Win 94 Serial Number

26.12.2020by
Win 94 Serial Number Rating: 6,1/10 865 reviews

Winchester 94 serial numbers. I have been trying to find the serial number where the model 94 top eject changed to the model 94 angle eject.I know it is near the 5.2 mil range, but would like to define closer.am a WACA member as well, but no help. This a serial number 864387 was serial number is no substitute for the value of the submit button. Dorman is determined by serial number of the polishing room records of winchester model 1894, on the list on the winchester available serial numbers. Our sources disagree a 94 model 71 model 94 is 800-333-3288.




WinchesterModel 94 Commemoratives

Welcome to the exciting world of WINCHESTER®commemoratives. Whether you are an advanced collector or just learning about this aspect of firearms collecting, there is something here for you.

A little history for thenewcomers. Since 1964 the Winchester Repeating Arms Company (now the UnitedStates Repeating Arms Company) has produced special, limited edition Model94 rifles and carbines to commemorate significant events, people, placesor periods in United States or Canadian history. All of these special firearmswere manufactured for only one year and were produced in limited quantitiesand have special serial numbers not in the regular production range. Eachissue is unique. All have various levels of embellishment which highlightthe event or person being honored including engraving, silver, gold orpewter plating of the receiver and other parts of the gun, as well as highergrades and figure of wood in the stocks and forends. Beginning with the’66 Centennial models in 1966, these rifles and carbines have been providedin standard production boxes, but covered with a full color printed sleevedepicting scenes of the persons / events the gun commemorates. Most ofthe original sleeve art has been done by noted western artist Joseph Ferraraand are almost as enjoyable to collect as the commemoratives themselves.For the guns to retain their full value to the collector, the guns mustbe in 'New In Box' (NIB) condition, that is, they are unfired in theiroriginal boxes with all associated paperwork and accessories includingthe outer sleeve as they were shipped from the factory.

Winchester has had factoriesworldwide producing the some of the finest firearms known. One of thesefactories was in Cobourg, Ontario Canada. During the period 1970 through1982, this factory also produced commemorative Model 94 rifles and carbinesfor the Canadian market (Canadians were allowed to own guns then). Thesecommemoratives were produced in relatively fewer numbers than the U. S.editions and were only available in Canada. Some of these commemorativeshave made it 'south of the border' and comprise their own group withinthe collection, however, they are fairly scarce. All of the United Statesissues have been produced at the original New Haven, Connecticut plant.

Listed below are all ofthe 'official' WINCHESTER®commemorativesissued; that is, those actually constructed by Winchester / USRA as commemoratives.They are grouped by United States issues and Canadian issues. Many 'commemorative'Winchester Model 94 rifles and carbines have been made for various organizationsby aftermarket suppliers. While many are very appealing, they are not trueWINCHESTER® commemoratives as they do nothave the special serial numbers as issued by the factory.

Allitems listed are currently available at the time of this issue, exceptfor those listed with an asterisk (*) next to price and are new in theiroriginal boxes with all paperwork, sleeves, etc. All prices shown are goodfor 30 days from the date of this issue.

Ourinventory is constantly changing. Items not currently in-stock are usuallyavailable by special order. Prices on special order items are subject tochange pending market availability. All special orders require a minimum50% non-refundable deposit at time of order placement.

Itemsidentified with a double asterisk (**) are extremely rare and are usuallynot readily available. Prices listed for these items are for referenceonly and are the last prices seen for these items when they were foundfor sale.

Asalways, if there is a particular item you are interested in please callus. If it is not currently in stock or one of the more rare items, we willbe happy to look for one for you.

All guns listed are identifiedon the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco And Firearms list of Curios andRelics and are sold as Collectors Items only. We can ship anywhere in theU. S. to a holder of a Federal Firearms License (FFL). The cost is approximately$13.00 per gun. If you do not have an FFL, contact your local gun shopand they will usually make arrangements to receive it for you (usuallyfor a small fee).

