Winchester 1894 30 WCF

[Jcann]

I have this particular Winchester that my dad purchased in an estate sale. It’s serial number (659XXX) shows (Winchester web site) it to have a manufacturing date of 1914. It does shoot without malfunction but I’ve never shot it on paper for groups.

It doesn’t hold any sentimental value to me and I do not plan on hunting with it or keeping it for old times sake, nor am I an antique firearms collector. Therefore, I’m thinking of selling it.

Now the bad part

I’ve determined what I believe the value of the rifle is but some Nimrod down the line decided to carve his SSN on the right side of the barrel by the rear site. I don’t know how much this stupid stunt devalued the rifle and was wondering what those more knowledgeable could tell me.

 

[OK Corgi Rancher]

I'd say it hurts it a bit. The wood is pretty rough on the forearm and it looks like it's missing the saddle ring. Is the rear sight leaf bent or twisted or is that just the angle of the pictures? The big question is what does the bore look like?

On the other hand, the wood doesn't appear to be cracked (which is really good) and it doesn't look like the stock has been cut down.

I'd guess it's still a relatively valuable rifle...but hard to put a good value on it without knowing a bit more and even seeing it.

 

[Jcann]

No, the rear site isn’t bent that I’m aware of

 

[JEVapa]

That barrel looks like it's been replaced...maybe 40-50 ish years ago. You have awesome patina on everything but have a nicely blued barrel and magazine.

Most places I've seen would put one in good-ish condition from the 30s-50's around $1k-$1.5k... but it depends. Buffalo arms had three for $1k-$1.8K and they sat for about 2 or so years. They eventually sold but under a $K.

 

[Jcann]

That barrel looks like it's been replaced...maybe 40-50 ish years ago. You have awesome patina on everything but have a nicely blued barrel and magazine.

Most places I've seen would put one in good-ish condition from the 30s-50's around $1k-$1.5k... but it depends. Buffalo arms had agthree for $1k-$1.8K and they sat for about 2 or so years. They eventually sold but under a $K.

It’s the original barrel or one that was manufactured prior to 1950. That’s when Winchester stopped marking the barrels 30 WCF. Nickel steel barrels will retain bluing much better than the mag tube or the forearm cap

I cleaned the bore today and it looks really good

 

[Firpo]

You’re probably not going to like reading my opinion but any collector value was lost with the “custom engraving” and it’s been relegated to being a cool shooter to the right person. That is unless that’s Teddy Roosevelt’s SSN.
IF it’s solid and tight I think you could maybe get $750-$800 for the old girl. Good luck!

 

[Jcann]

Yeah, I figured the collector value was lost due to the stupid handiwork of some previous owner. It’s still a nice tight little rifle with a clean bore and I’m sure it has another 108 years left in it.

 

[Bocephus123]

Yeah, I figured the collector value was lost due to the stupid handiwork of some previous owner. It’s still a nice tight little rifle with a clean bore and I’m sure it has another 108 years left in it.

Its not an unfired collector. whoever buys it will probably hunt or shoot it! and people are asking $1000 for new models i think its possible to realize that much. and the owner who engraved it obviously didn't ever plan on parting with it and may not have until he died. doesn't bother me a bit.

 

[JEVapa]

It’s the original barrel or one that was manufactured prior to 1950.

I keep forgetting that 50yrs ago I was still having dirt clod fights. Should have reflected 30 years more, lol

But it and the magazine still look new to the gun...I didn't know that about the barrels. Interesting.

 

[sherrick13]

You’re probably not going to like reading my opinion but any collector value was lost with the “custom engraving” and it’s been relegated to being a cool shooter to the right person. That is unless that’s Teddy Roosevelt’s SSN.
IF it’s solid and tight I think you could maybe get $750-$800 for the old girl. Good luck!

I agree