In 1894 the serial # for the Winchester 94 started at 44,359. In 1900 the serial. How do you read a Winchester Model 30-30 serial number? 21,693 Views. What is the best way to shoot a Winchester Model 94 PRE 64 Rifle 30-30 safely? 521 Views What is the collector's value of a Winchester Model 70 30-06? Serial Number. Get Manufacturing Date. (pre-1899 DOM), the BATF has told us they use the DOM dates published by the manufacture (Winchester). Your first stop for pre 64 Winchester model 70 rifles & gun parts. Pre64win.com is a dedicated site for collectors and shooters of the the Rifleman's Rifle.
by Pete Dickey - Thursday, July 8, 2010
December 1980—American Rifleman.
The Year 1964 has come to be associated as much with the Model 70 rifle as the Winchester name itself. Comments by some shooters might lead one to believe that any Model 70 made after that date is pure junk. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The attitude of collectors is more understandable, as the pre-’64 Model 70 is distinctly different from succeeding models, regardless of year, and forms a fascinating collector field in itself. As time passes, however, the post-‘64s will find their collector niche, as have the postwar Single Action Colt revolvers.
In addition to the two preceding articles in the American Rifleman, there is a good deal of printed matter available on the various models of Winchester’s premium bolt-action. Most of it dwells on production before the fateful 1964, but much information can be had from Dean Whittaker’s The Model 70 Winchester 1937-1964; The History of Winchester Firearms 1866-1966 by Georg R. Watrous; Bill West’s Winchester-Complete; and The Winchester Book by George Madis. The facts as given by the authors do not always coincide, but the comparison of views and statements is interesting in itself and does not detract from the pleasure of studying America’s most famous bolt-action sporter.
One book that has no counterpart—and no flaw that this author is aware of—is Stuart Otteson’s The Bolt Action. This remarkable volume covers, from an engineer’s standpoint, the major turnbolt actions from the M98 Mauser (1898) through the Mossberg Model 810 (1971). There are separate chapters devoted to the Winchester 54, the pre-’64 Model 70 and, finally, a 1968 version of the Winchester. Otteson finds little bad to say of the new versions, and those adversely critical points he does make apply to the pre-’64 version as well; i.e., “1. Action over-long for many calibers; 2. Two-piece trigger guard/floorplate assembly.” Anyone with prime interest in the mechanics of the various Winchesters would do well to study Otteson’s book carefully.
It should be emphasized that Otteson devotes his comments almost entirely to the action per se. He pays little attention to anything forward of the receiver ring. This is precisely the area where, in 1964, Winchester ran into trouble.
Winchester knew by 1960 that, despite its good sales, the Model 70 was becoming too expensive to manufacture and compete with other rifles made on more-modern machinery. By 1962, Winchester was at work on an updated version, and in a remarkably short time had completed, if not perfected, a rifle with an improved action. “Improved” here applies to manufacture as well as design.
Gone was the cone-breech system of the Springfield and previous Winchester models. No one complained, as the coned breech had always been considered a weak point, and the new square breeching left very little of the cartridge head unsupported.
The receiver, though ¼” longer than that of Model 70s of the 1950s, was no heavier, and its feeding rails were not integral with it but were contained in the magazine box. These changes were actually to prove beneficial to those owners who decided to change their guns from one caliber to another, dissimilar one.
The external form of the receiver was not changed, though it was no longer milled form nickel-steel bar stock but forged from chrome-molybdenum steel. Again no one complained.
The bolt body was machined form the same type steel as the receiver—with the familiar dual front locking lugs—and its handle, an investment casting, was securely pressed and brazed in place. There is nothing substandard in this arrangement.
A relatively small hook extractor was housed in the right locking lug, and a plunger-type ejector worked from the bolt face. This tied in neatly with the flat vs. cone breeching, and despite its by-now proven effectiveness came in for much criticism at the time.
For economy reasons, the 1964 models were made without the guide lug on the bolt, but this was found to be an unsatisfactory arrangement. In 1968, an excellent anti-bind device was incorporated in the bolt head.
The magazine/floorplate assembly remained virtually unchanged except for the feeding lips being made integral with the magazine box, as mentioned earlier. Best of all, the Model 70 trigger remained as it was—admirable in every respect and now with a wider finger surface.
