws seem to say that the rifle was not pampered.) Just put it up in case you weren't aware of the auction site.

If you buy from an auction site, be certain to get a 3-day inspection period. That way, if you receive a rifle that has not been described or pictured to what you expected, you can return it.

The .32 Special is a dandy rifle. Please overlook the hubbub about it being inferior to the .30-30. I've been hunting with .32's for over 40 years now, and they are a pleasure to shoot and to carry! And they look GORGEOUS in the configuration you are seeking!

Good Luck!

[ia1727]

Stand your ground! Get a Winchester Model 1894, 32WS, 26" Octagon Barrel, Full Magazine, Crescent Buttplate.

You might have to pay closer to $1000 for a shooter, but they are out there--many with good bores.

I shopped for the same rifle a few years ago. As a memorial for my Father, I bought one for each of my three sons--only I bought the takedown model.

There are very good rifles out there. Just spend a few more dollars and skip settling for a carbine (though they have their advantages in some ways.) Get the rifle you want, and don't look back. You will not miss the extra $400 in the long run.

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=223843361
--But I would not purchase this one (The missing screws seem to say that the rifle was not pampered.) Just put it up in case you weren't aware of the auction site.

If you buy from an auction site, be certain to get a 3-day inspection period. That way, if you receive a rifle that has not been described or pictured to what you expected, you can return it.

The .32 Special is a dandy rifle. Please overlook the hubbub about it being inferior to the .30-30. I've been hunting with .32's for over 40 years now, and they are a pleasure to shoot and to carry! And they look GORGEOUS in the configuration you are seeking!

Good Luck!

Thanks for the link and the vote of confidence on the .32 WS--I shot a lot of caribou with this exact gun and for some reason I really miss not having it--don't really need it--can't use rifles here for deer--but I do miss not having it--lots of good memories.

Checked that link and yes I have seen that one--now--maybe I'm wrong but that sure looks like a $5-600 gun to me.

Going to stay with the search--also--as you noted--they really are a neat and somewhat nostalgic gun and it will probably be the only lever gun I will ever own.

As stated before, thanks to everyone for your help--keep posting --hope someone can help me find one of these. I'm checking all the larger sites I know of daily--just hasn't happened yet.

Steve

[John Taylor]

I make up a lot of barrels for old Winchesters. Just happen to have a barrel for a 32 WS but it is half round takedown and not worth near what the fellow wants for it. If you can find any old 94 rifle it can be rebarreled to a 32WS.

[Fugowii]

Wow,

I got a '94 (Pre-64) in .32 Win Spl last year in great condition with a scout scope for $270 and that included three boxes of .32 Win Spl Ammo. It looks like I got a great deal!

[ia1727]

Wow,

I got a '94 (Pre-64) in .32 Win Spl last year in great condition with a scout scope for $270 and that included three boxes of .32 Win Spl Ammo. It looks like I got a great deal!

Fugowii--as in the Fugowii indian tribe--ya, you got a GREAT DEAL.

Steve

[salvo]

ia1727, you may need to be prepared to pay a bit more, and you will have to keep searching!
I just don't have any luck with the gun auction sites, most are way overpriced.
I have better luck watching the classifieds at gun forums such as this and searching the used gun racks at local shops.
I have a pretty good collection of pre-64 Winchester 94's but the long octagon barreled, crescent butt plate, rifle has eluded me over the years. I was actively searching for one about 5-6 years ago and pretty much decided to back burner it and just keep an eye out, due to the prices at the time.

Last week I was window shopping one of my favorite gun shops and spotted a long barreled beauty in the used gun rack, when I inspected it I knew this was the one I've been looking for, clean, well taken care of, with good honest use. It was made in 1906, chambered for the .32 W.S. and a take-down model no less:razz:
But it had a price tag of $1,500.00 I just have not been following prices on them in a few years but figured that may be fair for this rifle but more than I was willing to spend. We started haggling on price and I got him down to $1,200.00 out the door including back ground check! I did not want to spend that much but it was what I have been looking for and I felt like it was worth it to me, heck I could get ran over by a beer truck tomorrow.

