Curious about a Win94, 32WS

[JSnover]

Saw one in a gun shop yesterday with a nice patina, some honest wear but no obvious damage or neglect (no cracks/dents/gouges/pits). The action felt good but I couldn't get a good look at the bore.
Asking price was $700.
Assuming the insides are as good as the outsides and the serial number indicates pre-68 vintage, would that be a reasonable price? Are there enough appropriate bullets or molds to make it worthwhile?

[Guesser]

Yes & yes!!!

[TXGunNut]

Not sure what you mean by pre-68, some of the later pre-64's aren't much better than post-64's IMHO. That may get me flamed by collectors but I'm a shooter. If it was a pre-WWII I'd say that was a fair price, built in the 50's or 60's it would have to be a very nice gun for that price. I would most certainly get a good look at the bore too assuming you want it for a shooter. I feel like I've stolen a few vintage Winchesters lately so I'm a little conservative on my pricing, some prices I see boggle my mind.
32 WS is an awesome cartridge for cast boolits. Slower twist lends itself to velocities in the 2200-2400fps range with a proper GC'd boolit.

[Scharfschuetze]

If you meant a Pre-64 vintage 94, then yes, $700 would not be out of line in my neck of the woods for one in good condition. A Model 94 made between 1964 and 1968 would not command anything near that, although I do see guys trying to sell them for that at gun shows.

While I grew up with a 30/30 calibre Model 94 (Pre-64), I am now quite content to shoot my 32 Special in lieu of my old Model 94. It's a very good calibre for cast boolits.

[roysha]

I learn something new every day. All these years I thought that when Winchester introduced the 1964 model 94 , that they dropped the 32 WS chambering and only made it in 30-30 except for some odd commemorative models and such. Oh well. I have a 1952 version in excellent condition that would require a plumb stupid high price before I would even consider selling.

[TXGunNut]

I learn something new every day. All these years I thought that when Winchester introduced the 1964 model 94 , that they dropped the 32 WS chambering and only made it in 30-30 except for some odd commemorative models and such. Oh well. I have a 1952 version in excellent condition that would require a plumb stupid high price before I would even consider selling.

My first 32Spl was made in 1969, actually a pretty nice little carbine. Finish on the receiver is still quite good in spite of all the bad press. Put a receiver sight and a taller front sight on her and she's a pretty decent shooter.

[bob208]

if it is a pre-64 then maybe. if a post 64 then no way.

[JSnover]

Thanks, I haven't been back to check the s/n but I did some reading and what I found verifies what you all have said: '64-'68 were not the best years for these rifles.

[Scharfschuetze]

Glad you have the answer JSnover.

After 1968, Winchester seems to have gotten its collective act together and paid a little more attention to quality. The Model 70 rifle received a "G" prefix in the serial number to reflect that. The Model 94s eventually ended up with a cast instead of stamped follower and that is a good way to separate the 64 to 68 rifles from later variants. I'm not sure when that follower change took place, but it's something to look for in your ongoing search.

[TXGunNut]

I think a fair number of followers were replaced, last one I saw that should have had a stamped follower had a cast one. All in all a nice rifle but couldn't convince myself to make an offer on it. I think they made some pretty good rifles even during the "bad" years.

[northmn]

When I look at Winchesters I look at the cartridge lifter or guide. If its stamped it is a cheap one, if machined likely a good one. I did see one at the LGS that had a machine guide but the thing did not lift and the one that put it on consignment wanted over $400 which for a 30-30 is a going price for one that works. So work the actions and check one out. If they put a band around the action and lever to prevent opening as at a local auction I do not look at one. 32 Special does bring more premium prices.
DP

[pietro]

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FWIW:

Only pre-64 Hew Haven Winchester Model 94's were made with machined forged steel lifters/carriers.

Only 1964-1970 New Haven Winchester Model 94's were made with stamped steel (sheet metal) lifters/carriers.

Only 1971-2006 New Haven Winchester Model 94's had cast solid steel lifters/carriers.

IDK (and don't particularly care) just what kind of lifters/carriers the 2009-present Japanese Miroku/Winchester Model 94's are being made with.


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