With no consideration to nostalgia, then, the actions of the “new” Model 70, or at least those made after 1968, are nothing to be ashamed of but are in fact, if not in reputation, excellent.
Where then did Winchester go wrong 16 years ago and call down the wrath of American shooters? Except for the soon-remedied lack of a bolt guide, the answer seems to lie in the simply ludicrous stock that blurred the eyes of dealers and potential customers alike. If it hadn’t come on the heel’s of the more-than-respectable ’63 vintage woodwork, things might have been too bad—but bad enough.
The 1964 Winchester catalog announced the many actual improvements of the “New ‘Proved on Safari’ Model 70,” but it may have gone too far when it said, “New high-gloss finish plus handsomely checkered grip and foreend are standard on the Model 70.” Actually, the pressed checkering, cunningly glossed over by the finish, looked as though it took third prize in a two-entry contest. It was no more effective in its utility. Winchester went on to say, “Free floating barrel…the same type used in International Free Rifle Matches and bench-rest shooting…you can’t ask for better accuracy than that.” Maybe not, but you could ask for better looks and common sense.
Free floating it was. There was such a gap between the barrel and its channel in the fore-end that the accumulation of twigs and degrees during a normal hunt was almost assured.
Winchester hired a personable African professional hunter to test and promote the new guns, and he attended many gun shows in the U.S. to comment on the results of his experiences. One irritated visitor inserted a finger between barrel and fore-end and testily told the African, “That’s called a channel all right, but it’s for the barrel, not a canoe.”
There was not much Winchester could do about the customer reaction. The new guns, which began with serial No. 700,000, were in inventory and were moved out to dealers. Few of the guns are to be seen in their original form today, however, as the buyers, in many cases, elected to rebed, rechecker, refinish or restock them with all haste. The custom stockmakers were delirious, and Winchester grappled with the problem as best it could. In 1965, the firm offered Model 70 barreled actions as regular catalog items for the first time in its history. The completed rifle line remained the same with the addition of the .225 Win. chambering and the so-called Deluxe model—more pressed checkering plus an ebony grip cap and fore-end tip with white line spacers but select walnut. Only the .458 African held out with cut checkering and non-floating barrel. Its cost was more than twice the price of the standard model, making clear the reason for the change. The new stocks and their installation were simply an economy move, and the savings were being passed on to (or forced on) the customer.
In 1966, Winchester’s centennial year, the 7 mm Rem. Mag. chambering was added, the checkering pattern began to improve—or at least increase in area—and the stock profile was made more attractive. But barreled actions continued to be featured in the catalog.
Also in that year, a new bolt-action, the Model 670, was introduced in seven calibers in both rifle and 19”-barreled carbine versions. In essence, it was a simplified Model 70 with a two-position safety separated from the bolt sleeve, a non-walnut stock, and a blind magazine. Oddly enough, the barrel was not free floating, but was closely bedded to the fore-end. Winchester was experimenting with new approaches to cost cutting.
The year 1967 saw few changes except for the addition of the .22-250 Rem. cal to the hunting line and the .308 Win. to the Target Model. A year later, the new anti-bind bolt was installed, and the action itself was better than ever. The catalog of that year made no mention of the free-floating barrel—indeed the channel had shrunk from a trade route to an acceptable depth this time.
With 1969 came the end of a painful five-year period of Winchester’s stock troubles. The company catalog that year used the terms “positive checkering” or “hand checkering” repeatedly in referring to the Model 70 and the new Model 770 (a compromise between the low-end 670 and the standard model). It was equipped with the Model 670’s blind magazine and the Model 70’s three-position safety and walnut stock.
Together with the welcome change in stock appearance came another version, the 19”-barreled Model 70 with full-length, Mannlicher-style stock. Also added to the standard rifle’s chambering choices was the .222 Rem. cartridge.
Winchester Pre 1964 Serial Numbers
There was nothing new to report in 1970 or 1971 except for the International Army Match Rifle in .308 Win. cal. (7.62 mm NATO), which conformed to the UIT requirements.