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae110/scotts702/Winchester%201894%20-%201906/IMG_9294.jpg

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae110/scotts702/Winchester%201894%20-%201906/IMG_9297.jpg

http://i962.photobucket.com/albums/ae110/scotts702/Winchester%201894%20-%201906/IMG_9283.jpg

[ia1727]

Salvo--

You almost made this ol' mans heart stop---saw the pictures before I read the text and thought, finally--that's the one, that's what I've been looking for.

Well I'm glad you found one--hopefully my day will come also--hopefully soon before I'm to old to enjoy it.

Great pictures, thanks for sharing.

Steve

[Fugowii]

What do you guys think? I saw this one for sale.

Winchester Mod 94
Pre-64 Mfg.1945
.32 Spec
BLUED
85%
$500.00 (Asking Price)

[ia1727]

What do you guys think? I saw this one for sale.

Winchester Mod 94
Pre-64 Mfg.1945
.32 Spec
BLUED
85%
$500.00 (Asking Price)

If that is a carbine from what I've seen while I continually look for my 1894 is that's priced about right--depending on condition of course. Just my 2 cents.

Steve

[429421Cowboy]

You can pry mine from my cold dead hands:) What a heavy old piece of machinery! We still take our old girl out of the safe often to hunt with, it was my great-great grandfathers gun that has been passed down to us boys, octagon, 9 rounds it the mag IIRC, factory rear removed with a Marble's peep on the tang and my grandfather's initials carved into the stock when he was first given it as a boy. There is something just a bit more special about the .32 WS too. Hope you find her someday, housefires scare the dickens out of me and that's why we finally bought a BIG safe that's fire rated for our guns and such.

[ia1727]

Anyone with any more leads--still looking .[smilie=6:

Steve

[Newtire]

I picked up a model '64 deluxe deer rifle back a couple years ago and it sure is a great shooter.

[FromTheWoods]

Wow, Salvo! You did well on that rifle. Such a Beauty!

I'd pay $1500 any day of the week for that quality and kind of rifle.

Congratulations, and many happy days of shooting.

[JimM]

I found a 1964 94 in 32 WS last week. It's my 1st lever rifle. I paid $ 420 OTD, not a
bargain but I wanted it. I have gone through 1 box of ammo and am awaiting my dies to start loading for it. I will keep an eye out here near Houston for another one and let you know details if I find one.

[Fugowii]

Juuuuuuuusttttt a but pricey, but here's one!

http://www.northeastshooters.com/vbulletin/threads/92904-Winchester-model-1894?highlight=Winchester

[ia1727]

Fugowii--

Thanks-- I'll check it out.

Steve

[405]

ia1727,
No luck yet eh? The problem is getting one back that was, at least in memory, better than any. Finding them is not hard. Finding something close enough you won't regret, that's the hard part. Since the 1894 rifles are much older than the more recent post war 94 carbines.... bore condition becomes an issue. However, a top condition post war, pre-64 carbine is a very nice gun and at least $1000 less. Still something to consider down the road. Here's a link to some 1894 rifles including some 32 WS. Again, when investigating any of these older leverguns.... make sure the bore is what you want. The word "Good" in antique terms is something different from what most think "Good" means.
http://www.merzantique.com/catalog_C0_14_1.php

[Mainer]

Fugowii--

Thanks-- I'll check it out.

Steve

While you're at it, might give this place a look. I know they have a dozen or so 94's and I know some are long barreled. Can't recall calibers and all. :oops: Good folks there, shop has a good reputation.
http://www.northeastsportsshops.com/oldtowntphunt/srifles.htm

Don't have a dog in this fight, it's just one of G'shops I haunt and I like old 94's myself.
Most of the older 94's I see anymore have bores that have seen better days. You might find a good candidate to re-line.

I am slooowly rebuilding an old .32 Special myself (1906), 26" half round-octagon barrel. Still need sights and a buttstock.

[ia1727]

Thanks Mainer--still looking.

Steve