UnitedStates Issues

1964 WYOMING DIAMOND JUBILEE 30-30cal. 1500 mfg. $2000Scroll engraved, color-case hardened receiver,medallion in stock, 20' round barrel 1965 NEBRASKA CENTENNIAL 30-30 cal.2500 mfg. $1400 *Matte blue receiver, medallion in stock,20' round barrel1966 WINCHESTER ’66 CENTENNIAL 30-30cal. 102666 mfg. (rifles & carbines)Bright gold plated receiver & barrelbands, heavy octagon barrelRIFLE - 26' barrel $545CARBINE - 20' barrel $545Consecutively Serial Numbered Matched Pair– Rifle & Carbine $1200 *1967 ALASKA PURCHASE CENTENNIAL 30-30cal. 1500 mfg. $2000Scroll engraved, color-case hardened receiver,medallion in stock, 20' round barrelOriginally sold only in Alaska Optional native Sitkka Spruce Wall Rackw/ medallions and plaque $4001967 CANADIAN CENTENNIAL 30-30 cal.97395 (rifles & carbines)Engraved (maple leaves), black chrome platedreceiver, heavy octagon barrelRIFLE - 26' barrel $545CARBINE - 20' barrel $545Consecutively Serial Numbered Matched Pair– Rifle & Carbine $12001968 BUFFALO BILL 30-30 cal. 122169mfg. (rifles & carbines)Engraved blue receiver, nickel plated forendcap, barrel bands and buttplate, medallion in stockRIFLE - 26' heavy octagon barrel $545CARBINE - 20' heavy octagon barrel $545Consecutively Serial Numbered Matched Pair– Rifle & Carbine $1200 BUFFALO BILL PRESENTATION RIFLE300 mfg. (rifle only) $3000Originally available for $1000 'donation'to building fund for Buffalo Bill Historical Museum, Cody WYSame as standard rifle except all nickelparts are gold plated, high polish deep blue finish, XXX fancy wood, w/ walnut PresentationCase 1968 ILLINOIS SESQUICENTENNIAL 30-30cal. 39699 mfg. $545Engraved (Lincoln portrait) blue receiver,medallion in stock, 20' round barrel 1969 THEODORE ROOSEVELT 30-30 cal.56060 mfg. (rifles & carbines)Engraved nickel plated receiver, nickelplated forend cap, buttplate and barrel bands, pistolgrip stockRIFLE - 26' heavy octagon barrel, w/ halfmagazine $545CARBINE - 20' heavy octagon barrel $545Consecutively Serial Numbered Matched Pair– Rifle & Carbine $1200 1969 GOLDEN SPIKE CENTENNIAL 30-30cal. 73619 mfg. $600Engraved, Bright gold plated receiver,medallion in stock, 20' round barrel 1970 COWBOY 30-30 cal. 28904 mfg.$545Engraved Nickel plated receiver, medallionin stock, 20' round barrel COWBOY HALL OF FAME PRESENTATION300 mfg. $3750**Originally available for $1000 'donation'to building fund Cowboy Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City, OKDifferent engraving pattern than standard,high polish blue finish, XXX wood, w/ glass topped Presentation Case1970 LONE STAR 30-30 cal. 55259mfg. (rifles & carbines)Engraved bright gold receiver, pistol gripstock, half-round / half-octagon barrel, medallion in stockRIFLE - 26' barrel, w/ half magazine $645*CARBINE - 20' barrel $645 *Consecutively Serial Numbered Matched Pair– Rifle & Carbine $1400 *1971 NRA CENTENNIAL 30-30 cal. 21000rifles / 23400 muskets mfg.Engraved blue receiver, medallion in stockRIFLE - 24' round barrel w/ ¾ magazine,pistol grip stock, wide forearm $545MUSKET - 26' barrel w/ full length forearm,straight stock, long range vernier sight $545Consecutively Serial Numbered Matched Pair– Rifle & Musket $1200 *1974 TEXAS RANGER 30-30 cal. 4850mfg. $750Plain blue receiver, flat comb stock w.Texas Ranger star in stock, 20' round barrelTEXAS RANGER PRESENTATION 150 mfg. $3750**High polish blue finish, XXX fancy wood,16' trapper length round barrel, Texas Ranger starmounted in lucite block in PresentationCase 1976 UNITED STATES BICENTENNIAL30-30 cal. 19999 mfg. $650Engraved pewter plated receiver, medallionin stock, 20' round barrelw/ Wall Rack having simulated deer antlersholding gun 1977 WELLS FARGO & Co. 30-30cal.19999 mfg. $650Engraved (stagecoach) pewter plated receiver,medallion in stock, 20' round barrel1977 LIMITED EDITION I 30-30 cal.1500 mfg. $1700Deeply engraved (Nimsche pattern) mattegold plated receiver and barrel bands, high polish blue, XXX wood, 20' round barrel w/ walnut PresentationCase 1977 LEGENDARY LAWMEN 30-30 cal.19999 mfg. $650Engraved antique silver plated receiver,medallion in stock, 16' (trapper length) round barrel1978 ANTLERED GAME 30-30 cal. 19999mfg. $650Engraved matte gold plated receiver, lever,barrel bands, medallion in stock, 20' round barrel 1978 LIMITED EDITION II 30-30 cal.1500 mfg. $1700Deeply engraved (Nimsche pattern) mattegold plated receiver and barrel bands, high polish blue, XXX wood, 20' round barrel w/ walnut PresentationCase 1979 LEGENDARY FRONTIERSMEN 38-55cal. 19999 mfg. $650Engraved pewter plated receiver, medallionin stock, 24' round barrel 1980 MATCHED SET OF ONE THOUSAND1000 sets mfg. $3200 *Set consists of a 30-30 cal . carbine and22 mag. cal rifle. Each is deeply engraved (Nimsche pattern) matte goldplated receiver and barrel bands, high polish blue, XXX wood,w/ walnut Presentation Case holding bothguns 1980 