Winchester that was never made, help!

[farmerjohn]

Hi Neighbors, I need some help in finding out what a Winchester 94 made in 1965 in cal. 44-40 is worth. I know before you start they were crappy. "BUT" all the books say the 94 was never chambered in a 44-40. Here's the story I got, an long gone uncle gave me the gun with the story that a friend of his worked for Winchester during the sixties when winchester was going under and built fifty or so of this cal. for the CMP(canada mounted police) because their side arms were of that cal. The rifles were of such poor quality(stamped parts&so-on) that the Mounties sent them back and Winchester destroyed them because the serial#'s were on the reciever. The serial#'s all started 44-40xx. Anyway his friend ended up with a new, un-fired one. I ask Winchester, they told me they have no records, no books list it, can anyone help or tell me who to ask? thanks for your helpJF

 

[jonbearman]

The museum in I believe cody wyoming,I cant think of the actual name of it.It may be the winchester museum. Just google it or someone can chime in.They have all the original winchester records and for 35.00 will give you the provenance you seek to prove that these were made.As far as winchesters being crappy in 1965,that is pure bs.The purists are the guys who feel that because they upgraded there manufacturing to save money was the end of quality.I get sick of hearing it.See if anyone will sell their 1965 model 70 for 300.00,it wont happen.

 

[CoverDog]

It's the Buffalo Bill Historical Center in Cody. In the basement all the Winchester records are kept. If you need a letter of authenticity on Winchester firearms this is where you would call.

 

[farmerjohn]

Thanks Guys, I will try Monday to call them, I tried one place out there and was told winchester had a fire and there were no records in that time period but I will try again,thanks again JF

 

[Taildrag15X]

I think you are the owner of a Canadian Winchester made the Cooey Firearm Company in the 1970's.

 

[Dirtball]

If you don't come up with any answers in Cody, you might try the NRA Firearms Museum in Fairfax, VA.
They won't do appraisals but they might be able verify what you have and point you to some one who can give you an appraisal.

Dave

http://www.nramuseum.com/
703-267-1600

 

[farmerjohn]

Hey Guys, Thanks for all the suggestions, am going to try them all andsee if I can find out what it is. If anyone else has any ideas I'll try them, many thanksJF

 

[jonbearman]

Keep in mind that winchester was real great at taking special orders that were not catalogued. You could order anything you wanted especially if it was a fairly large order.