What is the year and appraisal of a Winchester 30-30 model 94serial 2304312?

Answer 1

The year of manufacture for serial number 2304312 is 1958. Value depends on configuration and condition. The former includes individual characteristics such as barrel and magazine lengths, a "flavor" (cal.) of cartridge, deluxe model or everyday shooter, etc. Special documentation may increase the value (e.g., who owned the gun, where used - I once had a saddle carbine taken off the body of a member of Pancho Villa's band w/ a handwritten letter signed by witnesses; bloodstains were still on the rifle - otherwise, it was just an "old gun"). Use one or more of the standard reference books for an ESTIMATE of APPROXIMATE VALUE (not going price-- for that visit visit www.antiqueguns.com and browse the auction pages),based on the criteria in the book (usually based on the NRA Condition Grading Definitions For Antique Firearms -- try http://www.oldguns.net/ or Google the question). The common thread for higher value weapons in the NRA (and others) categories is percent of original finish. Get a professional appraiser to look at it; your mileage may vary. Some very wise person here on the "Farm" pointed out that "...books don't buy guns....". The heartbreaking reality is that "book" value, is likely to be considerably lower than the PRICE someone is willing to pay and that you, the seller, are willing to accept. Don't forget the sentimental value when looking at an offer to buy ("..but that was gran'pa's huntin' rifle when he was a kid..." Don't confuse price, value and worth. Hope this helps and that you have a valuable or at least interesting piece to enjoy. -j.