I picked up this Winchester Model 94 about 7yrs ago. The local FFL dealer told me it was a NJ State Prison Rifle. At the time it really didn't matter because I got it for a good price. Now I would like to figure out if he was telling the truth and the way to go about it. The gun is not blue but parkerized. It doesn't seem to be redone. The letters are to crisp not rounded over. It also has the letters ELJ on the receiver. Any help in the right direction would be appreciated.










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I don't claim any expertise here, but I'd suggest the first doable step would be to determine the year of manufacture. There are databases on the internet which will allow you to do that. I know because I've done it for some older 94s in years past. It's been a while, so I don't remember any specific website, but friend Google should get you there.
I don't know whether that'll get you anywhere closer to determining the authenticity of the history, but it's something.

The proof marks on the top of the rec'vr and the bbl are applied to the completed gun, no matter the type of finish (blue, plated, ect).
So the proof marks should be stamped 'through' the metal finish or 'into it'. Not be underneath the finish.
That breaks/mars the finish at the stamping a you can imagine. It's a punch mark after all. On some more than others depending on the stamp and who wields it.

On a refinish, the blue, plating or parkerizing in this case would be applied over an already impressed proof stamp and the finish would show no disturbance at the marking.

It's something you can see and even feel. But w/a loop and low magnification it's easily apparent.

The other thing to keep in mind is that a Parkerized finish is one of the easier ones to apply. On an already blued gun that is in good condition metal finish wise, mearly stripping the parts of the blue w/a chemical to avoid polishing and it's obvious signs left behind, a quick pass over a fine wire wheel, (or a bead blast if a more matted finish is desired) and into the Park soln does it.

It could very well be a NJ Corrections rifle. A factory letter may or may not supply the info you're looking for. I'm not even sure info is available on the post 64 94's.
If it is, it would supply the type of finish it left the factory with I'd imagine.

If the serial # is 7 digits it is from 1972. Serial numbers from 1948 on are from US Repeating Arms may be off one year, especially 1971,72,74,75,76 and 79. Info is from a pocket book Winchester dates of manufacture.

I have studied antique Winchesters for 50 years and have a fair knowledge of the subject. I have never heard of Winchester ever Parkerizing any gun. None of my books have ever mentioned it. Yours is definitely a refinish. Evidence of this can be seen on the left side in the photo. The 2 upper receiver sight plug screws have been polished down flat, even with the receiver. The screw tops should have a rounded dome top. A nice gun none the less. I doubt the prison story also. While many Winchesters of different models were used by the prison system in many states, these guns were usually heavily marked with the prison ID. Also I have never heard of the 32 caliber being used in the prisons. Prison ammunition was loaded with full metal jacket bullets. While the 32 Winchester Special was at a few times factory loaded with fmj's they are quite uncommon. The 30-30 caliber was the most common guard gun as fmj ammo was readily available.

I'd agree with this regarding guns made for the civilian market but the M1 Garands and M1 Carbines they made during WWII were parkerized so they did do it.

You are absolutely correct. I forgot about Winchester war offerings. Even then in WW 1 and WW 2 Winchester model 12's and 97's were blued.

There are were a very few Win 94's that were made for & issued to the US gov't early in WWII, they ended up as forest ranger guns & are highly desirable, same with those bought by the Canadian Gov't same time span. The NRA Rifleman did an article on these rifles...all were blued & in.30-30 if I remember correctly. The OP needs to get a factory letter from Cody........this will tell him a lot. I have never heard of a Winchester lever that was factory Parkerized......... we collect 1886's & 1873's.....but with Winchester, you learn to NEVER say NEVER.........Good luck to you sir, I hope it is a NJ prison gun, folks collect LEO firearms of all types.......but my dad & my grandpa told me years ago.........always buy the gun & never the story without ROCK SOLID providence.........

added, I meant to include that I firmly believe that your stock has been heavily stained & refinished post factory....... I suspect that was done at the same time the metal was parkerized. But still spend the money on the factory letter if you think that it is a prison gun.

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be safe,enjoylife,journey well

Thanks everyone for your input. I will pursue the factory letter.


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