1894 Winchester?

[Wharfrat]

I have a chance to buy, for $1,000, the following rifle. The guy selling says it was his grandfather's, when the family lived near Houston. I know his family moved to Virginia (Shenandoah Valley/German) 30-some years ago from Texas, and have not reason to doubt.

The rifle is lever action, only about 40" total long (I did not get a chance to measure it.)
Stamped on the gun is: Winchester Model 1894
Pat. August 21, 1894
30 W.C.F.

Interestingly, the gun looks great, is Nickel-Steel (which I did not know was available then), so has no rust (although some "tarnish")
The action works okay but needs some oil I suspect.

So, what ammo does it shoot (I kinda doubt is is standard .30 cal), where can I find it, and is it safe to fire? More important, is it worth $1,000?

Any help would be appreciated, even a referral.

[puma guy]

I have a chance to buy, for $1,000, the following rifle. The guy selling says it was his grandfather's, when the family lived near Houston. I know his family moved to Virginia (Shenandoah Valley/German) 30-some years ago from Texas, and have not reason to doubt.

The rifle is lever action, only about 40" total long (I did not get a chance to measure it.)
Stamped on the gun is: Winchester Model 1894
Pat. August 21, 1894
30 W.C.F.

Interestingly, the gun looks great, is Nickel-Steel (which I did not know was available then), so has no rust (although some "tarnish")
The action works okay but needs some oil I suspect.

So, what ammo does it shoot (I kinda doubt is is standard .30 cal), where can I find it, and is it safe to fire? More important, is it worth $1,000?

Any help would be appreciated, even a referral.

Without more info , mainly serial number, also barrel design and length, etc. it would be difficult for anyone to assess value. .30 W.C.F. is actually 30-30 caliber or more technically is chambered for the 30-30 round. I 'd have to check to see when .30 WCF marking was used. Nickel steel barrels came out when the 30-30 was introduced about 1895. Pictures would be helpful also.

[Wharfrat]

PUMA
Thank you very much for the prompt reply. I got the follow info.
The barrel (round) is 19"
The Serial Number is 213859. At least that is the only number he could find.
Also, while it is stamped "Nickle-Steel barrel," the entire receiver, lever, trigger and buttplate are all nickel steel.

So can it safely fire modern 30-30?
Also, it comes with a leather scabbard?, although that may not be original. It is okay, but not in great shape. It is the rifle that interests me, and I have to admit, it is tempting.

[puma guy]

PUMA
Thank you very much for the prompt reply. I got the follow info.
The barrel (round) is 19"
The Serial Number is 213859. At least that is the only number he could find.
Also, while it is stamped "Nickle-Steel barrel," the entire receiver, lever, trigger and buttplate are all nickel steel.

So can it safely fire modern 30-30?
Also, it comes with a leather scabbard?, although that may not be original. It is okay, but not in great shape. It is the rifle that interests me, and I have to admit, it is tempting.

If the serial number is 213859 the manufacture date is 1901. Does it have a crescent shaped butt plate? What is stamped on the upper tang?
The 19 inch barrel is kind of odd for that circa. I am not an expert so you might want to visit a Winchester forum to get more informed data.
As far as shooting it with modern factory ammo, that's something I would not recommend w/o getting a competent gunsmith to check it. If it is truly a circa 1901 rifle and not modified it has some value. The "18" in model 1894 was dropped in the 1920's I believe (check me on that fact to be sure), so the serial number is probably right.

BTW when you said the entire rifle is nickel steel is your friend inferring the rifle is nickel plated?

[Wharfrat]

All metal parts appear kinda like very old brushed stainless steel. To me nickel is shiny; this is not. It may have been at one time, but not now.

I'll try a Winchester site. Ths.