OLIVER F. WINCHESTER 38-55cal. 19999 mfg. $750Engraved matte gold plated receiver, lever,barrel bands, medallion in stock, 24' octagon barrel1981 JOHN WAYNE 32-40 cal. 49000mfg. $925Engraved (films / scenes) pewter platedreceiver, 18½' round barrel, large loop lever Consecutively SerialNumbered Pair $2500Optional Wall Rack w/ leather Stagecoachscene insert $450Optional Bianchi leather Scabbard $450JOHN WAYNE 'DUKE' 32-40 cal. 1000mfg. $4000 *Same engraving as standard model exceptdeeper cut, antique gold plated receiver, lever , bands,high polish blue, XXX wood w/ walnut PresentationCase JOHN WAYNE / DUKE – MATCHED SET OF THREEHUNDRED 300 sets mfg. $8000**Set consists of a standard model John Wayneand a Duke model with same serial numbers, cased in a double Presentation Case 1981 ANNIE OAKLEY 22 Long Riflecal. 6000 mfg. $795Engraved (shooting scenes) matte gold receiver,barrel bands, 20' round barrel 1982 OKLAHOMA DIAMOND JUBILEE 32-40cal. 1001 mfg. $1595Triple level engraving w/ selective goldoverlay on high polish blue receiver, lever and barrel bands,XXXX wood w/ cloisonné medallion,23' round barrel, half magazine, 10pt. diamond front sight1982 AMERICAN BALD EAGLE 375 Wincal.GOVERNOR’S (SILVER) EDITION 2800 mfg. $795Engraved blue receiver w/ silver fill,Model 94 Big Bore frame, medallion in stock, 20' round barrelPRESIDENT’S (GOLD) EDITION 200 mfg.$3200** Triple level engraving w/ selective goldoverlay on high polish blue receiver, lever and barrel bands,Model 94 Big Bore frame, XXX wood w/ medallionin stock, 20' round barrel1983 CHIEF CRAZY HORSE 38-55 cal.19999 mfg. $750Engraved w/ gold fill color-case hardenedreceiver, Indian style tack decoration in stock and forearm, 24' round barrel 1984 WINCHESTER – COLT MATCHED SET44-40 cal. 2240 sets mfg. $2800Set includes matching Winchester rifleand Colt Single Action Army revolver with matching serial numbers casedin double Presentation Case w/ matching medallions for each Company numberedto the guns. Both guns engraved w/ high polish blue and gold overlay coveringentire gun. 1985 BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA 22 LongRifle cal. 15000 mfg. $775Engraved (Boy Scout Salute) pewter platedreceiver, lever, bands, medallion in stock, 20' round barrelEAGLE SCOUT 22 Long Rifle cal. 1000mfg. $4200*Same engraving pattern as standard modelexcept deeper, antique gold plated receiver, lever , bands,high polish blue, XXX wood w/ walnut PresentationCase1986 TEXAS SESQUICENTENNIAL (150thAnniversary)CARBINE 38-55 cal. 15000 mfg. $850Engraved matte gold plated receiver, lever,barrel bands, medallion in stock, 18 ½ ' round barrelRIFLE 38-55 cal. 1500 mfg. $3250 *Triple level engraving w/ selective goldoverlay on high polish blue receiver, lever and barrel bands,XXX wood w/ medallion in stock, 24' roundbarrel, stag handle etched Bowie knife in Pres. CaseMATCHED SET OF 150 150 sets mfg. $4800**Set consists of a Carbine and Rifle w/matching serial numbers and ivory handled etched Bowiecased in double Presentation Case1986 WINCHESTER 120th ANNIVERSARY44-40 cal. 1000 mfg. $1500 *Engraved high polish blue w/ gold overlaythroughout entire gun, large loop lever, 20' round barrel1986 DUCKS UNLIMITED 30-30 cal. SILVER ISSUE 1500 mfg. $850 *Ducks Unlimited auction gun; engraved pewterplated receiver, medallion in stock, 20' round barrelGOLD ISSUE 300 mfg. $2500Ducks Unlimited presentation gun; engravedgold plated receiver, medallion in stock, 20' round barrel1988 STATUE OF LIBERTY CENTENNIAL30-30 cal. 35 mfg. $10000**Full coverage, deep hand engraving w/ goldinlays by Giovanelli of Italy; exhibition grade french walnut stock andforend, 24' wood carving of the Statue of Liberty1989 WYOMING CENTENNIAL 30-30 cal.500 mfg. $1500Hand engraved antique silver receiver byGiovanelli of Italy, medallion in stock, 20' round barrel1991 WINCHESTER 125th ANNIVERSARY30-30 cal. 61 mfg. $8000**Hand engraved blue receiver w/ gold inlaysby Giovanelli of Italy, XXX wood, 20' round barrel1992 ARAPAHO 30-30 cal. 500 mfg.$1400 *Engraved bright gold plated receiver, leverand barrel bands, 20' round barrel1993 KENTUCKY BICENTENNIAL 30-30cal. 500 mfg. $1600 Hand engraved color case hardened receiverengraved by Giovanelli of Italy, 20' round barrel1993 NEZ PERCE 30-30 cal. 500 mfg.$1400 *Engraved polished nickel receiver, leverand barrel bands, 20' round barrel1994 WINCHESTER MODEL 94 CENTENNIAL30-30 cal.STANDARD GRADE 12000 mfg. $700 *Engraved blue receiver, 20' half-round,half-octagon barrelLIMITED EDITION 1200 mfg. $1500 *Hand engraved blue receiver w/ gold inlay,tang sight, 20' half-round, half-octagon barrelCUSTOM GRADE 94 mfg. $10500Hand engraved silver receiver and barrelbands, tang sight, 20' half-round, half-octagon barrel1995 FLORIDA SESQUICENTENNIAL30-30 cal. 360 mfg. $1500Hand engraved matte gold plated receiverengraved by Giovanelli of Italy, 20' round barrel


