How much should a Winchester Model 1894 7-30 Waters cost?

Question

I have found a Winchester Model 1894 for sale in the calibre of 7-30 Waters. It does not have a cross bolt safety, and appears to be in great condition. The blueing on the 24 inch barrel is great, no scratches or anything. I kinda think that it has never been fired before, and if it has, it has been to the very minimal. It also has a Weaver 4x scope mounted on Weaver mid-mounts. Rifle is in beautiful condition. I was just wondering how much it would be worth so I would know if it was priced right.

Answer 1

Winchester did make the Model 94 in 7-30 Waters:
Model 94 - This is the post 1964 lever action carbine chambered for the 30-30, 7-30 Waters, and the .44 Magnum cartridges. It is offered with a 20" or 24" barrel and has a 6 or 7 round tubular magazine, depending on barrel length. The round barrel is offered with open sights. The forearm is held on by a single barrel band. The finish is blued, with a straight grip walnut stock. In 1982 it was modified to angle ejection to simplify scope mounting. It was introduced as a continuation of the Model 94 line in 1964. In 2003 a top-tang safety was installed and the .480 Ruger caliber was added. Depending on condition:

NIB -$450
Exc. -$325
V.G. -$225
Good -$150
Fair -$100
Poor -$75

Keep in mind that since these 94's are no longer made, prices in some markets and calibers has skyrocketed. My book, (and I believe the most recent Blue Book) are not current enough to reflect the demand. I think right now, that rifle is worth whatever the market will bear.

Also,,, The previous answer about not putting pointed ammo into a tubular magazine cannot be overstated. Federal makes a Sierra Game King 120 gr. Boattail Soft Point with a flat nose. I believe this would be suitable. That is the only ammo. I found listed in either the Shooter's Bible, or at CheaperthanDirt.com. Hope some of this helps.

Answer 2

According to the listing below, it wasn't available in 7-30 Waters with a 24" barrel '87 or '88, unless it was a mid year change?
MODEL 94 STANDARD RIFLE
- .30-30 Win., .32 Win. Spl. (disc. 1973, reintroduced 1992), 7-30 Waters (new 1989), or .44 Mag. (mfg. circa late 1960s-1970s) cal., lever action, 6 or 7 (24 in. barrel only) shot tube mag., 20 or 24 (mfg. 1987-88 only) in. round barrel, open sights, straight walnut stock, barrel band on forearm. Angled ejection became standard 1982, 6 1/2 lbs. Mfg. 1964-97.
Grading .....100% ....98% ....95% ....90% ....80% ....70% ....60%
....................$275 ....$215 ....$180 ....$165 ....$150 ...$140 ...$135
Add 15% for 7-30 Waters cal.
Add 20% for Model 94s w/o the crossbolt safety (pre-1992 mfg.) if original condition is 95%+.
U.S. Repeating Arms closed its New Haven, CT manufacturing facility on March 31, 2006, and an auction was held on CHECK, selling the production equipment and related assets. As a result, 95%-100% prices on many of the following models may be considerably higher than listed, and there are reports of consumers paying over 50% above retail values. Remember, most of these recently discontinued Model 94s are not rare, and the only way they can keep going up in value is if there is a continued long-term increase in demand. Don't rule out the possibility that Olin could license the Winchester trademark to another company, which means production could start all over again, even though it wouldn't be at the famous old factory in New Haven. CT. 60%-100% values reflect today's marketplace with no speculation.

Answer 3

1894 Winchester For Sale

Answer 4

Winchester never chambered the 1894 for .7mmx30 Waters. That is a 'wildcat' cartridge made by necking down .30-30 casings to .7mm and the 1894 was probably re-barreled to shoot the new cartridge. Not necessarily a bad thing, mind you. If you have it you certainly have an oddity. Also, without the cross-bold safety you have an older 1894 (again, not a bad thing).

How much to pay for it? I don't know. How badly do you want it? I probably would go as high as $400 if it is in good shape. That's a bit much for an 1894, but it sounds like a good addition to one's collection.

One last thing to consider before you buy, will you be shooting it? Where are you going to get the ammo? If the seller is also throwing in the reloading equipment then $400 is not too much. If not you might find loaded .7mmx30 Waters ammo on line.

Final note: In the tubular magazine of the 1894 Winchester you have to load flat-nose or blunt, round nose bullets. You can't safely load pointed .7mm bullets. This is not to be taken lightly.

Good luck.

Best,

H

Answer 5

7-30 Waters Ammunition

Answer 6

In my opinion all firearms are on the up swing in price and not in a good way.
But it never hurts to have a good old Winchester:)
From what I have read in several different price guides it should be in the price range around $275... Condition and year made may affect price.
But remember a good deal is what you want to pay for it...