I was lookin at gunbroker.com and noticed they had Winchester shotguns and lever action rifles that stated pre '64. I understand the difference in bolt action rifles, but is there a difference in their other models?
Posts: 425 | Location: Minnesota, USA | Registered: 01 April 2001
The pre-64 does indeed refer to the bolt action Winchesters. Applying the label to anything else implies that whoever is listing it doesn't know much about firearms and is trying to make whatever it is sound more valuable or desireable.
Actually "pre '64" status has an important effect on the value of all Winchester arms. All Winchester firearms produced "pre '64" are specified as curio and relics according to the BATF, and hence are eligible for interstate sale to C&R FFL holders.
Posts: 497 | Location: Lewistown, PA USA | Registered: 21 December 2000
Actually the lever action 94 had the some machined parts changed to stamped parts and as a result the action has never been as smooth. This and as stated the Model 70 were the two models that really underwent changes in 1964. Ya just have to love them beancounters. Drop the reliability and quality control for the general population are stupid and will buy anything if we get those advertising dollars up!!!
Actually Pre-64 means a lot more in collecting Winchesters that just M-70's. M-70's had the most drastic visible changes, but the M-94 changed just as drastically - the only difference was that the changes where not as apparant until the rifle was used. The Model 1200 and Model 1400 shotguns replaced the Model 12 and Model 59 shotguns, respectively. The Model 12 was continued, but only as a high grade shotgun, not as a production model for field use. The Pre-64/Post-64 era could be said to have begun in 1957 when numerous older models where dropped from production (the M-71 rifle and the M-97 shotgun as examples). The M-88 and M-100 where early "Post-64's" in that even though introduced in the 1950's they where modern in their production methods. Other than the impressed checkering it is hard to find any difference in a Pre-64/Post-64 M88 - the only M88's prone to malfuctioning are the early models made before 1957. There are dozens of books on Winchester and the various rifle/shotgun models that detail the evolution of all of their firearms - makes for a lifetime of interesting study. Odessa