Looking to Decode My Winchester 94 Serial Numbers

I recently came into possession of a Winchester Model 94 and I’m trying to gather more information about it, especially regarding its history and possible value. I know that the serial numbers can provide a lot of details, but I’m struggling to find a reliable source to help me decode this information.

What I’m Looking For:

  • Manufacture Date: I would love to know when this firearm was made. It’s interesting to think about the history behind it.
  • Value Insights: Any advice on how to estimate its current market value would be greatly appreciated. Is there a reliable pricing guide?
  • Resources: If anyone could point me to databases or forums that specialize in Winchester Model 94 serial number lookups, that would be fantastic.

Details of My Winchester 94:

  • Serial Number: [Insert your serial number here for context]
  • Condition: [Briefly describe the condition - excellent, good, fair, etc.]
  • Additional Features: [Mention any specific features that might help with identification]

I appreciate any input from the community! Looking forward to your insights and suggestions.

I’m glad to see someone interested in the Winchester 94! The serial numbers can tell you a lot about the year it was made. What do you have so far?

Absolutely! I have a number in the 3,000,000 range. Does that indicate a 1970s production?

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Yes, you’re right! Serial numbers in the 3 million range typically denote 1970s production. Winchester had some interesting changes during that decade.

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That’s helpful, Daniel! What about those from the early 1900s? How can I identify their range?

Great question! Early models were serialized starting in 1894. If your number is less than 1,000,000, you’re looking at a pre-1964 model.

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Why 1964 specifically? Was there a major change in manufacturing then?

Yes, 1964 marks significant changes in production and quality control. Winchester was sold, and the Model 94 underwent various revisions.

Thanks, everyone! Such great insights. Does anyone know if the letter prefixes on older models have any special meaning?

Yes, letter prefixes can indicate the production year! Sometimes they denote specific features or variations too; it’s a neat way to track changes.

Wow, that’s really interesting! It’s like a little history lesson in each rifle.

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Exactly! These rifles carry a lot of history. Just think of all the stories they could tell if they could talk!

I bet they’d have some wild tales! My grandfather had a Winchester; I wish I knew more about it.

If only they could talk indeed! Every rifle has a unique journey. How about organizing those history lessons into a book?

Hi everyone! I need some help decoding my Winchester 94 serial numbers as well. Can anyone recommend some reliable websites or tools for this?

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You should check out the Winchester Arms Collectors Association website. They have a comprehensive database for decoding serial numbers.

The website mentioned by allison11 is great! Don’t forget to take notes on your findings, as it can get a bit overwhelming. :smile:

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I’ve had success with OldGuns.net too! It’s user-friendly and has a clear layout for researching serial numbers.

I appreciate the suggestion! Are there any specific sections on the website I should focus on?

When you’re on OldGuns.net, check their ‘Reference’ section. It’s super helpful for quickly finding what you need. Good luck!