In 1972, the Model 670 acquired the three-position safety and the 770 turned into the 70A, with a special police version being offered with uncheckered stock in cals. .30-’06 and .308 only. The Deluxe version of the Model 70 was improved and renamed the New Super Grade.
Winchester 70 Serial Numbers G2599577
The Mannlicher-styled rifle disappeared in 1973. By 1975, Winchester was quite justified in touting its premium bolt-action as “The Model 70 the way you want it.” It has remained so, and in 1978 it became even more attractive by the XTR cosmetic treatment that Winchester has given its first-line sporting guns. In that year, the 670 model was dropped from the line.
Currently, the Model 70 and its blind magazine companion, the 70A, are available in 13 popular calibers and must be considered among the best hunting rifles of their type available from any source or from any era. If there is any justice, the term pre-’64 Model 70 should be coupled with that of the post-’68 Model 70 as examples of the best bolt-action rifles America has produced.
Winchester 94 Serial Numbers
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Because there's so much interest in Winchester rifles here is a time line. FAQ Q What is the historical timeline for Winchester firearms? Answer: Below is a brief timeline of historical information regarding Winchester Firearms: Year Event 1854 Introduction of volcanic repeating handguns. 1855 Volcanic Repeating Arms Company formed. Oliver Winchester buys stock in Volcanic Repeating Arms. Volcanic carbine introduced 1856 Offices moved to New Haven, Connecticut. Name changed to New Haven Arms Company. 1860 Henry rifle patented. 1862 First Henry rifles are sold. 1866 Oliver Winchester buys control of New Haven Arms Company and changes name to the Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Model 1866 'Yellow Boy lever action introduced -- first gun to bear the Winchester name. 1868 Assets of Spencer Company purchased by Winchester. 1873 Model 1873 lever action introduced in centerfire and rimfire. 1875 Winchester buys rights to Hotchkiss bolt action centerfire. 1876 Model 1876 lever action introduced. 1879 John Browning patents his single shot rifle 1880 Oliver Winchester passes on. 1883 Model 1883 Hotchkiss Magazine Gun introduced. First Winchester bolt action. In the spring of 1883, rights to the Model 1878 Single Shot, (later called the Model 1885), were purchased by T.G. Bennett of Winchester. The Browning Shop had begun a partnership with Winchester that would last the next 19 years. 1886 Model 1886 lever action introduced. 1887 Model 1887 lever action shotgun introduced. Model 1887 pump action shotgun introduced. 1890 T.G. Bennett becomes president of Winchester Repeating Arms Company. Model 1890 slide action .22 rimfire introduced. 1892 Model 1892 lever action introduced. 1894 Model 1894 lever action introduced. The 94 is without doubt the most famous of all deer hunting rifles in history. In addition, no rifle came to symbolize the romance of the West more that the Winchester Model 94. 1895 Model 1895 centerfire rifle introduced. Utilizes a box magazine especially designed to accommodate the recently introduced high power smokeless cartridges and pointed bullets. 1899 Model 1890 bolt action .22 rimfire introduced. 1903 Model 1903 semi-auto .22 rimfire introduced. 1911 Model 1911 semi-auto shotgun introduced. The first Winchester semi-auto shotgun. 1912 Model 1912 pump shotgun introduced. Later called the Model 12. 1919 Model 52 rimfire bolt action introduced. 1925 Model 54 centerfire bolt action rifle introduced. 1930 Model 21 side-by-side. Considered the premiere American made double. 1931 Olin purchases Winchester Repeating Arms Company and combines it with the Western Cartridge Company. 1932 Model 62 slide action .22 rimfire is introduced. 1936 Model 70 centerfire bolt action rifle introduced. The first centerfire bolt action designed by Winchester specifically for sporting use. 1937 Model 37 single shot shotgun introduced. 