Researching an old Winchester Lever

[Kirk Keller]

Hello all. I'm trying to get some info for a friend. Her grandfather just gave her an old Winchester Model 94 with the following info on the weapon:

"Winchester Proof Steel - Model 94 - Winchester trademark - 30 W.C.F."

The number on the rifle is "1223031".

My friend is looking for dates of manufacture, specific caliber (I've told her that it's .30/30, but she wants verification) and whether or not the rifle, if in good condition, is safe to shoot.

Help?

Kirk

[Kirk Keller]

Update:

It would seem that it was manufactured (most likely) in 1943.

[Jim Watson]

The Blue Book says "no record available" for the years 1943-1947, but since SN 1221289 was the last gun in 1942, hers was most likely made in 1943, one of the few commercial guns made during WW II. Maybe it was a guard's gun at a defense plant. Or a kid or retiree's hunting rifle. How old was grandpa in 1943? Or great-grandpa?

.30 W.C.F. (Winchester Centerfire) is the same as .30-30. Ammo specifications haven't changed since about WW I and if it is in decent shape it is good to shoot. It got known as .30-30 largely because Marlin didn't want to label their rifles with the Winchester name, and other ammo companies likewise.

[BADSBSNF81]

1223031 - made in 1940 according to "The Winchester Handbook" by George Madis. Before shooting it, it should be looked at by a qualified gunsmith.

[Johnny Guest]

Jim Watson wrote - -It got known as .30-30 largely because Marlin didn't want to label their rifles with the Winchester name, and other ammo companies likewise. Probably so - - -Don't you know it HURTS Smith & Wesson to have to stamp "45 Colt Ctg" on the barrel of those Mountain Revolvers?:p

Best,
Johnny Guest