Winchester Lever Action Rifles?

Question

I have two Winchester lever action rifles. One is a .30 WCF, and says "patented 1894", and I am guessing this means a model 1894. I believe the serial number is 768498 (located on the underside, in front of the trigger guard). The other is a .32 WS, Model 94, with a serial number of 1608231 (number is in same location). My great uncle recently passed away, and I received these rifles via my cousin. Both rifles are in great shape with no rust and shiny stocks and forearms. Any info on these rifles?

Answer 1

The .30 WCF is known in modern times as the .30-30 (this was coined by the Marlin Firearms company to avoid copyright or patent infringement, and the name later stuck). This was a 30 caliber bullet (7.62mm) and, at the time, required thirty grains of the powder charge used in the casing. Marlin modified the Winchester action. The actual model name of the rifle is Model 94 (as in 1894), and is one of the most widely used guns in history. You might be able to check with Winchester Company, or your local firearms dealer and have it appraised. Winchester no longer makes these rifles, having been aquired by a Belgian company in the mid-90's, they shut down the plant in Conneticut that used to make the "Cowboy" rifles. The second rifle is almost identical to the first, but will most likely use a .32 caliber pistol round, which was common during the Old West days, so that the gun owner only had to buy one type of ammo and could use it in a pistol or a long gun.

Answer 2

The .30 WCF was made in 1915, the .32 WS was made in 1929. This from the winchester seriaization in the blue book. Since winchester is no longer making rifles they will bring a premium price if in good condition. A 94 that was worth $250.00 two years ago will sell for $450.00 and up. I would think your rifles are in the $600.00 to $800.00 range and might bring even more since they were both made before 1929. If they were mine I would sit tight on them , they will appericiate in value. This is a ballpark figure.

Answer 3

With the introduction of Nornady LEVERevolution ammos, lever action rifle that uses tubular magazines can use pointed bullet ammos that have the same performance as a .308 in the form of .308 Marlin Express. Any game you would use with a .30-06 or .308 for, you could use the .308 Marlin. Then there are the large caliber ammos that were used back in the Old West such as the .45-70 and the .45-90 Sharps which is also available in smokeless powder cartridge in the form of .45-90 Express The .45-90 were used for games such as grizzly bears and moose. Any bigger games than that, I would recommend a bazooka ;-)

Answer 4

Go to GUNSAMERICA and check out similiar models. The 30 WCF is the original way they marked what we know know as the 30-30. If they are clean and in good condition you have a couple of collectibles that may be worth some pretty big bucks, aka DOLLARS. Google Winchester and follow the dollar trail.

Answer 5

They are very nice rifles, and given the fact that Winchester has gone out of business they are quite valuable. Winchester lever guns have increased in value dramatically over the last two years due to the fate of Winchester, you would probably be surprised at the amount they are worth.

Answer 6

The 32 Special was designed for people who weren't sure smokeless powder wasn't a passing fad. In your grandfather's youth, though, comparing the 30-30 and the 32 made for good campfire arguments. They're nice, no-frills rifles for short-range woods hunting, and even since they've been discontinued, prices haven't gone through the roof, though there's still a lot of market instability in the prices.

Answer 7

I have them both, and they are very valuable*... If I were you I would not sell them*... The serial numbers you have are earlier models which makes them highly desirable*....

Answer 8

It sounds like you have two very nice rifles if you would like to sale I would like to buy I have no idea what they are worth but if they are nice and clean I'm interested.