1954 Model 50 semi-auto shotgun. 1959 Model 59 semi-auto shotgun introduced. 1963 Original Model 70 discontinued. Rifles before this date became known as Pre-'64 Model 70s. Model 101 over/under shotgun introduced. 1964 New Model 70 introduced. Original Model 1400 introduced. Model 1200 pump shotgun introduced. Model 94 antique. 1966 Model 66 introduced -- first commemorative produced. 1967 Model 94 saddle ring carbine. Model 94 Classic. 1972 Model 9422 introduced. S.L.L.. Magnum 1974 Super-X Model 1 semi-auto shotgun introduced. 1978 Model 1300 pump & 1500 semi-auto shotguns introduced. Model 23 XTR 1979 Model 94 XTR Model 94 XTR Big Bore 1981 U.S. Repeating Arms Company is formed and continues manufacturing Winchester brand rifles and shotguns in New Haven, Connecticut, under license from Olin Corporation. 1982 Model 70 Westerner 1983 Model 94 Chief Crazy Horse Commemorative Model 9422 Annie Oakley Commemorative 1984 Model 94 angle eject Winchester & Colt Commemorative set Model 1300 Featherweight pump shotgun, 12 ga. and 20 ga. Model Winchester Ranger semi-auto shotgun, 12 ga. and 20 ga. Model 1300 pistol grip models Model 70 Featherweight Ultra Grade 1985 Model 70 Lightweight carbine standard action Model 70 Lightweight mini-carbine short action Model 70 XTR Sporter Model 70 XTR Super Express Magnum Model 70 XTR Sporter Varmint Model 94 angle eject standard Big Bore carbine Model 9422 XTR rifle standard or magnum calibers Model 9422 XTR Classic rifle standard or magnum calibers Model 9422 Eagle Scout Limited Edition Model 9422 Boy Scouts of American Commemorative Model 1300 magnum Waterfowl Model 70 Ranger youth model carbine Model 1300 Ranger youth slide action Model 70 Ranger bolt action, standard action Model 94 Ranger lever action carbine 1986 Model 23 Classic Series -- Quail Special, Super, Pigeon, two barrel hunting set Model 23 Classic 12 gauge Model 23 Classic 20 gauge Model 23 Classic 28 gauge Model 23 Classic .410 gauge Model 23 Custom two barrel set Model 23 Golden Quail Model 23 Light Duck Model 94 120th Commemorative Anniversary Carbine Model 9422 'The Lady' 1987 Model 70 50th Anniversary Edition Model 70 Lightweight rifle longer barrel Model 70 'WinTuff' 'WinCam' and 'WinLite' Model 94 WinTuff carbine Model 94 long barrel rifle Model 9422 WinCam .22 magnum Model 1300 Camo Pack 22' and 30' barrels Model 1300 Ranger Deer combination pack Model 1300 Ranger shotgun combination 1988 Model 1300 Wild Turkey Federation 'Gun of the Year' Model 1300 XTR 28' barrel Model 1300 XTR Featherweight 22' barrel Model 1300 WinTuff magnum Model 1300 WinTuff Deer gun with rifled barrel 1989 Model 70 Varmint 26' barrel 1990 Model 70 Sporter 25-06, Model 70 Custom Super Grade 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag., 338 Win. Mag. Model 70 Super Express .375 H&H Mag., 458 Win. Mag., .375 Standard Model 9422 Exclusive Magnum models Model 1400 28', 20 ga. barrels -- Slug Hunter Model 1300 Slug Hunter Model 1300 28' barrels Model 1300 Stainless Marine, corrosion resistant finishes Model 70 Super Grade .270 Win., 30-06 Springfield Model 70 Featherweight calibers, 65X55, 7mm Rem. Mag., 300 Win. Mag. Model 70 Ranger -- Adult .243 Win.-- Ladies/Youth .308 Win. Model 94 improved sights, quarter action Model 1400 26' barrel, High Grade model Model 1400 Walnut Slug Hunter Model 1400 all combos and deer guns drilled & tapped for scope Model 1300 White Tails Unlimited 'Gun of the Year' Model 1300 26' barrels, custom model Model 1300 Ranger 26', all deer Model 1300 20 gauge Defender 1992 New management at U.S. Repeating Arms. Plans for entirely new, modern production facility in New Haven, Connecticut, under license from Olin Corporation. Model 70 Stainless rifle Model 70 Featherweight classic with controlled round feeding Model 70 detachable magazine Model 70 .308 Win. in composite stock Model 70 Ranger in .223 Rem. Model 94 Large Loop Wrangler model in .357 Mag. Model 1300 National Wild Turkey Federation Series III 'Gun of the Year' 1993 Model 70 Custom Sharpshooter 7mm