Serial number lookup

[Marvin S]

With all the controversy on Winchester numbers and dates how accurate is the easy to use one on, http://oldguns.net/sn_php/winmods.htm

[gak]

Same question. I've used it for years.

[earlmck]

Looks like the site uses the Madis numbers for the 94's.

Mike D and Pete44ru have me convinced that Madis got quite a bit off in the early parts of the 94 spectrum. (Much thanks fellows; it's been very educational). The site tells me my "new" 32 special was made in 1908; the info from Mike D says the Cody books would put it in 1909. Pretty close by that period. And I have a 30/30 carbine that I know my dad used to kill two deer with one shot (not on purpose!) in 1951, and the site shows that as being made in 1950, so fits with my "local knowledge".

[Bruce]

This link will take you to the Gun Broker forum. Look at the sticky posts and you will see some threads on the Model 1894/94 serial number issue. From my experience, this is probably the very best (current) source for the serial numbers of this model.

http://forums.gunbroker.com/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=2

[twobit]

The dates for the Winchester Model 1892 rifles is incorrect also. I am working on collecting data to change that.
Please see: http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewt ... ey#p343093

Michael

[Griff]

IIRC, since BATF still uses Madis numbers that's probably as close as you're going to get for purposes of "provenance"... but, in reality, you'll be far more knowledgeable than the usual buyer or seller and be able to better identify what you have/want.

Remember, on mdl 94s, many of those dates are "polishing room" dates, when the receiver was serialized, polish and finish applied... with really no relationship to when a particular gun was assembled. Take the time to read thru this thread...Model 1894 Winchester dates of manufacture, it will give you a much better understanding of exactly what we DON'T know, rather than what we do.

I'm reminded of the cowboy song, "Why there's just ain't any way to know"!