Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Winchester Collectors 3 digit model 94

A friend has come into possession of a Winchester Model 94 in 32 W.S. caliber with a very low 3 digit serial number; I believe below 400 but definitely below 700 (poor memory here). It is in very nice shape for it's age. The blue on the barrel and bands is very nice, the receiver is probably 60% finish remaining, and it has a hole where a saddle ring may have been; not sure if original or not. There is a tiny hair line crack on one side of the grip area, which could easily made to disappear with not much skill required. The gun has been used but not abused and looks like a well cared for gun from the 1950's that was used and not abused as far as finish. It looks to be original finish wood and metal. What is something like that worth?

Not sure there is such a thing as a 3 digit Model 94 chambered for the 32 WInchester Special. The 32 WS was introduced in 1901 when 120,000+ M94’s had already been produced. Pics would be great.

There is currently a thread in the Winchester Rifles forum on the Winchester Collectors Site discussing ‘Premiums for low serial numbers’ that may help in determining value.

The serial is low 700's (teens) and is definitely 32 W.S. The fact that the barrel has much more original blue than the receiver probably indicates a rebarrel. It is not my gun. In the rare event I have a camera with me, I may get a pic when I go up to his shop one of these days.

I found the thread on the forum. I think they are out of touch with reality. Single digit Winchesters bring ridiculous money in the real world. Those guys sound like dealers buying guns from widows: "well this gun is pretty new so I will give you $400.00 for it, but those old guns, being so old are worth $100 a piece". (not the $1,500.00-$15,000 some of those old 1886 and 1873's bring). I can't tell a $500 model 1892 from a $5,000 myself; I am a little better versed than that but admit to not knowing the finer points of old lever gun values.

As this gun has most likely been rebarreled to a caliber not available at that time, it's value is more of a novelty of being very old, a first year production in fact. It also holds value as being "antique" and not requiring an FFL transfer. The real value in my opinion is if one had a period correct barrel in a proper caliber and saddle ring in similar condition to the rest of the gun to bring it back to at least original configuration.

The biggest detractor is if that is an original saddle ring hole or not. That could have a huge impact on value.

So any idea of a value on the gun based on the above? I don't know what he has in it.