Winchester 1894 When was the 32-40 first introduced.

[Mike]

Interested to find out when 32-40 was introduced in the 1894. Reason is there is a 94 offered here in NZ with four digit serial number.
Poor bore and no finish.

[Will Ketchum]

According to Madis, "by November of 1894 was on the market. Only two calibers were available in 1894, the 32-40 and 38-55......"
So 1894. Since there were 14759 rifles made that year, it would appear that that one was a first year of production rifle.

Will Ketchum

[Mike]

https://touch.trademe.co.nz/listing/view/1127570017
serial 2140
Thanks for the info.

[Will Ketchum]

Your welcome.  I'm curious as to how that rifle made it's wat to your country? As we often think, "if it could only talk"

Will Ketchum

[Delmonico]

Rumor I heard was that the rifle was ready to produce, but the new smokeless rounds were not so they introduced it in 32-40 and 38-55 BP rounds and added the 32 WCF (30-30) and the 25 WCF (25-35) the next year.

[Will Ketchum]

Madis says that the rifle was ready but  "Difficulty was experienced in producing nickel steel barrels suitable for smokeless powder loads. By 1895, nickle steel barrels were being produced and the 25-35 cartridges using smokeless powder were introduce in the '94, and most important, Winchester also developed the 30 W.C.F.cartridge."

Will Ketchum

[Mike]

The gun could of arrived in two ways, sent here as a hunting firearm as a new gun or there are many collectors here who have bought gun from other countries. It could of also come over as lend lease, there are a lot of 1895 here.
I thought it would make $2000. At the auction a week ago were this dealer bought it for less than that, will find out what he paid.
I may put another bid on it yest.

[shrapnel]

I have a first year 32-40 in excellent condition with good color/case on the lever and hammer. I haven't hunted it yet but have killed gophers with it...

[Mike]

Very nice.
Dont see them in that condition here very often, most are hunting tools and get a hard life.