1996 WILD BILL HICKOCK 45 LC cal.350 mfg. $1500 *Hand engraved nickel plated receiver engravedby Giovanelli of Italy, 20' round barrel
CommemorativeAmmunition
UnitedStates Issues
For some models, speciallyheadstamped ammunition was made to match the guns. The boxes are designedafter the sleeve art for the guns and are as collectable as the guns themselves.All prices are per box unless otherwise noted:


1976 UNITED STATES BICENTENNIAL 30-30 cal.nickel case 'W ’76 W' headstamp $30 1977 WELLS FARGO & Co. 30-30 cal. nickelcase 'WF & Co.' headstamp $35 1978 LEGENDARY LAWMEN 30-30 cal. nickelcase 'LAWMAN' headstamp $35 1978 ANTLERED GAME 30-30 cal. nickel case'AG' headstamp $40 1979 LEGENDARY FRONTIERSMEN 38-55 cal.nickel case 'LF 79' headstamp $40 1980 OLIVER F. WINCHESTER 38-55 cal. nickelcase 'OFW' headstamp $401981 JOHN WAYNE 32-40 cal. nickel case'DUKE' headstamp $351985 BOYSCOUTS OF AMERICA 22 LR cal. nickelcase Scouting symbol headstamp$10/box $80/brick

