My grandfather's model 1984 .32 Special S/N# 4438...

[breynolds]

Hello,

I just found this group and wanted to post a quick few questions. I recently
inherited two of my grandfather's Winchester 94s. One is a Model 94 30-30 that
was manufactured in 1962 and a good gun in good shape. Nothing fancy but a gun
I've always wanted.

The more interesting gun to me is the Model 1894 I received in .32 Special with SN#
4438. It has a 26" octagon barrel and the magazine tube runs the full length of
the barrel. It's missing the butt and fore stock but I think I'll be able to
find those. I'd like to find originals and not repos but we'll see. The fore
stock has a metal cap at the end. Can anybody tell me what this gun may be
worth or where I could find the wood for it? I can post pics if you wish. I
don't want to sell it, I think it's a GREAT gun and one I'll pass down to my son
one day. I'm just trying to get an idea of value for insurance, etc.

Thanks for any help you can give!!!
Blake - Atlanta, GA

[Hobie]

No pics so no value on the gun. For sure it will be LOTS less than if it had the original stock.

[nemhed]

No advice for you but welcome to the forum.

[missionary5155]

Greetings and Welcome!
One way I figure gun value is to go to Gunbroker.com and view as many similar rifles as possible and see what people will actually pay for one. I could look up my Ballard in a book and say it is worth $ xxx But if people will not pay it then it sure is not worth that to others but only to me & a book.

[klhill]

??? I may be wrong but that serial # would make it a 1st yr but I thought 32 Special did not come out until 1902 (?). Sounds like maybe it was rebarrelled.

[JerryB]

Welcome to the forum and it sounds like you got a couple of really great rifles. There are several here that can help with your questions.

[BenT]

With that serial number it should be a 32-40 not 32 special. Verify serial number and what the barrel has stamped on it for the cartridge. But condition dictates values.

[breynolds]

Update on the Model 1894 from my grandfather. I have gone back and looked closer at the gun, yes, it does have the SN #4438, this is very clear and distinct, no question there. However, I looked at the barrel a bit closer and it looks like it has a 32-40 that has been stamped through with a hash mark and restamped with larger print .32 Special. I think this fits what most of you were thinking. The gun is in decent shape, some surface rust that I can clean up, but it's a working receiver, barrel, magazine tube, etc. 26" octagon barrel with the tube extending the length of the barrel. Sights are there too. Like I said, the only missing parts are the stock. I would love to find some original vintage ones to put on it with the correct butt and butt plate.

I know to get a real idea of what it's worth you would have to see it, hold it and really look it over but does the low S/N and the fact that it has been rebored affect what it might be worth? I know without the stocks it really hurts the value but I'm just wanting to get a basic idea of what I may have on my hands here.

Thanks so much for all the feedback!

Blake - Atlanta, GA

[cshold]

Hey breynolds welcome to the greatest forum on the web.
Guys be nice to breynolds, I stoll him today from the
Yahoo lever guns group.

[KirkD]

The re-boring and the missing wood really bring the collectors value down, but not the sentimental value. As for value, that is hard to say, but I would say about $100. Actually, the receiver, if it is the early type, might be worth more than $100.

[C. Cash]

Welcome to the fire. Congrats on inheriting your Grand Dad's rifle....that is a prize beyond measure. You might just put some nice wood on there if you don't go with vintage stocks. For the rust, some Kroil with some bronze or 0000 steel wool and very, very light rubbing will take off the rust scale. Again go light and stop as soon as you can. Too much will start taking off the finish. Good luck and post pics when you can.

[pokey]

The re-boring and the missing wood really bring the collectors value down, but not the sentimental value. As for value, that is hard to say, but I would say about $100. Actually, the receiver, if it is the early type, might be worth more than $100.

kirk's got it right, it's all about sentimental value at this point.

sure wish my dad/granddad would have left something like that for me.