Winchester 94 30-30 from 1955 - how did I do and what is value?

[MilitantBEEMER]

So Tulsa Gun Show Find:
Wife and I went to try and sell an AR-15 that we had to raise some additional funds for the upcoming surgery. We had a few inquiries, however there were ALLOT of AR’s for sale. Walking by a table and a gentleman and his wife asked what and how much. He offered me a straight trade for a nice 1954 Winchester 94 30-30 in trade, at first I was not that interested but as I walked around my gut told me this was a good deal. We went back and made the deal. Based on my research and the condition, I think we did the right thing. Now do I sell or keep....
Those of you more knowledgeable in lever actions, pleases advise. Thank you
BTW, Crystal clear barrel and rifling along with buttery smooth action.

 

[CorpsVet]

That particular model has a reputation for a very "rough" action. I can smooth it out for you at no charge. I'll just need it for 4 to 5 years. PM me for details on how I can pick it up.

 

[MilitantBEEMER]

That particular model has a reputation for a very "rough" action. I can smooth it our for you at no charge. I'll just need it for 4 to 5 years. PM me for details on how I can pick it up.

How could I say no to that offer...

 

[undeg01]

What condition would you say the bluing is in? Bluing looks to be original, most likely, but that buttstock looks like it might have been refinished at some point. Correct me if I’m wrong.

As I’m sure you know, value will be dependent upon original condition, fit, finish and function.

 

[MilitantBEEMER]

What condition would you say the bluing is in? Bluing looks to be original, most likely, but that buttstock looks like it might have been refinished at some point. Correct me if I’m wrong.

As I’m sure you know, value will be dependent upon original condition, fit, finish and function.

Stock looks original to me, however I could be wrong? The bluing is nicer on barrel and tube more so than receiver. If I had to guess I would say 90% plus on bluing. All that being said I am not trained in assessing condition.

 

[undeg01]

Stock looks original to me, however I could be wrong? The bluing is nicer on barrel and tube more so than receiver. If I had to guess I would say 90% plus on bluing. All that being said I am not trained in assessing condition.

I didn’t look to closely at the barrel and tube until you pointed that out, but I agree the pictures make that look pretty good. Looking at the receiver and barrel band, I was going to say maybe 85-90% on the bluing, so I think your assessment is pretty close.

 

[harley128]

I'm thinking you got the better end of the deal !!!

 

[Catt57]

Stock looks original to me, however I could be wrong? The bluing is nicer on barrel and tube more so than receiver. If I had to guess I would say 90% plus on bluing. All that being said I am not trained in assessing condition.

Look for runs in the finish. Also check the fitment of the buttplate. 99% of people will end up rounding over the edge of the butt as it's extremely easy to do. Then the plate ends up proud of the stock.

Also check the edges of the barrel channel on the fore end. They typically should be sharp and crisp. Again, most people will end up rounding them over if they sand it at all.

 

[MilitantBEEMER]

If I were to keep this rifle, does anyone have a line on some ammo for it? Hate having a gun with no ammo.
If you have some and would be interested in trading some off for other ammo, let me know. Thank you

 

[thor447]

You got the better end of that trade, for sure. It's probably a quicker sell for a dealer for the AR-15 vs. the 94, but in a gun for gun trade, I'd take the 94 every time, especially a pre-64 model. Congrats.