What is the age and value of a Winchester Model 94 30 30 serial number 1697559 with original finish and parts in great shape. Used sparingly?

Answer 1

Unfortunately, by the early 1960s the production costs of the traditional Model 94 with all of its forged steel parts had risen dramatically. Winchester executives realized that soon the Model 94 would have to be priced beyond the reach of the average hunter. This is exactly the fate that befell the classic Mannlicher-Schoenauer carbine, and eventually spelled its doom. To save the Model 94 and restore a reasonable profit margin, Winchester redesigned the action for cheaper manufacture, substituting stamped sheet metal and roll pins for parts previously machined from forged steel. The steel buttplate became plastic and a less durable metal finish was substituted for the traditional bluing. The new guns still worked and shot just fine despite their aesthetic flaws, but the credibility of the Model 94 took a serious hit, and examples manufactured prior to the 1964 changes became instant classics. Most of the shortcomings of the post 1963 Model 94s were eventually corrected, but the pre '64 versions remain the most desirable of all Winchester Model 94s. Which brings us to the subject of this classic gun test, a Model 94 carbine manufactured in 1961. This example is in excellent condition. It shows practically no wear, inside or out. The barreled action is finished in a polished blue, and the black walnut stock wears its original gloss lacquer finish. Your gun was made in 1960. Assuming a plain sporting rifle in NRA Very Good condition (95% original finish and all original parts), the price guides suggest a value of $1675. A realistic price given that it is in good condition is around $450-$600. I've had many come thru the shop, they are not scarce. I believe you are wrong on the year of this Winchester, closer to 1950 It was made in 1950, not 1960 and $400 to $500 would be more in the ballpark during this DEPRESSION. Answer 1950 is the correct DOM. You can verify this by removing the forend stock and locating the 2-digit date stamp on the bottom of the barrel near where it entered the receiver frame. Bert H. 1950 is the correct year. If 100 % original finish, a price of about $600. would be in order at the retail level and a dealer might offer you $300. They have overhead to pay for so cannot pay retail.