1994 WINCHESTER 1894 CENTENNIAL 30-30cal. nickel case '1894-1994' headstamp $35

CanadianIssues


1970 NORTHWEST TERRITORIES 30-30cal. STANDARD MODEL 3106 mfg. $1200 *Engraved bright gold plated receiver, 24' round barrel, ¾ magazine, pistol grip stockDELUXE MODEL 500 mfg. $1700Engraved bright gold receiver, deluxe XXwood, 24 ' round barrel, ¾ magazine, pistol grip stock1972 YELLOWBOY 30-30 cal. 5500 mfg.$1500 *Engraved bright gold plated receiver, 20' round barrel1973 ROYAL CANADIAN MOUNTED POLICE CENTENNIAL30-30 cal. STANDARD MODEL 10442 mfg. $895Engraved bright gold plated receiver, fulllength forearm (musket style), 22 ' round barrelMEMBERS MODEL 5100 mfg. $1800Similar to Standard Model except differentserial number (MP vs. RCMP), Originally available only to active andretired members of the RCMP1974 APACHE 30-30 cal. 10200 mfg.$895Engraved bright gold plated receiver, tackssurrounding medallion in stock, 20 ' round barrel1975 COMMANCHE 30-30 cal. 11511mfg. $895Engraved bright gold receiver, medallionin stock, 20' round barrel, leather cartridge holder for stock1975 KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH CENTENNIAL30-30 cal. 10500 mfg. $895Engraved bright gold plated receiver, medallionin stock, 20 ' round barrel1976 LITTLE BIG HORN CENTENNIAL 44-40cal. 11350 mfg. $895Engraved bright gold receiver, 7thCavalry brand & medallion in stock, 20' round barrel,book on battle1976 SIOUX 30-30 cal. 12000 mfg.$895Engraved bright gold plated receiver, medallionin stock, 20 ' round barrel, suede leather scabbard1977 CHEYENNECARBINE 44-40 cal. 13000 mfg. $895Engraved bright gold plated receiver, medallionin stock, 20 ' round barrel, tang sightRIFLE 22 Long Rifle cal. 8221 mfg. $895Engraved bright gold plated receiver, medallionin stock, 20 ' round barrel1978 CHEROKEECARBINE 30-30 cal. 9000 mfg. $895Engraved bright gold plated receiver, medallionin stock, 20 ' round barrel, cartridge trap in buttstockRIFLE 22 Long Rifle cal. 3950 mfg. $895Engraved bright gold plated receiver, medallionin stock, 20 ' round barrel1979 SHERIFF BAT MASTERSON 30-30cal. 8000 mfg. $895 *Engraved antique silver plated receiver,medallion in stock, 20 ' round barrel1980 ALBERTA DIAMOND JUBILEE 38-55cal. STANDARD MODEL 2700 mfg. $895 *Engraved pewter plated receiver, medallionin stock, 24 ' round barrelDELUXE MODEL 300 mfg. $2500 *Engraved pewter plated receiver, high polishblue, XXX wood, medallion in stock, 24 ' round barrelw/ 10 pt diamond front sight, PresentationCase w/ plaque1980 SASKATCHEWAN DIAMOND JUBILEE 38-55cal.STANDARD MODEL 2700 mfg. $895Engraved pewter plated receiver, medallionin stock, 24 ' round barrelDELUXE MODEL 300 mfg. $2500 *Engraved pewter plated receiver, high polishblue, XXX wood, medallion in stock, 24 ' round barrelw/ 10 pt diamond front sight, PresentationCase w/ plaque1980 CALGARY STAMPEDE CENTENNIAL32 Win Spl cal. 1000 mfg. $1800Engraved pewter plated receiver, high polishblue, XXX wood, 'CS' brand in stock, 16' round barrelw/ oak Presentation Case1981 CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILROAD CENTENNIAL32 Win Spl cal.STANDARD MODEL 2700 mfg. $645Engraved pewter plated receiver, medallionin stock, 24 ' round barrelEMPLOYEE MODEL 2000 mfg. $750Similar to Standard Model except differentserial number (CP vs. CPC), Originally available only to active andretired members of the CPRRDELUXE MODEL 300 mfg. $2500Engraved pewter plated receiver, high polishblue, XXX wood, medallion in stock, 24 ' round barrelw/ Presentation Case 1981 JOHN WAYNE (CANADIAN) 32-40cal. 1000 mfg. $1800 *Engraved (films / scenes) pewter platedreceiver, 18½' round barrel, large loop lever1981 UNITED STATES BORDER PATROL 30-30cal. STANDARD MODEL 1000 mfg. $950Acid etched blue receiver (BP badge), 16'round barrelMEMBERS MODEL 800 mfg. $1800Similar to Standard Model except differentserial number (USBP vs. BP), Originally available only to active andretired members of the U. S. Border Patrol1982 GREAT WESTERN ARTISTS I – C. M.Russell 30-30 cal. 999 mfg. $1600Hand engraved receiver engraved by Giovanelliof Italy, XXX french walnut stock, 20' round barrel,w/ print made from receiver engraving andcloth / leather Presentation Case1982 GREAT WESTERN ARTISTS II – F. Remington30-30 cal. 999 mfg. $1600Hand engraved receiver engraved by Giovanelliof Italy, XXX french walnut stock, 20' round barrel,w/ print made from receiver engraving andcloth / leather Presentation Case1986 DUCKS UNLIMITED (CANADA) 30-30cal. 1400 mfg. $1200 *
Ducks Unlimited auction gun; engraved pewterplated receiver, medallion in stock, 20' round barrel CommemorativeAmmunition
CanadianIssues


