The gun is in pristine condition with not even the smallest scratch, and has never been fired. I would say the rifle is 100%. It's in the original zippered light brown lined canvas case (the case is worn from just "being"). The rifle has a leather kick cover on the butt of the stock, and under the kick cover on the right side of the stock is a NRA sticker. My dad doesn't know if it was added by the original owner or not.

The S/N is 2288652. I suspect the date of manufacture is 1959 (or maybe late 1958).

Can anyone tell me the actual year it was manufactured and give me an idea of what it's worth in its current condition?

If it's worth more than $1000, I won't be shooting it unless shooting it doesn't ruin the value.

1957. http://oldguns.net/sn_php/winmods.htm

I have no idea what it's worth.

Bye
Jack

Value for a gun from dad to me is purely sentimental and priceless never to be sold. I would shoot it, enjoy it for years, then pass it on to a worthy family member as an heirloom to be enjoyed by the next generation, no price tag can be put on such a thing.

Ganjiro is right. Whether you shoot it or not, don't ever sell it.

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I would not shoot it. If it is unfired, that first shoot will cost you several hundred dollars and can never be undone. The Madis DOM list shows 1956. I agree with the others -- DON'T SELL IT!

If you need a value for insurance, at current prices in this area, I would insure the unfired 94 at $1200.00. and that may be low.

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The Madis DOM list shows 1956.

That's the year I was born. :)

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All the better reason to keep it!


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What is the "Madis DOM"?

In a situation like this, I would have to ask myself "What would Dad want me to do?". You may or may not find any wisdom there. It sometimes helps me though.

Cheezywan

I would ask myself- Why did Dad buy it? I would never sell it. Personally, I would hunt everything I could with it and think of Dad while I was doing it. A fine old rifle like that deserves to be a special heirloom.

What is the "Madis DOM"?


George Madis compiled a list of DOM (dates of manufacture) that is in general use in determining when a Winchester was made. George used the most reliable data available at the time. Since then, we have found that his list is off by as much as 3 or 4 years in some cases. Anyway, that is the Madis DOM list.


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I'll be direct in my opinions.

1st - It should never be sold. It's a family heirloom.
2nd - It should be shot on a regular basis since the real value is that it's part of the family. Clean and oil for storage, but enjoy it. You'll never wear it out under normal use.
3rd - When you get to the appropriate point in life, pass it on to a member of the younger generation who will treasure and enjoy it too.

They're wonderful firearms, but they're not priceless works of art. Winchesters are working guns. It's a bit like keeping a favorite wrench in a glass case; just doesn't make sense.