STW Model 70 Super Express model Model 70 Heavy Varmint, synthetic stock, heavy barrel Model 70 DBM-S, detachable box magazine Model 12 Classic Traditions, 20 ga. Grade I-IV Model 52 Classic Traditions .22 Sporting rifle Model 42 Classic Traditions .410 High Grade Model 1001 over/under shotgun Model 1300 National Wild Turkey Federation Series IV Model 1400 Quail Unlimited 1994 Return of the Pre-'64 Model 70 type action design with claw extraction, controlled round feed, fixed-type ejection and many other features that made the original the most loved and prized bolt action rifle in history. Of all the Winchesters, no rifle design has been revered more among hunters, collectors, target shooters and outdoor writers than the Model 70 with the Pre-'64 type action One Hundredth Anniversary of the Winchester Model 94 lever action. Specially engraved anniversary models are offered to commemorate the most famous of all Winchester lever actions. Often called 'The Gun that Won the West.' Its design and effectiveness is so superior that it remains one of the most popular deer rifles in the world. Model 94 Custom Limited Edition Centennial Model 94 Limited Edition Grade I and High Grade Model 70 Classic Custom Sharpshooter .220 Swift Model 70 Classic Super Express .416 Rem. Mag. Model 70 Heavy Varmint .220 Swift Model 70 Classic DBM .284 Win. Model 1300 Realtree Turkey gun 1995 Model 70 Ultimate Classic with fluted barrel Model 70 Ultimate Classic stainless with full octagon barrel Model 94 Legacy Model 1895 Limited Edition High Grade Model 1895 Limited Edition Grade I Model 9422 High Grade Model 1001 discontinued Model 1300 Turkey Model 1300 Deer with rifle barrel, Full Advantage camo pattern Model 1300 Deer with smoothbore barrel with Full Advantage camo pattern 1996 Model 70 Custom Classic Sharpshooter II stainless steel Model 70 Custom Classic Sporting Sharpshooter II CR BOSS Model 70 Classic Featherweight All-Terrain Model 9422 Trapper 1997 Model 70 Ultimate Classic Stainless with full octagonal barrel, left-hand version Model 63 High Grade semi-auto Model 1895 Grade I Model 1892 High Grade and Grade I Model 70 Classic Featherweight Stainless Model 70 Classic Laredo Long Range Hunter Model 70 Classic Sporter right or left-hand Model 94 Trails End with American Walnut stock Model 9422 Anniversary Edition High Grade Model 9422 Anniversary Edition Grade I Model 1300 Turkey with gray all purpose Realtree camo full camo coverage Model 1300 Advantage Field Model 1300 Lady Defender 8 shot, 20 ga. with synthetic stock Model 1300 Lady Defender 8 shot, 20 ga. with synthetic pistol grip stock 1998 Model 1886 High Grade Model 70 Classic Compact Model 70 Classic Laredo LRH fluted barrel Model 70 Classic Laminated Camo Stainless Model 70 Black Shadow Model 94 Black Shadow Model 94 Ranger Compact Model 9422 Legacy Model 9422 Large Loop and walnut Model 9422 High Grade Series II 1999 Super X2 3 1/2' Super X2 Turkey 3 1/2' Super X2 3' Super X2 Field 3' Model 1300 Upland Special Model 1300 Camp Defender Model 70 Classic Safari Express Model 94 Timber Carbine Model 70 Custom African Safari, .358 STR Model 70 Custom 'Ultra Light' Mannlicher 2000 Super X2 receives Guns and Ammo's Reader's Choice Gun of the Year. Winchester rugged outdoor clothing introduced. Model 70 named “Bolt Action of the Century” by acclaimed Shooting Times editor, Rick Jamison. Supreme Over/Under shotgun introduced Model 1300 Black Shadow Cantilever Deer, Black Shadow Deer, Camo Turkey, and Compact Deer offered Model 70 Coyote push-feed rifle and the 7mm STW caliber offered Model 94 Pack Rifle available Winchester offers historic rifles in the Model 1885 Low Wall rimfire, the extra light Model 1886, and the Model 1895 in 405 Winchester. (This caliber not immediately available). Many new models from the Custom Gun shop in both Model 70’s and Model 94’s offered 2001 Super X2 in 3 1/2” NWTF Turkey black synthetic stock, and camo option offered, as well as a Sporting Clays shotgun. Model 1300 NWTF Black Shadow, Turkey Superflage