Winchester Year By Serial Number
Determining the manufacturing year of a Winchester firearm using its serial number is a crucial step for collectors, historians, and anyone interested in the history of their gun. This process allows for accurate identification, assessment of value, and a deeper understanding of the firearm's place within Winchester's rich legacy. Unfortunately, Winchester did not keep meticulous records for all their models, making the process sometimes challenging but still possible.
Understanding the serial number ranges associated with specific years helps in pinpointing the age of your Winchester. This information is vital for research, insurance purposes, and even legal compliance in some jurisdictions. This article provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the complexities of Winchester serial number dating.
| Model | Serial Number Range | Approximate Year of Manufacture |
|---|---|---|
| Model 1866 | 1 - 170,100 | 1866 - 1898 |
| Model 1873 | 1 - 720,610 | 1873 - 1919 |
| Model 1876 | 1 - 63,871 | 1876 - 1897 |
| Model 1886 | 1 - 159,999 | 1886 - 1935 |
| Model 1892 | 1 - 1,004,999 | 1892 - 1941 |
| Model 1894 | 1 - 851,000 | 1894 - 1926 |
| Model 1894 (Post-1964) | 2,700,000 - 5,200,000+ | 1964 - 2006 |
| Model 1895 | 1 - 425,999 | 1895 - 1931 |
| Model 1897 | 1 - 1,020,000 | 1897 - 1957 |
| Model 12 | 1 - 1,968,210 | 1912 - 1964 |
| Model 52 | 1 - 124,000 | 1920 - 1980 |
| Model 61 | 1 - 342,000 | 1932 - 1963 |
| Model 62/62A | 1 - 830,000 | 1932 - 1958 |
| Model 63 | 1 - 165,000 | 1933 - 1958 |
| Model 64 | 1 - 123,000 | 1933 - 1957 |
| Model 69 | 1 - 51,000 | 1935 - 1963 |
| Model 70 | 1 - 581,471 | 1936 - 1963 |
| Model 70 (Post-1964) | G1000 - G1,664,774 | 1964 - 2006 |
| Model 70 (Push Feed) | 300,000 - 999,999 | 1964 - 1968 |
| Model 77 | 1 - 163,000 | 1955 - 1963 |
| Model 94 (Post-1964 Angle Eject) | 2,700,000 - 5,200,000+ | 1964 - 2006 |
| Model 94 (Post-1964 Top Eject) | 1,000,000 - 2,699,999 | 1964 - 1982 |
| Model 101 | K1000 - K640,000 | 1963 - 1986 |
| Model 1400 | 1 - 330,000 | 1964 - 1973 |
Detailed Explanations
Model 1866: Known as the "Yellow Boy" due to its brass receiver, the Model 1866 was Winchester's first commercially successful rifle. Serial numbers range from 1 to 170,100, covering production from 1866 to 1898.
Model 1873: The "Gun that Won the West," the Model 1873 is one of Winchester's most iconic rifles. Serial numbers range from 1 to 720,610, with production spanning from 1873 to 1919. Determining the exact year of manufacture for a Model 1873 often requires more detailed research due to the long production run.
Model 1876: A heavier, more powerful rifle than the 1873, the Model 1876 was designed for larger game. Serial numbers range from 1 to 63,871, covering production from 1876 to 1897.
Model 1886: Designed by John Browning, the Model 1886 was Winchester's first lever-action rifle chambered for high-powered cartridges. Serial numbers range from 1 to 159,999, with production from 1886 to 1935.
Model 1892: Another Browning design, the Model 1892 was a lighter, more compact alternative to the 1886. Serial numbers range from 1 to 1,004,999, covering production from 1892 to 1941.
Model 1894: The most popular centerfire rifle of all time, the Model 1894 is chambered for the .30-30 Winchester cartridge. Serial numbers range from 1 to 851,000 for pre-1926 models. Post-1964 models have serial numbers starting around 2,700,000.
Model 1894 (Post-1964): Winchester's manufacturing practices changed considerably after 1964. Post-1964 Model 1894 rifles have serial numbers ranging from 2,700,000 upwards, sometimes including a prefix depending on the specific variant.
Model 1895: A lever-action box magazine rifle, the Model 1895 was famously used by Theodore Roosevelt. Serial numbers range from 1 to 425,999, with production from 1895 to 1931.