1975 KLONDIKE GOLD RUSH 30-30 cal. brasscase 'KGR' headstamp $125 1976 LITTLE BIG HORN CENTENNIAL 44-40 cal.brass case std 'WW' headstamp $150 1980 ALBERTA DIAMOND JUBILEE 38-55 cal.nickel case 'ADJ' headstamp $125 1980 SASKATCHEWAN DIAMOND JUBILEE 38-55cal. nickel case 'SDJ' headstamp $125
EuropeanIssues


Two very special commemoratives were madefor sale in the European market. These were the 'One of One Thousand' issues.Winchester saved all Model 94 receivers ending in three zeros for overten years for this project. The first group of 250 were shipped to Italyin 1978 where they were fully engraved and inlaid in gold by B. C. Giovanelli.The guns were then fitted with exhibition grade french walnut and checkeredat approximately 40 lines per inch. After final assembly, the guns weresold throughout Europe through specially chosen distributors. A secondgroup of 250 were produced in similar fashion, and level of embellishment,in 1980. Very, very few of these guns have made it across the Atlanticto the U. S. and if available would be in excess of $10000 each.
OtherItems of Interest


As noted before, all of the WINCHESTER®commemorativeshave special serial numbers as compared to standard production Model 94rifles and carbines. Collectors recognize the lower serial numbers (single, two or three digit serial numbers) as more desirable and thus commanda premium price. All of the prices listed above are for the 'standard'range of serial numbers for each model. We have some lower serial numbersavailable for some models at slight premiums. Please call for informationon the availability and pricing for these items.At the current time, we have a small numberof the stock medallions, as well as replacement sleeves, boxes and paperworkfor many of the U. S. and Canadian commemoratives. Please call us for yourspecific needs on these items.We have recently obtained a small supplyof Chief Crazy Horse, Boy Scouts of America, Texas Sesquicentennial Carbineand Winchester 120th Anniversary replacement sleeves which havebeen mounted in a rustic style frame with an unbreakable plastic cover.These make great wallhangings for the den, gun room or gun shop. They arepriced at $50 each.We are also buyers of commemorative gunsand accessories. If you are interested in selling one item or an entirecollection, please call us.
    Ralph and Murray Roth

    (626) 445-4094

    10/11/01

The Winchester Model 94 Big Bore Rifles

By Chuck Hawks


Model 94 Big Bore XTR (top eject model). Photo courtesy of iCollector.com.