and Buck & Tom, Superflage Camo offered with TRUGLO sights Model 9410, a .410 bore lever action shotgun makes it debut. It received the “Shotgun of the Year” award from the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence. 24” barrel, cylinder choke holds up to 10 rounds. The 300 WSM (Winchester Short Magnum is developed and introduced as a joint effort between Browning/Winchester Olin Corp. It wins the prestigious “Ammunition of the Year” award. Three Model 70’s were chambered for this cartridge, which gave maximum power in a short action rifle. Model 70 in Classic Stainless offered in new Rem. 300 Ultra Mag caliber Model 1895 in 405 caliber again announced in a Grade I and High Grade. Custom Shop offers the Model 70 in 416 Rigby, 470 Capstick, 375 Ultra Mag., 300 WSM and 450 Marlin. A takedown Model 70 is introduced. Model 94 “Classic Custom” limited edition in 38-55 announced. 2002 The Winchester Short Magnum in 270 WSM and 7mm WSM available in the Model 70 Model 94 in an exquisite, I of 1000, and 1 of 100 Heritage Model 94 Limited edition in 38-55 caliber Model 9410 Packer shotgun, shorter barrel Super X2 Greenhead with a Dura-Touch stock Model 1300 NWTF introduced in a Short Turkey version The 270 WSM wins “Ammunition of the Year” by the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence. 2003 New 223 and 243 Winchester Super Short Magnum (WSSM) cartridges introduced New Model 70 Super Shadow and Ultimate Shadow Blued and Stainless with new over-molded stocks with rubber gripping surfaces Model 70 Featherweight Super Short, Coyote, Camo Ultimate Shadow and RMEF Super Grade Stainless The Model 94 and 9410 offered with new top tang safety to preserve looks The Model 9417 offered in Traditional and Legacy models New Supreme Select Elegance, Field and Sporting models offered Dura-Touch® Armor Coating added to many models SX2 in the Universal Hunter Field and Signature Red Sporting added Custom Shop offered a Custom Carbon and Custom Featherweight Model 70 and Custom Limited Edition, New Generation Model 94 2004 The 25 WSSM caliber added Model 70s offered in the new WSSM calibers. New RMEF Super Grade and Sporter LT models and new Coyote Model 70 in stainless Controlled Round Push Feed models emphasized in the Model 70s, Super Shadow Blued, Coyote Stainless and Stealth II The Model 94s offered Trails end Octagon barrel with case-colored receiver, a Trails End Octagon 2005 The 325 WSM caliber was added to the Model 70 line. Used for thick-skinned, big game animals. A Super Grade III, and Sporter III stock were added to the Model 70 line. A Camo Ultimate Shadow with blued barrel offered. A Super Grade III Model 70 and a model for the RMEF is offered. Featherweight in stainless and a new Sporter III is introduced. The Coyote now comes in a stainless, Lite stainless or Lite blued model. In the Historical guns section, the Model 1885 High Wall comes is offered in all three WSM calibers, and the Low Wall model is offered in 17 Mach 2 caliber. The Model 94 lever action is now available in a Trails End Hunter model, with a round or octagon barrel. A Marble’s front sight is featured on most Model 94 rifles. The new Timber Scout, a very fast, quick rifle is offered in 30-30 or 44 Rem. Mag. The Model 94 Legacy, with a 26” round or octagon barrel, is offered with a blued or case-colored receiver. The Model 9422, one of the most popular 22 rimfire rifles ever, is discontinued. Several high-grade “Tribute” models are available for a limited time. In the over/under shotgun line, there is a new Energy Sporting and Energy Trap, with or without an adjustable comb. The Super X2 now has a fine camo finish on the 3 1/2” Camo Waterfowl model, and a new Light Field is available. The 3” Sporting Clays Signature has a red anodized receiver and magazine cap. There is a new Model 1300 in a NWTF Short Turkey, and a new Practical Defender. From the Custom Shop comes a custom case-colored Model 9410 lever-action shotgun. |
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