1942-43 Winchester 1894 in .32 Winchester Special at LGS

[mojave30cal]

My LGS got this early WWII era Winchester 1894 in the shop
on consignment. Asking price is $800.00. I went in today and
took some pictures, which aren't the best due to the lighting
in the shop. Serial # is: 1243886.

This 1894 has a nice, shiny bore, and the fore end and stock
have no cracks, splits or major dings. The original metal butt
plate is long gone, replaced with a period Pachymayr recoil
pad. The front sight hood is also missing. Most of the receiver
screws are buggered to some extent, and the upper tang
screws appear to be switched (one larger than the other).
There is bluing loss due to carrying in the area of the receiver,
top and bottom. The barrel bands have a brown patina to them.

The biggest drawback is on the upper right side of the barrel
where there is a little over a foot long of pitting and corrosion
probably due to poor storage.

Anyway, I was thinking of making an offer, but wanted to get
some input from the forum members familiar with this rifle
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Camster]

No Winch expert, but...

Sounds horrible to me.....as well as overpriced.I'd wait for a better example.

 

[bill skebeck]

winchester

Way over priced.

 

[OldChief]

I agree, it's too high in price. I'm sure you can find one in better condition for the price he's asking. You have a gun show coming 23-24 September in Vegas at the Cashman Field Center. You may find a good 94 there for $800 or less if you're not set on a .32 Winchester. You could get lucky and find one in that caliber.

 

[SPEEDGUNNER]

Your LGS is at twice retail on that one. Be patient, there are plenty out there, one will come your way with no issues at a better price.

 

[bmcgilvray]

Here's 1288151 in .32 Winchester Special as well. It remains in pretty decent original condition.

I'd guess it to be about an $800 example if it was on the market.


I was thinking that the serial number fell in 1941 in the Madis book, but I haven't looked at that date list in a long time.

 

[RV4driver]

Also, if the screws are all buggered up...that is only what you see on the outside that is an indication that some less than capable person or persons have been inside of the receiver. NOT a good sign.

 

[Zoner]

i'd walk away from that one completely due to the fact that somebody's been mucking around in there that doesn't even know how to remove and replace screws properly. It's definately not the work of anyone knowledgable.

 

[mrchuck]

No collector value as it has a recoil pad on it.
Plus the barrel has terrible rust areas on the barrel.
I would price it as a "shooter" for 250 to 300 Dollars, Period.

Also be aware that a NEW Model 94 is over 1000 dollars at your local Wal-Mart store. Don't believe this,then go look for yourself.
I find lots of 30-30 Winchesters for 500 or less at our gun shows.
Keep shopping!

 

[Buford57]

In case you need another opinion: run, don't walk.

 

[tug700]

In case you need another opinion: run, don't walk.

I have seen some in much better condition go for <600. Buggered screws are great indicators of worse things you can't see.

 

[TAROMAN]

A friend inherited one of these old beaters from his grandfather.
Headspace is so bad that primers look as if they are about to fall out of fired cases.
Great advice has already been given.

 

[rburg]

I bought one from 1941 a couple of years ago. And I paid $950 for it. But it does have a rear peep sight. That alone could be worth a few hundred. I may have paid too much, but I don't feel cheated.

I go to a lot of gun shows, but don't see the sub $500 prewar 94s others seem to be seeing.

 

[2152hq]

Buggered screws aren't necessarily a sign that gremlins have been inside doing evil things to otherwise perfectly good gun parts.
Many people just have this thing in their mind that says 'I have to make sure all the screws are really tight and I will do that with this one screw driver,,or knife blade

Replacement screw sets are sold for some of the more prestigious guns including the Winchester lever actions. The Parker, Fox and LC Smith SxS's have their sets also. Those guys couldn't leave them alone either.
Nothing destroys value quicker and easier than buggered up screw heads. Such a quick 'n easy thing to do and usually for no good reason.

I can't count the number of guns over the years I have been given the job of just fixing each and every screw on the otherwise perfectly fine gun.

It's a good tire kicker point for the buyer, but then you either have to live with them or fix 'em or pay to have it done.

The recoil pad is another instant value downer. The only thing missing on this rifle is the drill & tap Weaver side mount. That's would round out the top 3 destroyers of collector value all on one gun.

The bbl finish pitting and overall wear to the finish with the above problems deffinetely puts the old W in the shooter catagory and not at the asking price.

The forward screw on the top tang looks like a mounting screw from the tang sight that fits there but is gone.
With the removal of the tang site went the special extra long rear tang screw,,useless when the tang site was removed.
So most likely a suitable but not original rear tang screw was located. This one with a head size not the same as an original obviously.
Could be a tang screw from a Win Model 62 pump22 or most any other rifle or shotgun that uses a rear tang screw. Many will 'kinda' fit if forced into place and I suspect that is what you have here.

The original tang sight could have been worth $250/300 depending on condition and type. A rare 62B could go for $750/$1000.
They get removed very often before (re)sale) of rifles either by the orig owners or by dealers hoping to make a better profit by selling them separately.

If you are willing to spend $800 on a 94 carbine (30 or 32), and want a pre64, you should be able to find a fine example with no alterations or severe finish problems in that price range.

A pre WW2 example will usually cost you more than a post WW2/pre64 example condition being equal.

Most 32 Special caliber guns are priced a bit lower than the 30-30's in the plain versions.
Special order guns, rifles, deluxe versions,,that's another story usually.

Hope you find a nice one..

 

[mojave30cal]

Thanks for all the input. I agree...waaaay overpriced for the
condition. Running like the wind from this one!

 

[Kebco]

You can find a late pre war 94 for $1000 in like new/mint condition. I would have passed on this one at $350 if I had seen it at a show. 32Win is also a negative and will bring less than any other chambering.

 

[andy52]

Over priced for the condition and modifications.