Model 1897: A pump-action shotgun, the Model 1897, also known as the "Trench Gun," was widely used in both World Wars. Serial numbers range from 1 to 1,020,000, covering production from 1897 to 1957.
Model 12: Winchester's premier pump-action shotgun, the Model 12, is highly regarded for its quality and reliability. Serial numbers range from 1 to 1,968,210, with production from 1912 to 1964.
Model 52: A bolt-action target rifle known for its accuracy, the Model 52 was popular among competitive shooters. Serial numbers range from 1 to 124,000, with production from 1920 to 1980.
Model 61: A pump-action .22 rifle, the Model 61, offered a smooth and reliable action. Serial numbers range from 1 to 342,000, with production from 1932 to 1963.
Model 62/62A: Another popular pump-action .22 rifle, the Model 62/62A, is similar to the Model 61 but features a more streamlined design. Serial numbers range from 1 to 830,000, with production from 1932 to 1958.
Model 63: A semi-automatic .22 rifle, the Model 63, was a sleek and modern design for its time. Serial numbers range from 1 to 165,000, with production from 1933 to 1958.
Model 64: A lever-action rifle chambered for centerfire cartridges, the Model 64, was a more streamlined version of the Model 94. Serial numbers range from 1 to 123,000, with production from 1933 to 1957.
Model 69: A bolt-action .22 rifle, the Model 69, was a simple and affordable option for target shooting and small game hunting. Serial numbers range from 1 to 51,000, with production from 1935 to 1963.
Model 70: The "Rifleman's Rifle," the Model 70, is a bolt-action rifle renowned for its accuracy and reliability. Pre-1964 serial numbers range from 1 to 581,471. Post-1964 models have different serial number ranges and prefixes.
Model 70 (Post-1964): Post-1964 Model 70 rifles often have a "G" prefix in their serial number. These serial numbers range from G1000 to G1,664,774 and production continued to 2006.
Model 70 (Push Feed): A variant of the Model 70, the push feed action rifles have serial numbers ranging from 300,000 to 999,999, covering the years 1964 to 1968.
Model 77: A semi-automatic .22 rifle, the Model 77, was a popular choice for plinking and small game hunting. Serial numbers range from 1 to 163,000, with production from 1955 to 1963.
Model 94 (Post-1964 Angle Eject): These rifles eject spent cartridges at an angle, allowing for easier scope mounting. Serial numbers range from 2,700,000 upwards.
Model 94 (Post-1964 Top Eject): These rifles retain the traditional top-eject design. Serial numbers range from 1,000,000 to 2,699,999 and were manufactured from 1964 to 1982.
Model 101: An over/under shotgun, the Model 101, was a high-quality offering from Winchester. Serial numbers range from K1000 to K640,000, with production from 1963 to 1986.
Model 1400: A semi-automatic shotgun, the Model 1400, was a popular choice for hunting and sporting clays. Serial numbers range from 1 to 330,000, with production from 1964 to 1973.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find the serial number on my Winchester rifle? The location of the serial number varies by model, but it's typically found on the receiver, either on the bottom, side, or tang. Check near the trigger guard or where the barrel meets the receiver.
Why is it important to know the manufacturing year of my Winchester? Knowing the year helps determine the rifle's value, historical significance, and whether it meets certain legal requirements. It is also essential for identifying correct parts for repair or restoration.
Where can I find more information about dating my Winchester? Several resources are available online, including forums dedicated to Winchester collecting and books specifically on Winchester firearms. Contacting a reputable gun appraiser or historian is also a good option.
What does "pre-1964" mean in the context of Winchester rifles? "Pre-1964" refers to Winchester firearms manufactured before 1964, a period generally considered to be the company's peak in terms of quality and craftsmanship. These rifles often command higher prices among collectors.
What if my serial number doesn't match any of the ranges listed? It's possible that your rifle is a rare variant or a model with less documented serial number information. Contacting a Winchester expert is recommended.
Are there any exceptions to the serial number ranges? Yes, there can be overlaps and exceptions, especially during periods of high production or model transitions. Consulting specialized resources is crucial for accurate dating.
Does the serial number always guarantee the exact year of manufacture? No, the serial number provides an approximate year of manufacture. Production runs could span multiple years, and records are not always precise.
Conclusion
Dating your Winchester firearm by its serial number is a valuable process for understanding its history and value. While this guide provides a general overview, consulting specialized resources and experts can offer more precise information for specific models and serial number ranges.