Winchester introduced their Model 94 Big Bore in 1978. It was built on a strengthened version of the regular Model 94 receiver intended to accommodate a new line of rimmed cartridges loaded to a maximum average pressure (MAP) of 52,000 CUP. (The internal parts were identical to the standard Model 94, only the receiver itself being beefed-up.) The new calibers were .307 Winchester, .356 Winchester and .375 Winchester. Serial numbers on Big Bore rifles were preceded by the letters 'BB.'

/covenant-kodi-174-zip-download.html. The Big Bore 94 was introduced while the Winchester Repeating Arms Company was still owned by Olin. It was, in fact, the last new model introduced by Winchester RAC. I understand that butt pads on the early rifles were marked, 'Winchester Repeating Arms' if manufactured before January 1981. USRAC purchased the rights to the Winchester name in 1981 and rifles made under USRAC management were marked, 'U.S. Repeating Arms Co.'

The .307 Winchester and .356 Winchester were essentially rimmed, internally strengthened versions of the existing .308 and .358 Winchester cartridges, while the .375 Winchester was based on a slightly shortened and strengthened .38-55 case. Actually, although most owners do not realize it, .375 Big Bore 94 rifles can also shoot .38-55 cartridges, including the Buffalo Bore Heavy .38-55 +P load that exceeds the killing power of the Winchester .375 factory load.

I remember reading that, had the Big Bore 94 rifle and .375 Winchester cartridge been as commercially successful as hoped, the folks at Winchester intended to introduce a .45 caliber cartridge to complete the line. The anticipated sales never developed and the project was shelved.

From 1978 through 1983, Big Bore 94 rifles were built on the post-1964 top-eject action. The top eject action was supplied with standard Model 94 semi-buckhorn rear and hooded bead front sights and was drilled and tapped for receiver sights. In addition, side mounts for riflescopes were available.

When the Angle-Eject action became standard across the M-94 line, starting in 1982, the Big Bore rifles incorporated the new feature. Angle-Eject allows low and overbore scope mounting and AE receivers are drilled and tapped for top mounted scope bases. A folding rear sight replaced the earlier semi-buckhorn rear sight to clear a low mounted scope.

Big Bore 94 rifles received what Winchester called the XTR treatment, including a highly polished blued barreled action and a checkered walnut stock and fore end. The XTR designation was dropped in 1989, although the rifles remained the same.

The stock had a straight hand and terminated in a thin rubber butt pad. (Contrary to some reports, this was not a recoil pad.) Big Bore rifles circa 1983 had a Monte Carlo comb, others had a conventional straight comb. All Big Bore 94s were carbines with 20' round barrels and a full length, under barrel tubular magazine that held six cartridges.

In 1992, Winchester added an unsightly and generally disliked cross-bolt safety to the receiver of Model 94 rifles, including the Big Bore. This unnecessary safety (except to the Company lawyers) blocks the hammer when engaged. It stayed for the remaining years of Big Bore 94 production.

Big Bore 94 sales never met expectations and in 1997 the .375 cartridge was dropped from the Model 94 line, followed in 1998 by the .307 and .356 Winchester cartridges. Ammunition for all three calibers remains available from Winchester in 2018. Oddly, that same year (1998), the .444 Marlin was offered in the Big Bore 94.

The .307, .356 and .375 Winchester Cartridges

The .307 was introduced with a 150 grain bullet at a MV of 2760 fps and a 180 grain bullet at 2510 fps in Winchester factory loads. The .356 was offered with a 200 grain bullet at a MV of 2460 fps and a 250 grain bullet at 2160 fps, while the .375 came with a 200 grain bullet at 2200 fps and a 250 grain bullet at 1900 fps.

These were all Super-X loads using Power Point (flat point) bullets and the velocities were measured in 24' test barrels. (Expect around 40-80 fps lower MV from a 20' barrel.) The 180 grain .307, 200 grain .356 and 200 grain .375 loads proved to be the more popular offerings and they are the only factory loads that Winchester has offered in recent years.

Date

The .307 and .356 were designed to provide ballistics similar to the .308 Win. and .358 Win. (The .307 Win. actually uses standard .308' diameter bullets and the .356 uses standard .358' bullets.) Except for their rims, the case bodies of the .307 and .356 are identical to, respectively, the .308 and .358. Reloaders can use .308 dies to reload .307 cases and .358 dies to reload .356 cases.

