Does anyone know the approximate age of a model 1894 30-30?

Sometime between 1894 and, oh, yesterday :D

Seriously - we'd need a serial number to help. Post all but the last two digits, substitute 'xx' for them.

And welcome!

Sorry, I didn't know the 1894 was still in production.

My father owns the gun, perhaps I'll be able to get the numbers later.

Yup - been a bunch of them over the years! Sounds like he's had it quite a while.

He recently acquired it through the death of his father. He believes it to be over 100 yrs old.

The 1894 took over for the 1889, with improvements. Some even have 1889 barrels, (different patent dates) most have the same patent dates as the 1893. The first caliburs were 38-40, 44-40, and shortly thereafter the 32-20 then 25-20 by the end of the first year, note some left over 1889 receivers were used as well and are unmarked on the receiver. In aprox. 1905 the 1894 was changed to Model 94, from what I have read it appears they thought referring to the 1800's didn't sound modern so they changed the designation. Again the Company did not throw away any allready made parts so there are some that were made up after 1905 that still had the Model 1894 stamp.

The 1894 took over for the 1889, with improvements. Some even have 1889 barrels, (different patent dates) most have the same patent dates as the 1893. The first caliburs were 38-40, 44-40, and shortly thereafter the 32-20 then 25-20 by the end of the first year, note some left over 1889 receivers were used as well and are unmarked on the receiver. In aprox. 1905 the 1894 was changed to Model 94, from what I have read it appears they thought referring to the 1800's didn't sound modern so they changed the designation. Again the Company did not throw away any allready made parts so there are some that were made up after 1905 that still had the Model 1894 stamp.


Not only would we need a serial # but you need to tell us if you are talking about a Marlin or a Winchester. The calibers and info above is not accurate for Winchester.