Hi. I am new to this board but I have had an interest in lever guns for a long time.

I currently own a Winchester Legendary Frontiersman Model 94 which I have never fired, mainly due to the cost of ammo(.38-55) as well as being a "collectors piece".

I am buying a Wells Fargo Model 94 next. I am buying it for $450 and it is new in the box. To be truthful, I was figuring on using it as an "everyday" shooter despite the fact that it is also a "collectors gun".

I guess I am trying to get an idea if I should shot it or keep it NIB. I figure for the price, I might as well use it since 94s seem to command $500 in my area, even for a run of the mill gun. I would be interested in comments or opinions about this. Thanks.

Rusty S.

Most of the comm's have no real collector value, as there was 19,999 of most models made. They are not real rare for the most part. Shooting is a matter only you can decide on, but as long as you take care of them they will still hold fair value. The John Wayne has gone up quite a bit in recent years, but most are holding there own between 4 and 500 for real good ones. Like you say folks are asking that now days for plain 94 shooters. I bought a matched set(rifle & carbine) of Canadian Centennials a fews years back that had never been out of the box since shipping in 68. I paid 400 a piece for those. Sadly I lost them and several others when my house burned in 2000. Also had the Wells Fargo, and it was a nice looking gun.

My Dad shoots a 26” Buffalo Bill rifle and my Wife’s favorite hunting rifle is a 26” Grade 1 Model 94 Centennial. When she decided to shoot the rifle I told her the first shot would cost $500.00 and the rest would be pretty reasonable. She had a $500.00 grin on her face so it was worth it.
I have a 20” Canadian Centennial barrel on a top eject Model 94 parts gun. I reamed it to .30-30AI and it is a nice shooting rifle.
Life is short, eat dessert first.

I shoot a Legendary Lawman Trapper and an Antlered Game Rifle. Might as well enjoy them.

Welcome to the forum Rusty. Rules are simple, be nice and join in.

The value will probably go up, but then I believe guns were made to shoot and it's a shame not to. Like was said it's a personal decision. Again welcome to the forum.

One of my friends hunts with his long barreled Oliver Winchester edition. He mounted a Williams receiver sight. No more collector value? That's like saying he can't sell this beauty because it is used.

He has a beautiful rifle that shoots quite well indeed.

I'd hunt with a limited edition and enjoy every momemt. Let the grandkids argue about it being used after I'm gone.

TR

My Dad had two commemoriative type Winchesters that we sold at the auction a couple of months ago. One was a Buffalo Bill which sold for $700, the other was the model 94 30-30 classic rifle with the octagon barrel which went for $800. I don't think that either one of them really appreciated in value from when Dad bought them other than maybe the price of inflation. Maybe a little bit. My sister got the classic and as far as I know, they fully intend to shoot it.

Now my 22" barreled 1886 .45-90 made in 1891? That's a different matter altogether. ;)

Welcome Rusty, I too have a Legendary Frontersman. Like the man said, "guns are meant to shoot" and (IMO) reload. Save that money on expensive ammo; buy some brass, dies, cast bullets, and powder. You'll have a ball! The amount you might lose in value will "pale" in comparison to the enjoyment you'll have shooting that piece. Riley

Welcome to the Forum,Rusty.
I have a Harrington&Richardson Officers Model 1871-1971 Centennial rifle.
I have no idea how much more it would be worth,if I never fired it.
I do know that I got more then that in satisfaction from shooting it.
Guns are made to be shot.
Frank

I have a regular top eject 94 30-30. It is now "more valuable" because it has been fired by Cheezywan. :D

I am just very kind to all firearms.
"Your call" if it's an investment! I shoot them.

Cheezywan

The Winchester Commemoratives were priced at something like $700-$1100 and up when they were issued. The only one that's escalated in price is the JW in .32-40. I haven't seen them going for more than any other Winchester 94. In fact, till SASS came along, all those 26" rifle versions were relatively cheap when compared to a like conditioned early rifle. Well, maybe they still are!:D I have a couple myself. The only one I'm not shooting is the BiCentennial. With 19 other .30-30 carbines to choose from, I'm not yet ready to break that one out... yet!:)

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/fallowwinchester.jpg

I guess this rifle has no value anymore. ;)

TR

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/fallowwinchester.jpg

I guess this rifle has no value anymore. ;)
TRI suspect it does, saw one at the Jacksonville Gun Show earlier today that was priced @ $699! T'weren't new, didn't have a box or a bunch of paper attached!:D Nor did it have a nice buck to hold it up!;)

.

They are still Winchesters! The pretty is not worth much but gun is. They are not rare so you may as well use them.

Investment? Sure, I had one NIB for 15 years, the value increased about $10. It didn't even keep up with the inflation rate.

.

I've been sitting on a NIB 1981 OFW commemorative in 38-55. After reading this thread I've decided to start shooting the darn thing. Why not? Guns are made to be shot. Right?

Well I picked up the rifle while I was on vacation. When I checked it out, I found the plating/finish had bubbled and pitted where the reciever meets the buttstock on the right side. The area affected was tiny, about 1/4 the size of a thumbnail. I pulled the buttstock off and found more rust on the back of the reciever. I bought the gun for $100 less than I planned. I will gently clean off the rust, rub down the pitting on the side and take it out shooting.

The seller also had a Bicentennial 94 that had extensive damage to the plating on the side of the reciever. Passed on that one.

Thanks for the help and opinions. When I start tinkering with my 1912 Marlin .22 lever action, I will have more questions. Thanks again guys.

R.S.