Due to the Model 94's tubular magazine, the new cartridges had to be loaded with flat point bullets. This meant that, while they started fast, they shed velocity rather quickly downrange. By 200 yards the ballistics of the .307 and .356 had fallen well behind the .308 and .358 Winchester cartridges with which they were usually compared.

For example, the current 180 grain Winchester Power Point flat point bullet used in the .307 Super-X factory load has a ballistic coefficient (BC) of .253, while the 180 grain Power Point spitzer bullet used in the Super-X .308 load has a BC of .382. The .307 Win. bullet starts at a muzzle velocity of 2510 fps, which is 110 fps slower than the .308. However, at 200 yards it is rolling along at 1874 fps, 302 fps slower than the .308 bullet. In fact, at 300 yards the 180 grain .308 bullet is still traveling about 100 fps faster than the .307 bullet does at 200 yards.

Likewise, the .356's 200 grain flat point bullet suffers in comparison to the .358 Winchester's 200 grain spitzer bullet, although less, as the starting velocities for both cartridges is lower. The 200 yard velocity difference is only about 80 fps in favor of the .358. Today, as loaded by Winchester, the .356 is the most powerful of the three Big Bore cartridges. The .356/200 grain load puts more energy on target at 100 yards (1985 ft. lbs.) than does the .307/180 grain (1795 ft. lbs.) or the .375/200 grain (1506 ft. lbs.).

Winchester 94 Serial Number Date Of Manufacture

The .375 Winchester is different in a couple of ways. For one thing, it is correctly named, as it actually uses .375' diameter bullets. Its high operating pressure (52,000 CUP) allowed it to easily outperform the earlier .38-55, which is held to only 30,000 CUP by SAAMI specifications and is loaded well below even this modest MAP by Winchester. (This comment does not include the Buffalo Bore Heavy .38-55 +P load, which is loaded to 38,000 CUP.)

Win 94 Serial Number

The fact is, shooting high pressure loads using 250 grain bullets in a Model 94 carbine with a 20' barrel results in uncomfortable recoil. This is why, even though they were more potent, the 250 grain .356 and .375 factory loads were not popular with shooters and were eventually discontinued.

The sectional density (SD) of a .358', 200 grain bullet is .223, which in a powerful .35 caliber rifle is satisfactory for hunting all Class 2 and most Class 3 game. However, the SD of a .375', 200 grain bullet is only .203. This is fine for Class 2 animals, but marginal for the big Class 3 animals a .375 caliber rifle would seem best suited. In addition, the stubby bullet (BC .214) sheds velocity and energy quickly.

It is unfortunate that the Model 94 Big Bore was not offered as a rifle with a 24' barrel, rather than just a 6.5 pound carbine. Guns and Shooting Online has reviewed the new Winchester Model 94 Sporter .38-55 Rifle that weighs 7.5 pounds (bare) with a 24' barrel and about 8.5 pounds with a low power scope. This rifle comfortably handles the Buffalo Bore Heavy .38-55 +P load, which launches a 255 grain bulllet (SD .256) at a MV of 1950 fps, developing recoil similar to an eight pound .270 Winchester rifle. This is the type of rifle that would have made the .375/250 grain and .356/250 grain factory loads acceptable to more shooters. A properly designed .35-.37 caliber bullet weighing 250 grains at a MV of 1900-2100 fps is adequate for all North American big game.

Conclusion

According to the 36th Edition of Fjestad's Blue Book of Gun Values, Winchester 94 Big Bore rifles in all three calibers command a premium price, compared to standard Model 94 XTR rifles. They have, however, not yet been priced out of reach of shooters and hunters. A .307 in 100% condition is listed at $775 and in 98% condition at $600, while a .30-30 Model 94 XTR in 100% condition is listed at $650 and in 98% condition at $550. Add 25% for Big Bore 94s in .356 or .375 caliber.

In 2018, a new Winchester Model 94 Angle Eject Carbine carries a MSRP of $1199.99 in calibers .25-35, .30-30, .32 Win. Special and .38-55. Without question, the new Model 94's are beautifully made rifles. (See the Product Reviews page for full reviews of all the new M-94 Sporter rifles.) However, the price makes a nice Model 94 Big Bore Angle-Eject seem like a pretty good deal for the hunter who favors a powerful lever action carbine.

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