Pre 64

[vern]

Why are the pre 64 model Winchesters so exspensive? I own one in a model 94 lever gun, no clue to how much its worth though. I saw a firearm auction site the other day and all models pre 64 were more costly than I thought they would be. My 94 was my grandfather's and was bought around the early 1930's. I keep it in my gun safe and have'nt used it in years. What is it worth?

[Jerry]

I can't find a model 94 made before 1964 in the blue book of guns.

Is there some kind of more info on the rifle that you can provide?

[the long ranger]

1964 is the year that they changed the design to save money.From 1894 to 1963 the Model 94 lever action rifle had been manufactured using high quality forged steel parts and stocked in genuine American black walnut. The metal finish was a highly polished blue and in the later part of that era the stock had a gloss finish. The changes to the Model 94 were relatively minor, but never the less devastating to the 94's reputation. Stamped sheet steel parts were substituted in non-critical areas for formerly forged steel parts. The most visible of these was the shell carrier, which raised cartridges from the magazine to the breech, and stood out like a sore thumb every time the action was operated. The loading gate became a stamped and riveted part, which was also obvious. And hollow steel roll pins, which just plain looked cheap, replaced the solid steel action pins. As a lingering result of these changes, pre-1964 Model 94's are worth about 50% more than equivalent post 1964 models in similar condition on the used market.
That coupled with the fact that pre 64 rifles are considered antique is why they are so costly.

[Myk]

What the Long Ranger said for the reason. That was the time when they had some drastic company changes, union problems and model changes. Why people value a pre-64 over a modern rifle is the fickleness of the consumer. You can get a new model-70 with controlled round feed, but people still look for pre-64 model 70 shooters and actions.
There was a time after '64 when Winchester quality was terrible, that doesn't apply today, but to the fickle consumer it still lingers.

My experience with the prices is that a mint to near mint pre-64 Winchester will cost twice as much more than a new rifle of the same model. About $800 for a 94 and about $1500 for a 70. Investment wise that doesn't sound like much, until you figure that the new prices of those pre-64's were nowhere near what the new rifles are.

Short of being in mint to near mint condition, your model 94 won't command the price increase like a beat up pre-64 model-70 would. The demand for the 94 in pre-64 just isn't there like it is for the model-70's. Probably because the 94 isn't known for being a God of guns like the 70 was. You can sell almost junk parts for a pre-64 70 for way inflated prices.

How do I know all this? Remember that old guy who I'm holding onto his guns while he's in a home (most likely until he dies)? He always thought he really had something in his model-94, which at one time he did. But his brother threw away the original box and between the old guy losing his mind and his other son not caring while he stored the guns, the gun got a rusted bore and barrel. Other than that, it is in very good condition but those problems have caused the value to drop drastically compared to one in mint condition.

[vern]

Thanks alot guys for your input, I appreciate it. The old gun has enormous value to me, as it was my grandfathers, also my first rifle. I try to keep it clean and dry, maybe my son will value it as much as I do someday.

[Myk]

Grandfather's? How old are we talking about?
You may want to have someone look at it in person and find out if it should be retired or not. If it's old enough it could be worth some money even in not mint condition.

It would be a shame to keep on getting use wear on something that is worth more than you think it is.

Even with the pitted barrel I don't plan on shooting the barely pre-64 94 that's here. But there's also one that's a true beater that I'd have no problem shooting to death.

[vern]

My grand mother thought he bought it in the early 1930's, but she is'nt sure. The ole gun has no pitting on the barrel, but some at the loading slot. I got it when I was 14 in good shape, used it for a few years and got a 06, then dad used it a few years. My dad used it last in 1990 or 91 his last year of hunting, dad died the following year 92. I cleaned it an oiled it and put it away, been in the safe ever since, except occasional oil job. Pap took good care of his guns and I plan to take care of it to.