I am wondering why some Winchester model 94’s that I see at various gun shows are listed for a few thousand dollars, and at other tables a similar rifle is listed for $700 or $800? What makes one Winchester in good condition worth more than other ones? For example, I bought a Winchester flat band .30 W.C.F. at a show recently for about $500. A similar rifle, in perhaps slightly less-excellent condition was seen at a show yesterday with an asking price of $1500. The obvious thing is to ask the seller what makes his rifle worth such a high price, and I do ask, but they usually insist that it is “brand new, never fired, and in excellent condition.” Assuming they are correct, which I doubt – but assuming it for a moment, why would one be worth more than another one? I’ve seen many posts on rifle forums where people mention that Winchester made 2,500,000 model 94’s before 1964 and that no one should pay more than $300 for any of them. Yet, I never see one being offered in decent condition for that price. How can I tell what the real value of these rifles is when I see one for sale?
Related questions: I saw lots of model 94’s in .32 caliber. My understanding is that caliber was dropped due to it not being a strong enough for hunting. Are these rifles considered to be good collector’s rifles?
Many of the model 94’s that I see at shows have the little attachments on the butt stock and on the mag tube for attaching a shoulder strap. Did the rifles come that way from the factory, or did people add those on? In other words, does their presence decrease the value?
MANY of the rifles I see at shows have loose levers. They move around a lot. Is this a notorious Winchester problem, is it uncommon, and is it anything to worry about anyway? Do the rifles work fine even if the lever wobbles a bit?
thanks