Third Generation Rifle.

curt patterson · July 25, 2006, 05:38 PM

I would like some help dating a model 94-30 W.C.F- Winchester Model # 132XXXX
My Father and I have no idea when my grandfather purchased this rifle.

James K · July 25, 2006, 08:48 PM

My source indicates that the last Model 94 made before Winchester stopped production for war work in WWII was 1317450 and they resumed at 1500001 after the war. So, your rifle doesn't exist.

Seriously, the fact that they resumed with an even number would indicate that they may have lost track of the exact serial number at which production was suspended, so yours probably was made in 1942, just before the hiatus.

.30 WCF is better known as the .30-30, the most common caliber in the Model 94. Some pre-war Model 94's are collectibles and fairly valuable, so more information might help, including the all-important condition, in evaluating the gun.

Jim

curt patterson · July 26, 2006, 02:35 PM

The complete SER# is 1328728 aside from a little holster ware it's perfect, My Grandfather took very good care of it as did my father.
Is it posible that the ser# is misprinted? This rifle does exist.

**Mike Irwin** · July 26, 2006, 03:36 PM

Jim was being a bit tongue in cheek when he said that your rifle didn't exist.

Remember what was happening to industry across the nation in 1941 and especially 1942... We had just been plunged into a global war, and industry was converting to war production enmasse and without a lot of record keeping involved. The emphasis was on doing it fast because the nation was in a fight for its very existence.

My best guess is that Winchester stopped keeping records of the serial numbers, but kept making guns, and finishing those for which parts were available, until such time that the lines were converted to the manufacture of war material.

curt patterson · July 27, 2006, 02:42 PM

I did get the joke ,by the way,.
I am greatfull for the intel too.
Dad was born in 1940 this rifle was givin to him in "56", although he killed his first bear with it in "52". So it has a bit of history in our family, it's put a lot of meat in the freezer to say the least.
Thanks guys.
Curt Patterson
Postfalls ID.

July 25, 2006, 05:38 PM	#1
curt patterson Junior Member Join Date: July 25, 2006 Posts: 3	Third Generation Rifle. I would like some help dating a model 94-30 W.C.F- Winchester Model # 132XXXX My Father and I have no idea when my grandfather purchased this rifle.

July 26, 2006, 03:36 PM	#4
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 13, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,380	Jim was being a bit tongue in cheek when he said that your rifle didn't exist. Remember what was happening to industry across the nation in 1941 and especially 1942... We had just been plunged into a global war, and industry was converting to war production enmasse and without a lot of record keeping involved. The emphasis was on doing it fast because the nation was in a fight for its very existence. My best guess is that Winchester stopped keeping records of the serial numbers, but kept making guns, and finishing those for which parts were available, until such time that the lines were converted to the manufacture of war material. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.

July 25, 2006, 08:48 PM	#2
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	My source indicates that the last Model 94 made before Winchester stopped production for war work in WWII was 1317450 and they resumed at 1500001 after the war. So, your rifle doesn't exist. Seriously, the fact that they resumed with an even number would indicate that they may have lost track of the exact serial number at which production was suspended, so yours probably was made in 1942, just before the hiatus. .30 WCF is better known as the .30-30, the most common caliber in the Model 94. Some pre-war Model 94's are collectibles and fairly valuable, so more information might help, including the all-important condition, in evaluating the gun. Jim

July 26, 2006, 02:35 PM	#3
curt patterson Junior Member Join Date: July 25, 2006 Posts: 3	The complete SER# is 1328728 aside from a little holster ware it's perfect, My Grandfather took very good care of it as did my father. Is it posible that the ser# is misprinted? This rifle does exist.

July 27, 2006, 02:42 PM	#5
curt patterson Junior Member Join Date: July 25, 2006 Posts: 3	I did get the joke ,by the way,. I am greatfull for the intel too. Dad was born in 1940 this rifle was givin to him in "56", although he killed his first bear with it in "52". So it has a bit of history in our family, it's put a lot of meat in the freezer to say the least. Thanks guys. Curt Patterson Postfalls ID.